Lemon Pepper Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://nayabaker.com/lemon-pepper-chicken-broccoli-orzo-recipe/
