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Lemon Pepper Chicken Broccoli Orzo

Lemon Pepper Chicken Broccoli Orzo: A One-Pan Delight

This Lemon Pepper Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a quick one-pan meal perfect for family dinners, combining juicy chicken, vibrant broccoli, and orzo in a creamy lemon sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Boneless skinless chicken breasts Can substitute with chicken thighs.
For the Veggies
  • 2 cups Fresh broccoli florets Frozen broccoli can be used instead.
  • 1 medium Yellow onion Diced.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
For the Pasta
  • 1 cup Orzo pasta Can substitute with couscous or rice-shaped pasta.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil For sautéing.
  • 2 cups Low-sodium chicken broth For cooking orzo.
  • 1 medium Lemon juice and zest Freshly squeezed for better flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese Can substitute with Pecorino.
For Seasoning
  • to taste Kosher salt
  • to taste Cracked black pepper
  • 1/4 cup Fresh parsley For garnish.

Equipment

  • Large, deep skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Pat dry the chicken breasts and season with salt, pepper, and half of the lemon zest. Let sit for 10 minutes.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté the onion for 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
  4. Add the orzo and toast for about 1 minute.
  5. Pour in chicken broth, return the chicken, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 8 minutes.
  6. Stir in the broccoli and cover. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender.
  7. Remove from heat and fold in butter, lemon juice, and Parmesan until creamy. Adjust seasoning.
  8. Serve garnished with fresh parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 70mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth.

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