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Lemon Pepper Chicken Broccoli Orzo

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A quick and hearty Lemon Pepper Chicken Broccoli Orzo featuring savory chicken, vibrant broccoli, and tender orzo in a zesty lemon sauce.

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 of the lemon zest, and ½ teaspoon salt in a bowl until evenly coated.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 3 minutes or until softened. Incorporate the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the orzo and let it cook for 1 minute to lightly toast.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth and add the remaining salt. Return the chicken to the skillet, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Simmer for 8 minutes.
  6. Uncover and stir in the broccoli florets. Re-cover and cook for another 3–4 minutes until the broccoli is crisp-tender and the orzo is al dente.
  7. Fold in the butter, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and remaining lemon zest. Stir until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  8. Serve in bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

Feel free to substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian twist or use whole wheat orzo for a healthier option.

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