Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Orzo and Broth
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 16 ounces orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons dried basil
Finishing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup salted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the boneless skinless chicken breast into 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large, deep 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken, season with salt, garlic powder, and black pepper, and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken begins to brown.
- Add broth and orzo: Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and add the orzo pasta along with dried basil. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Simmer the orzo: Reduce the heat to medium, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook the orzo until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This typically takes about 9 to 10 minutes but may vary depending on the orzo brand.
- Finish the dish: Turn off the heat, then stir in grated Parmesan cheese and salted butter until they melt fully, creating a creamy texture. Serve the Lemon Chicken and Orzo hot.
Notes
- Be sure to stir the orzo occasionally while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your taste preference for more or less tanginess.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth if you want to control the salt level in the dish.
- Adding fresh basil instead of dried can provide a brighter herb flavor.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
