Garlic Herb Chicken with Lemon Orzo Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Garlic Herb Chicken with Lemon Orzo is a light yet satisfying dish that brings together juicy, seasoned chicken with tangy lemon orzo for a perfect balance of flavors. The garlic herb marinade infuses the chicken with savory goodness, while the lemon orzo adds a refreshing, zesty touch. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or even a special meal for guests.

Ingredients

this Recipe

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Orzo:

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken breasts in the bowl and coat them well with the marinade. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
2. Cook the Orzo: In a medium pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to the package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the orzo and set it aside.
3. Cook the Chicken: While the orzo cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Prepare the Lemon Orzo: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the cooked orzo to the skillet, followed by the lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper to taste. Toss to combine and heat through.
5. Serve: Divide the lemon orzo between plates and top with the cooked chicken breasts. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes (plus marination time)
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 30-40 minutes

Variations

• Add Veggies: Sauté some spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini in the skillet before adding the orzo for extra color and flavor.
• Herb Variation: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or rosemary in place of dried oregano and thyme.
• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade or the orzo for a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm the chicken and orzo in the microwave or a skillet over medium heat, adding a bit of olive oil or a splash of water if needed.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Bone-in pieces will take longer to cook through.

Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute orzo with small pasta shapes like couscous or farfalle, though orzo is the traditional choice for this dish.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and marinate it ahead of time. Cook the orzo and assemble the dish when ready to serve.

Is this dish spicy?
No, the dish is not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes to the marinade or orzo for some heat if desired.

Conclusion

Garlic Herb Chicken with Lemon Orzo is a deliciously fresh and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. The zesty lemon orzo paired with tender, herb-infused chicken creates a satisfying dish that everyone will love. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is a great way to enjoy a light yet hearty dinner that’s packed with flavor.

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