Description
A comforting one-pan meal with tender chicken, zesty lemon, vibrant broccoli, and creamy orzo, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
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 (divided)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups small broccoli florets
- 1 cup orzo
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken by tossing pieces with black pepper, half the lemon zest, and ½ teaspoon salt until evenly coated.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes until lightly browned. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the orzo with the onion mixture and cook for 1 minute to toast.
- Pour in chicken broth and the remaining salt, return the chicken to the skillet and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 8 minutes.
- Uncover and stir in the broccoli florets. Cover again and cook for 3-4 minutes, until broccoli is crisp-tender and orzo is al dente.
- Fold in butter, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and remaining lemon zest until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Transfer to serving bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
For a twist, substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp, or add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: lemon chicken, broccoli orzo, weeknight dinner, one-pan meal, family-friendly