Zesty Garlic Herb Chicken & Lemon Orzo Recipe for Dinner Joy

Searing aromatic garlic herb chicken with lemon orzo creates a symphony of flavors that dance across your plate.

Tender chicken breasts marinate in a vibrant blend of fresh herbs and zesty garlic.

Each bite promises a delightful journey through Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.

Fragrant rosemary and thyme weave their magic into succulent meat, promising a meal that feels both comforting and exciting.

The bright lemon orzo provides a perfect complementary base, balancing the rich chicken with its light, citrusy notes.

Herbs generously sprinkled throughout elevate this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this delectable culinary creation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 3

Ingredients For Garlic Herb Chicken Orzo

• Chicken Breasts: Select plump, fresh cuts with minimal fat for even cooking and tender texture.
• Olive Oil: Helps herbs stick to chicken and promotes golden, crispy exterior.
• Garlic: Adds robust, aromatic flavor and enhances overall dish complexity.
• Oregano, Thyme: Mediterranean herbs that bring bright, earthy undertones to the protein.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced and enhanced flavor profile.
• Lemon Zest: Provides zesty brightness and helps tenderize the chicken.

• Chicken Broth: Creates rich, savory foundation for orzo and helps control cooking moisture.
• Lemon Juice: Adds tangy freshness and helps balance the dish's richness.

• Parmesan Cheese: Offers creamy, salty depth and luxurious texture to orzo.
• Fresh Parsley: Brings vibrant color and light, herbaceous note to complete the dish.
• Extra Lemon Wedges: Allows personal citrus adjustment and adds fresh visual appeal.

Tools To Cook Garlic Herb Chicken Orzo

• Large Skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and preparing orzo with even heat distribution.
• Cutting Board: Perfect for seasoning chicken and slicing after cooking.
• Knife: Sharp and reliable for zesting lemon, cutting herbs, and slicing chicken.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for precisely measuring spices and seasonings.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring orzo and preventing sticking while cooking.
• Measuring Cup: Useful for accurately measuring chicken broth.
• Citrus Zester or Grater: Needed to create fine lemon zest for maximum flavor.

Cook Garlic Chicken Orzo Like A Pro

• Prepare Flavor-Packed Chicken

Massage chicken with a blend of zesty herbs, aromatic garlic, and bright citrus. Let the flavors mingle and sink into the meat while you get ready to cook.

• Sizzle the Protein

Warm up a skillet and transform the chicken into a golden masterpiece. Cook each side until it’s perfectly done, then splash with fresh lemon juice for an extra punch of flavor.

• Create Creamy Orzo Magic

In the same skillet, wake up some garlic and toast the pasta until it’s golden. Pour in rich broth and let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the orzo becomes tender and dreamy.

• Add Final Flavor Touches

Brighten the orzo with tangy lemon and sprinkle in some cheesy goodness. Adjust the seasoning to make your taste buds dance.

• Plate and Celebrate

Slice the juicy chicken and nestle it on top of the lemony orzo. Scatter some fresh herbs for a pop of color and extra freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy your culinary creation.

Orzo Recipe Tips & Swaps

• Smart Marinating Trick: Let chicken sit with seasonings for 10-15 minutes to boost flavor absorption and ensure tender, juicy meat that's packed with herb and garlic notes.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional orzo with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same delicious texture and taste profile.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare chicken and orzo components separately and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, perfect for meal prep enthusiasts wanting quick weeknight dinners.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Replace orzo with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to create a lighter, low-carbohydrate meal without sacrificing the vibrant Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
• Protein Power Boost: Consider adding grilled shrimp or seared salmon as alternative protein options that beautifully complement the garlic herb seasoning and lemon-infused orzo.

Serve Garlic Chicken Orzo With Style

• Zesty Meal Companion: Serve with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken flavors.
• Mediterranean Side Delight: Add a small bowl of Greek yogurt with chopped cucumber and dill to complement the herb-infused chicken and tangy orzo.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Choose a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to enhance the lemony, herbal notes of the dish and cut through the richness.
• Colorful Garnish Boost: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds over the orzo for extra crunch and nutty depth that elevates the entire meal's texture and flavor profile.

Save & Reheat Chicken Orzo

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store chicken and orzo separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm chicken gently in microwave with splash of broth to retain moisture, stirring midway through heating for even temperature distribution.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare chicken and orzo components ahead of time, keeping them chilled for up to 3-4 days, allowing easy assembly during busy weeknights.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Freeze individual portions in sealed containers for convenient grab-and-go meals, lasting up to 2 months without compromising taste or texture.

Zesty Garlic Herb Chicken With Lemon Orzo Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic herb chicken with lemon orzo delights palates with Mediterranean flavors. Creamy orzo, tender chicken, and zesty herbs combine for a comforting meal you’ll savor to the last bite.

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Ingredients

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• 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 cup (200 g) orzo pasta
• 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp (5 g) dried oregano
• ½ tsp (2.5 g) dried thyme
• ½ tsp (3 g) salt
• ¼ tsp (1.25 g) black pepper
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsps (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 tbsp (15 g) fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Marinate: Thoroughly coat chicken breasts with a robust blend of olive oil, minced garlic, crumbled oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Let the flavors intensify for 10-15 minutes while preparing the orzo.
2. Sear Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium flame. Cook marinated chicken breasts 5-6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked, drizzling fresh lemon juice during the final moments. Transfer to a holding plate.
3. Prepare Orzo: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic in olive oil. Add orzo and toast for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour chicken broth and simmer gently, allowing grains to absorb liquid and become tender.
4. Finish Orzo: Continue cooking uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring periodically until orzo reaches a creamy consistency. Fold in lemon juice, additional lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
5. Plate and Serve: Slice chicken and arrange over lemony orzo. Garnish with chopped parsley and offer lemon wedges for an extra citrus boost. Serve immediately to preserve temperature and texture.

Notes

• Marinate with Precision: Let chicken sit in herb mixture for exactly 10-15 minutes to maximize flavor absorption without over-saturating the meat.
• Control Skillet Temperature: Maintain medium heat to achieve golden-brown crust without burning garlic or chicken, ensuring even cooking and optimal caramelization.
• Prevent Orzo Sticking: Continuously stir orzo while toasting and cooking to avoid burning and create uniform texture, watching liquid absorption carefully.
• Balance Citrus Intensity: Adjust lemon juice quantity to personal taste preference, using fresh lemons for brighter, more vibrant flavor profile compared to bottled juice.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg