Lemon Pepper Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe

Introduction

This Lemon Pepper Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a bright and comforting one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken and crisp broccoli combine with creamy, lemony orzo for a flavorful, satisfying dish that comes together quickly.

Ingredients

• 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. Step 1: Toss chicken pieces with black pepper, half the lemon zest, and ½ teaspoon salt until evenly coated.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. Step 3: Add diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Stir orzo into the onion mixture and cook for 1 minute, allowing the pasta to lightly toast.
5. Step 5: Pour in chicken broth and add the remaining salt. Return the chicken to the skillet and bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Step 6: Reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Simmer for 8 minutes.
7. Step 7: Uncover the skillet and stir in broccoli florets. Cover again and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until broccoli is crisp-tender and orzo is al dente.
8. Step 8: Fold in butter, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and remaining lemon zest. Stir until everything is melted and creamy. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed.
9. Step 9: Transfer skillet contents to serving bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

Tips & Variations

• Use grape or cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and sweetness if you like.
• Replace broccoli with asparagus or green beans for a different vegetable twist.
• For extra richness, stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt just before serving.
• If you prefer, swap chicken breasts for thighs for juicier meat.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the orzo if it feels dry.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, frozen broccoli works fine. Add it a bit earlier during the cooking step to ensure it heats through and reaches the right tenderness.

Is orzo the only pasta that works here?

Orzo provides a creamy texture that pairs well, but you can substitute small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or small shells if needed. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

Lemon Pepper Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 135 reviews

This Lemon Pepper Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a flavorful one-pan meal combining tender chicken breast pieces seasoned with fresh cracked black pepper and lemon zest, sautéed with aromatic onions and garlic, and cooked with orzo pasta and crisp-tender broccoli in a savory chicken broth. Finished with a creamy touch of butter, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese, this dish is a bright, comforting, and wholesome dinner option perfect for busy weeknights.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

• 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

Cooking Base

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta and Vegetables

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups small broccoli florets

Finishing Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare Chicken: Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with black pepper, half of the grated lemon zest, and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt until evenly coated to infuse the chicken with fresh, zesty flavors.
2. Brown Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken pieces are lightly browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Toast Orzo: Stir the orzo pasta into the onion and garlic mixture. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to lightly toast the orzo, enhancing its nutty flavor.
5. Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth along with the remaining 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer gently for 8 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the orzo to cook.
6. Incorporate Broccoli: Uncover the skillet and stir in the broccoli florets. Cover again and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, until the broccoli is crisp-tender and the orzo is cooked to al dente texture.
7. Finish Dish: Fold in the unsalted butter, lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, and the remaining lemon zest. Stir thoroughly until the butter has melted and the dish becomes creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
8. Serve: Transfer the contents of the skillet to serving bowls and garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and herbaceous brightness. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• You can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs if you prefer a slightly juicier texture.
• For a dairy-free version, omit the butter and Parmesan cheese or use dairy-free alternatives.
• To add heat, consider sprinkling crushed red pepper flakes along with the black pepper during seasoning.
• Fresh lemon zest and juice are preferred for the best citrus flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
• Ensure not to overcook the broccoli to maintain its crunch and vibrant color.

Keywords: Lemon Pepper Chicken, Broccoli Orzo, One-Pan Meal, Easy Dinner, Healthy Chicken Recipe, Weeknight Dinner, Comfort Food