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Lemon Pepper Chicken Broccoli Orzo

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Poultry

Description

A quick and delicious dish featuring chicken, broccoli, and orzo pasta with vibrant lemon flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups small broccoli florets
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Toss the chicken pieces in a bowl with the black pepper, half the lemon zest, and ½ teaspoon of salt until they are evenly coated.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Remove the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
  4. Add the diced onion to the same skillet and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently until it softens.
  5. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  6. Add the orzo pasta and cook for 1 minute.
  7. Pour in the chicken broth and add the remaining salt.
  8. Put the chicken back into the skillet, then bring the mixture to a boil.
  9. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover. Let it simmer for about 8 minutes.
  10. Add in the broccoli florets, cover again, and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until the broccoli is crisp-tender.
  11. Fold in the butter, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and the remaining lemon zest until melted and creamy.
  12. Transfer to serving bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

Serve with a garden salad or crusty bread. To add crunch, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or walnuts on top.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Pan-frying
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 37g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Lemon Chicken, Broccoli Orzo, Quick Dinner

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Find it online: https://cooksfoody.com/lemon-pepper-chicken-broccoli-orzo-2/