Lemony Herb Chicken and Orzo a Mediterranean Delight

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a taste of the Med? Ever wondered what to do with that orzo in your cupboard? This chicken and orzo recipe is your answer! The bright lemon and fresh herbs really make it sing.

Brief Overview

This dish takes inspiration from sunny Greece and Italy. It’s a super easy chicken orzo recipe to whip up, even on a busy weeknight.

It'll take about 45 minutes. This recipe makes 4-6 servings, perfect for a family meal or a dinner party with friends.

Main Benefits

This Mediterranean chicken orzo is packed with lean protein. Serve it for a light yet satisfying meal. Honestly, it's special because it's a crowd pleaser that feels fancy, but is totally doable.

It's a great dinner party piece. I used it many times, and I love it.

Get Ready for Lemony Goodness

This lemon herb chicken orzo is truly something else. It's the perfect blend of comfort food and fresh flavors. The zing of the lemon with the savory chicken? Oh my gosh, unreal!

The beauty of this dish is its simplicity. It's about fresh ingredients and good technique, not fancy equipment. Remember, cooking should be fun, not stressful.

Let's Talk Ingredients

• For the Chicken:

  • 1. 5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• For the Orzo:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine chicken orzo
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 2 tablespoons butter, unsalted
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

You can make this a one-pot thing. It's easy chicken orzo one pot . I love fresh ingredients. But dried work.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Sorted!

Right, so you fancy making some Lemony Herb Chicken and Orzo: A Mediterranean Delight ? Ace! First things first, let’s talk about what you’ll need.

Honestly, it’s not as daunting as it sounds. Think of this as your pre-game pep talk before the cooking fun begins.

Main Ingredients for a Mediterranean Chicken Orzo

• Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Get good quality stuff, you know? Check for a nice pink color, not greyish.

• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) for the chicken, 1 tablespoon (15ml) for the orzo. Don't skimp on the good stuff.

• Orzo: 1 cup (200g) . I sometimes use whole wheat orzo for a nutty flavour, but that's just me getting fancy.

• Chicken Broth: 4 cups (950ml) , low sodium if you're watching your salt intake.

• White Wine (Optional): 1/2 cup (120ml) . A dry one like Pinot Grigio. Adds a bit of je ne sais quoi . If you don't have it, no worries, just skip it.

• Lemon Juice: 1/4 cup (60ml) , freshly squeezed only! None of that bottled stuff, alright?

• Butter: 2 tablespoons (30ml) , unsalted.

• Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup (50g) grated, plus extra for serving. Gotta have that cheesy goodness.

• Herbs: Fresh parsley and dill, 1/4 cup (15g) each, chopped. Fresh is always best.

Seasoning is Key for Lemon Herb Chicken Orzo

For the chicken, oregano , thyme , and garlic powder are essential. A simple combo, but it works! Salt and pepper, of course, to taste.

Easy peasy. A pinch of red pepper flakes will add a nice kick!. You can substitute fresh lemon zest to enhance the lemon flavor.

The essential combo is the base for greek chicken orzo , especially the oregano and thyme.

Equipment Needed: Keeping it Simple

You don’t need a ton of fancy kit for this easy chicken orzo recipe . I’m thinking:

• A large skillet or Dutch oven. Basically, something big enough to hold everything.
• A cutting board and chef's knife. You know, for chopping.
• Measuring cups and spoons. Obvious, right?
• A lemon juicer (optional). If you’re posh.

That’s it! No need for anything complicated. We're not trying to win Bake Off here, are we? We just want some creamy chicken orzo that tastes amazing.

Cooking Method: Turning Lemony Herb Chicken and Orzo Into Reality

Honestly, sometimes the best meals are the simplest. This lemon herb chicken orzo is one of those! It’s like a sunshine filled bowl of happiness, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Fancy a taste of the Mediterranean ? Let's do it!

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

First things first: mise en place . Annoying French term, but it just means getting everything ready. Chop your onion, mince your garlic, cube your chicken.

I always do this first. It saves loads of time later. Grab those herbs! Fresh is best, but dried works in a pinch.

Safety note: always use a clean cutting board for raw chicken. You don't want any unwanted bugs ruining your evening.

step-by-step Process: Let's Get Cooking!

1. Toss the chicken with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon oregano and thyme, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and seasoning.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Cook chicken until it hits an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) .
3. Add another 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then sauté the onion until soft. Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute .
4. Chuck in the orzo ( 1 cup ) and toast it for about 2 minutes . Toasting the orzo adds a lovely nutty flavour .
5. (Optional, but highly recommended) Deglaze the pan with 1/2 cup of white wine. Let it bubble for a minute. It gets all the flavor from the bottom of the pan. I used a cheeky Pinot Grigio, adds a subtle elegance to the white wine chicken orzo .
6. Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth. Simmer until the orzo is cooked, about 15- 20 minutes . Keep an eye on it and stir now and again so it doesn't stick. You want a lovely creamy chicken orzo , not a burnt one.
7. Stir in the lemon juice ( 1/4 cup ), butter ( 2 tablespoons ), parsley and dill ( 1/4 cup each), and Parmesan ( 1/4 cup ). Season to taste.
8. Add the cooked chicken back to the orzo. Give it a good mix, and you're done! Serve with extra Parmesan, because why not?

Pro Tips: Chef Level Hacks

A common mistake? Overcooking the chicken! Honestly, no one likes dry chicken. Use a thermometer!

make-ahead? You can totally prep the chicken ahead of time. Marinate it in the herbs and spices, and it will be even more delicious when you cook it.

I sometimes do this the night before, especially when I’m short on time the next day. I have tried different versions of chicken orzo one pot , but I found that cooking the chicken separate and then combining them yields the best results.

And there you have it! A simple, delicious, and totally crowd pleasing Mediterranean chicken orzo dish. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes: Making Your Chicken and Orzo Shine

Right, so you're about to whip up some chicken and orzo ? Ace! Before you dive in, let's chat about some bits and bobs that'll really elevate your dish.

These are the little secrets I've picked up over the years. Honestly, they're game changers.

Serving Suggestions: Making it Look Good

Presentation is key, innit? Think about how you want to plate this up. A nice dollop of the creamy chicken orzo in a bowl, topped with a bit of extra Parmesan, looks smashing.

For sides, you can't go wrong with a simple salad. Something fresh, like a Greek salad, cuts through the richness nicely.

And a glass of crisp white wine? Perfection! Especially white wine chicken orzo .

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Got leftovers? No worries. Pop the Mediterranean chicken orzo in an airtight container and it'll keep in the fridge for up to three days.

Freezing is also an option. Just be aware the orzo might get a bit softer when you reheat it. Best to let it cool completely before freezing, then reheat gently on the hob, adding a splash of stock if it seems dry.

Variations: Mix it Up, Mate!

Fancy a change? You could easily make a Greek chicken orzo by adding some feta and olives. Yum!

Got someone who can't do gluten? No problem. Just swap the regular orzo for gluten-free. Easy peasy! Or how about lemon herb chicken orzo by adding more lemon zest and herbs?

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl

This easy chicken orzo recipe is packed with protein from the chicken. It gives you a good dose of carbs from the orzo for energy.

It's all about the balance, yeah? It's a hearty meal that won't leave you feeling sluggish.

Listen, this recipe is all about having a go and making it your own. Don't be afraid to tweak it and experiment.

You might just create something amazing! So, get cooking and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this chicken and orzo recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative and will result in a richer, more flavorful dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs generally take a bit longer to cook than breasts. You want an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), no one wants dodgy chicken!

My orzo turned out mushy. What did I do wrong?

Overcooked orzo is a common problem. The key is to simmer it gently and stir frequently to prevent sticking. Also, make sure you're using the correct amount of liquid (4 cups of broth to 1 cup of orzo as per the recipe). Think of it like a risotto - you want a creamy texture, not baby food!

How long does this chicken and orzo last in the fridge, and how should I store it?

Properly stored, leftover chicken and orzo will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out.

A quick zap in the microwave also works, but can sometimes change the texture.

Can I make this chicken and orzo recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Definitely! For a vegetarian version, simply replace the chicken with pan-fried tofu or leave it out entirely and load up on veggies. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To make it vegan, use vegetable broth, omit the Parmesan cheese, and use a plant based butter substitute.

This recipe is super versatile!

What other herbs can I use if I don't have fresh parsley and dill on hand?

While fresh herbs definitely elevate the dish, dried herbs are a perfectly acceptable substitute in a pinch. Aim for about 1/2 teaspoon each of dried parsley and dill. Other good options include dried oregano, thyme, or even a pinch of rosemary.

Fresh herbs add brightness but dried ones give warmth - you can't go wrong.

Is this chicken and orzo recipe healthy?

This recipe can be part of a healthy diet. It provides a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and some healthy fats. To make it even healthier, use lean chicken breast, low-sodium broth, and plenty of fresh vegetables. Watch your portion sizes too, everything in moderation, even delicious chicken and orzo!