Lemon Herb Chicken and Orzo in a Flash

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook: Chicken Orzo to the Rescue!

Ever stared blankly into the fridge at 6 pm? You're not alone! This chicken orzo recipe is a lifesaver for those nights.

Honestly, it's one of my go-to 20 minute meals . It is packed with bright lemon herb chicken flavors.

Brief Overview: Mediterranean Magic in Minutes

This dish is inspired by the sun-drenched flavors of the Mediterranean. It's a super easy weeknight dinner , perfect for when you're short on time but still crave something delicious.

It's so simple! It takes about 20 minutes and serves two hungry people.

Main Benefits: Fast, Healthy, and Flavorful!

This healthy 20 minute meal is packed with lean protein and fresh herbs. It is a fantastic way to get a nutritious dinner on the table fast.

Serve this easy chicken recipe any night of the week. This recipe is special because it uses just one pan , which cuts down on cleanup! Think of it as a delicious, stress free hug in a bowl.

Ready to get cooking? Let’s see what ingredients you’ll need.

Your Shopping List: Simple Ingredients, Big Flavors

For this Bish, Bash, Bosh wonder, you won't need to trek to a fancy delicatessen. A quick stop at your local supermarket will do.

We're talking everyday stuff. The beauty of fast pasta recipes is their simplicity.

Remember fresh is best when we are talking about herbs like parsley and dill. These really do make the whole dish pop! Also, don't be afraid to use the best chicken broth you can find.

It is the base for all the flavours, so make sure it's a good one.

So, are you ready to create quick dinner recipes ?

Ingredients & Equipment for Healthy 20 Minute Meals

Alright, let's get down to what you need for this crazy fast Lemon Herb Chicken and Orzo. It's one of those quick dinner recipes that tastes like you spent ages on it, but honestly? It's all about the right ingredients and a few simple steps.

These are also known as some great easy chicken recipes ! It's gonna be a fast healthy recipe for you and your family.

Main Ingredients

Here's the shopping list for two hungry humans:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts ( 150g/5oz each).
• 1 tablespoon olive oil. Go for extra virgin, you know? Adds a bit more flavour.
• ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped ( 75g/2.6oz ).
• 2 cloves garlic, minced. Honestly, use more if you're a garlic fiend like me.
• ½ cup dry orzo pasta ( 100g/3.5oz ). Mediterranean pasta , here we come!
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth ( 360ml/12.2fl oz ). Low sodium is your friend here.
• ¼ cup dry white wine (optional, 60ml/2fl oz ). A splash makes all the difference.
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon. Fresh is essential for that zing.
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley.
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill.
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional). This enhances flavors .

For the chicken, look for breasts that are plump and pink. Avoid anything that looks pale or feels slimy. Quality matters! It is also a great idea for easy weeknight dinners and easy family meals .

Seasoning Notes

We're keeping it fresh and bright. The lemon, parsley, and dill are key to this dish.

• Essential spice combinations: Salt and pepper, obviously. But don't underestimate fresh herbs.
• Flavor enhancers and aromatics: Garlic and lemon zest are your best friends here.
• Quick substitution options: Dried Italian seasoning works in a pinch if you're out of fresh herbs.

Equipment Needed

Keep it simple, yeah?

• Large skillet or frying pan with a lid. This is basically a one pan meal , so it needs to be big enough.
• Cutting board.
• Chef's knife.
• Lemon zester and juicer.
• Measuring cups and spoons.

Don't have a fancy lemon zester? A fine grater will do the trick. No lid for your pan? Use a baking sheet! This is a great beginner recipes too.

Remember if you are busy, these 20 minute meals are something you can also prep for weeknight meal prep .

Lemon Herb Chicken and Orzo: Dinner in a Flash

Fancy a quick dinner recipe that’s both healthy and packed with flavour? This Lemon Herb Chicken and Orzo is your answer.

Honestly, it’s become one of my go-to easy weeknight dinners . I often feel like I’m spending more time thinking about cooking than actually cooking it! Bish, bash, bosh, and you're done!

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Matters

Essential Prep

First things first, let’s get our mise en place sorted. Slice 2 chicken breasts thinly. This is key for even and fast cooking.

Next, chop 1 small onion and mince 2 cloves of garlic. Zest and juice 1 lemon. Chop about ¼ cup each of fresh parsley and dill.

Time Saving Tips

Honestly, get those ingredients ready before you even think about turning on the hob! Get a prep bowl ready, a trash bowl ready, and your spices next to the cooking surface!

Safety First!

Be careful when slicing those chicken breasts. A sharp knife is your friend, just watch your fingers!

Let's Get Cooking: step-by-step

This is the best part: actually cooking! It’s so fast it could almost be one of those healthy 20 minute meals .

1. Season your chicken with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Sear the chicken for 3- 4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes , until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute , until fragrant.
4. Stir in 1/2 cup dry orzo pasta, 1 1/2 cups chicken broth, and 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional) into the skillet.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 10- 12 minutes , or until orzo is cooked and liquid is absorbed. Peek occasionally and add more broth if it looks dry.
6. Stir in the zest and juice of 1 lemon, fresh parsley, and fresh dill. Season with extra salt and pepper to taste.
7. Slice the chicken and place it on top of the orzo. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese (if using) and serve immediately.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Result

Speed Secrets

Thinly sliced chicken is the secret to speed! Don’t overcook the orzo, either. Al dente is the way to go.

Common Mistakes

Burnt garlic is a culinary sin! Keep an eye on it. Also, don’t let the orzo dry out while simmering. Add more broth if needed.

make-ahead Magic

You can chop the veggies and herbs ahead of time to save even more minutes! Weeknight meal prep FTW! I have tried a variation of this recipe and it came up great! I tried with lemon chicken and added a touch of greek yoghurt.

The results were fantastic.

This Lemon Herb Chicken and Orzo is a winner. It’s a delicious and satisfying meal that comes together in a flash.

Perfect for those hectic weeknights when you need a fast pasta recipe that’s also one of those easy chicken recipes .

Enjoy!

Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Lemon Herb Chicken!

Right, let’s talk about how to make this 20 minute meals recipe really sing. It’s already a winner, I know, but a few tweaks can make it a showstopper.

I always scribble notes on my recipes. Honestly.

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Think about the presentation. I love serving this in shallow bowls. A swirl of extra virgin olive oil on top looks fancy.

Sprinkle with extra parmesan. Oh my gosh! A side of crusty bread is a must, you know? Maybe some garlic bread to soak up all that lemony sauce.

It's delicious. A crisp side salad balances the richness. Even just some rocket with lemon juice. Simple. Easy weeknight dinners, sorted!

Storage Tips: Make it Last

This is one of those one pan meals that tastes even better the next day. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

It’ll happily keep for up to 3 days. It makes great weeknight meal prep . I don't recommend freezing it. The orzo can get a bit mushy.

To reheat, just microwave it or gently warm it in a pan with a splash of chicken broth.

Variations: Customise your Plate

Fancy a change? Go veggie. Swap the chicken for chickpeas. Easy peasy. You can add other Mediterranean pasta vegetables like courgette or cherry tomatoes too.

For a healthy 20 minute meals , use whole wheat orzo. If you’re avoiding gluten, use gluten-free orzo. Sorted! Beginner recipes should be adaptable, right? This chicken orzo recipe is a blank canvas.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl

This lemon herb chicken and orzo is packed with protein. Thank you, chicken! It's also a good source of carbohydrates for energy.

The lemon adds a boost of vitamin C. It's a surprisingly fast healthy recipes meal. Remember, it's all about balance, so enjoy it as part of a varied diet.

So, there you have it. My tips and tricks for making this 20 minute dinner ideas even better. Get creative.

Have fun. And enjoy. Bish, bash, bosh! And remember these are also fantastic quick chicken dinners , because who doesn't like some tasty and easy chicken recipes ?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this Lemon Herb Chicken and Orzo recipe actually a 20 minute meal? I'm a bit skeptical!

Absolutely! The key to this Lemon Herb Chicken and Orzo being a true 20 minute meal is prepping the chicken by slicing it thinly and keeping a close eye on the orzo while it cooks. This ensures everything cooks quickly and evenly. Bish, bash, bosh, and dinner's on the table!

Can I make this 20 minute meal vegetarian? I don't eat chicken.

You bet! To make this a vegetarian dish, simply swap out the chicken for a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas. Add them to the skillet along with the orzo and broth. You could even throw in some extra veggies like chopped bell peppers or zucchini for added flavour and nutrients.

What's the best way to store leftovers of the Lemon Herb Chicken and Orzo?

Leftovers of this Lemon Herb Chicken and Orzo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you might need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up, as the orzo tends to absorb the sauce as it sits. A little goes a long way!

I don't have orzo pasta. What's a good substitute for this 20 minute meal?

No orzo? No worries! You can easily substitute with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or acini di pepe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different pasta shapes cook at different rates. Keep an eye on it and taste for doneness to avoid ending up with mushy pasta.

I'm watching my sodium intake. How can I reduce the sodium in this Lemon Herb Chicken and Orzo?

Aha, a canny question! To reduce the sodium, use low-sodium chicken broth. Also, be mindful of how much salt you add during cooking. Taste as you go and only add what's necessary. You can also amp up the flavour with extra lemon zest and fresh herbs, which can help you use less salt overall.

Can I freeze this Lemon Herb Chicken and Orzo?

While you can technically freeze this dish, the texture of the orzo might change slightly upon thawing. It might become a bit softer. If you do freeze it, make sure it's completely cooled before placing it in an airtight container.

When thawing, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat gently, adding a splash of broth if needed. Maybe make a smaller batch if you think there will be left overs and you want to avoid freezing the dish.