Description
A quick, one-pot meal featuring tender chicken and orzo pasta in a bright lemon sauce, perfect for a high-protein dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup (200g) uncooked orzo pasta
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cups (480ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- Juice of 2 large lemons (about 1/3 cup)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and dried oregano. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the uncooked orzo to the skillet. Stir for 1 minute to lightly toast.
- Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Return the browned chicken to the skillet. Stir gently.
- Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat. Stir in the lemon zest and chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, stir in 1/4 cup of plain Greek yogurt at the end.
- You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Add a handful of fresh spinach in the last 2 minutes of cooking for extra greens.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg