Description
A comforting one-pot wonder that combines zesty lemon, tender chicken, and creamy orzo for a delightful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless chicken (breast or thighs)
- 1 cup orzo
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 8 oz mushrooms (cremini or button), sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- 1 tsp fresh basil
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the boneless chicken (cut into bite-sized pieces) and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden and cooked through—about 6–8 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Add the aromatics: In the same pot, add chopped garlic and sliced mushrooms. Sauté until the mushrooms soften and garlic becomes fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Incorporate the orzo: Stir in the orzo and toast it for about a minute to let it soak up the flavors.
- Add liquid and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and zest. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Add the cooked chicken back into the pot and cover. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Finish with fresh herbs: Turn off the heat, add freshly chopped herbs, and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra lemon zest or herbs.
Notes
Feel free to substitute chicken with shrimp or orzo with rice for a gluten-free option. Don’t skip on the lemon zest for maximum flavor!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: zesty, lemon, chicken, orzo, one-pot, recipe, family dinner