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Lemon Pepper Chicken with Broccoli and Orzo

  • Author: jena
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten-Free Option Available

Description

A delightful dish featuring tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and filling orzo pasta, all enhanced with zesty lemon and black pepper.

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

Instructions

  1. Toss chicken pieces with black pepper, half the lemon zest, and ½ teaspoon salt until evenly coated.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
  3. Add onion to skillet and cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened. Incorporate garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir orzo into onion mixture and cook for 1 minute, allowing pasta to lightly toast.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and remaining salt. Return chicken to skillet and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Simmer for 8 minutes.
  6. Uncover skillet and stir in broccoli florets. Cover again and cook for 3–4 minutes, until broccoli is crisp-tender and orzo is al dente.
  7. Fold in butter, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and remaining lemon zest. Stir until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed.
  8. Transfer skillet contents to serving bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

For extra flavor, try marinating the chicken in lemon juice and seasoning for a few hours before cooking. You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for added nutrition and color. Make sure not to overcook the broccoli; it should remain bright green and slightly crunchy.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Lemon Pepper Chicken, Broccoli, Orzo, Healthy Dinner, Quick Meal

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Find it online: https://jenarecipes.com/lemon-pepper-chicken-broccoli-orzo/