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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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