Description
This Lemon Orzo Chicken features juicy chicken tenderloins paired with orzo pasta in a creamy lemon sauce, creating a vibrant dish perfect for a quick dinner. It’s an easy yet delicious option for family meals!
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 chicken tenders or 2 chicken breasts
- 3 – 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp white pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 3 cups orzo
- 2 tbsp onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup white cooking wine
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- juice from ½ a lemon
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high.
- Season chicken with salt, black and white pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the heated pan.
- Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned and the inside reaches 160F.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic into the pan.
- Sauté for 1.5 – 2 minutes until aromatic.
- Deglaze the pan with white wine, stirring for 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and add the orzo, stirring to coat.
- Adjust heat to medium while stirring every 2 minutes to prevent sticking.
- Cook the orzo for 7 minutes, then mix in cream and parmesan cheese.
- Allow to simmer until the orzo is tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in lemon juice and fresh parsley.
- Return the chicken to the mixture, stir to combine, and serve.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and seasonings for 30 minutes prior to cooking.
If desired, substitute orzo with rice or another pasta of your choice.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 652
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 856mg
- Fat: 41g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 150mg