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Lemon Pepper Chicken served with broccoli and orzo pasta on a plate

Lemon Pepper Chicken Broccoli Orzo

A delightful dish combining chicken, broccoli, and orzo in a zesty lemon sauce that's perfect for weeknights or entertaining.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 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
  • to taste fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Toss chicken pieces with black pepper, half the lemon zest, and ½ teaspoon salt until evenly coated.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
  3. Add onion to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened.
  4. Incorporate garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cooking
  1. Stir orzo into the onion mixture and cook for 1 minute to allow the pasta to lightly toast.
  2. Pour in chicken broth and remaining salt. Return the chicken to the skillet and bring the mixture to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Simmer for 8 minutes.
  4. Uncover the skillet and stir in broccoli florets. Cover again and cook for 3–4 minutes, until broccoli is crisp-tender and orzo is al dente.
  5. Fold in butter, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and remaining lemon zest. Stir until melted and creamy.
  6. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed.
  7. Transfer skillet contents to serving bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

For a variation, you can swap orzo with other pasta varieties or substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.