Name: Lemon Pepper Chicken Broccoli Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
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

Description

A delightful combination of lemon zest, tender chicken, orzo pasta, and crisp-tender broccoli, perfect for a cozy family dinner or quick weeknight meal.

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

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Instructions

Toss the chicken pieces with black pepper, half of the lemon zest, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook for about 5 minutes until browned, then remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
Stir in the orzo, toasting it for one minute. Pour in chicken broth and remaining salt. Return the chicken to the skillet and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Simmer for about 8 minutes.
Add the broccoli florets, cover again and cook for another 3–4 minutes until the broccoli is crisp-tender and orzo is al dente.
Fold in the butter, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and remaining lemon zest. Stir until melted and creamy.
Transfer to serving bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Quality ingredients matter—choose fresh chicken and veggies for the best flavor. Adjust the lemon to your taste and feel free to add more vegetables.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 75mg