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Fresh Lemon Chicken Orzo Recipe with Easy Zesty Herb Butter Sauce

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A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken breasts and orzo pasta cooked in a bright, zesty herb butter sauce with fresh lemon.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed and pounded slightly
  • 1 cup orzo pasta (about 170g)
  • 2 medium fresh lemons, zested and juiced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (about 60g), softened
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 3 cups low sodium chicken broth (720ml)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Pound lightly with a meat mallet or rolling pin to about ½-inch thickness for even cooking.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and cook 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature about 165°F / 74°C). Remove chicken and set aside to rest.
  3. Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same pan. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Add half of the chopped herbs and stir gently.
  4. Pour the orzo into the pan, stirring to coat with garlic and herbs. Slowly add the chicken broth, about 1 cup (240ml) at a time, letting the orzo absorb the liquid before adding more. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. Cook for about 10-12 minutes until orzo is tender but still slightly chewy.
  5. While the orzo cooks, combine softened butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and the remaining chopped herbs in a small bowl. Mix well to create the zesty herb butter sauce.
  6. When the orzo is nearly done, lower heat to low and stir the herb butter sauce into the pan. Toss gently to coat the orzo evenly. Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces, then nestle them back into the pan to warm through for about 2 minutes.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for tender, quick cooking. Gradually add warm chicken broth to orzo to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. Avoid overcooking orzo to keep it al dente. Use low heat when mixing in herb butter sauce to prevent separation. Rest chicken after searing to keep it juicy. For gluten-free, substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta or rice-shaped quinoa. For dairy-free, use plant-based butter alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon chicken, orzo pasta, herb butter sauce, quick dinner, weeknight meal, easy recipe, comfort food

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/fresh-lemon-chicken-orzo-recipe-with-easy-zesty-herb-butter-sauce/