Description
Lemon Pepper Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This vibrant dish features tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and delightful orzo pasta, all enveloped in a zesty lemon pepper sauce. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also delivers a nutritious dinner option the whole family will love. With the bright flavors of fresh lemon zest and black pepper, each bite is satisfying and refreshing. Customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins to make it uniquely yours.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups small broccoli florets
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- â…“ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with black pepper, half the lemon zest, and salt until evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for about 5 minutes until lightly browned; remove from skillet.
- Add diced onion to the skillet; cook for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic; cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Mix in orzo and toast for 1 minute before adding chicken broth and remaining salt. Return chicken to skillet, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Simmer for about 8 minutes.
- Uncover and stir in broccoli florets; cover again and cook for another 3-4 minutes until broccoli is crisp-tender.
- Fold in butter, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and remaining lemon zest until creamy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (300g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg