Description
A delightful dish combining savory chicken, tender orzo, and fresh broccoli, infused with zesty lemon and aromatic spices.
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
- â…“ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Toss the chicken with black pepper, half of the lemon zest, and ½ teaspoon salt.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet, add chicken and cook for about 5 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in orzo and cook for 1 minute, then add chicken broth and remaining salt, returning chicken to the skillet. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 8 minutes, then stir in broccoli and cook covered for 3-4 more minutes.
- Fold in butter, lemon juice, Parmesan, and remaining lemon zest until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning as necessary, then serve garnished with parsley.
Notes
For best flavor, use fresh lemon juice and zest. Avoid overcooking the broccoli for a nice crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg