Garlic Herb Chicken with Lemon Orzo Recipe

The aroma of garlic wafting through your kitchen can make even the most mundane day feel like a gourmet feast. Garlic Herb Chicken Paired with Lemon Orzo not only fills your home with mouthwatering scents but also tantalizes your taste buds with every delightful bite. Picture this: tender chicken marinated in fragrant herbs, perfectly complemented by zesty lemon orzo that dances on your palate. Your guests will think you’re a culinary wizard.

I remember the first time I made this dish for my family. It was one of those “I have a few ingredients and an hour” moments that turned into a memorable dinner filled with laughter and compliments. It’s the kind of meal you serve when you want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen and is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.

Cooking this dish brings back memories of gathering around the table as my family devoured every last bite while sharing stories from our day.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: These are lean and cook quickly; consider using organic options if possible.
• Fresh Garlic: The fresher the garlic, the better; look for firm cloves without any sprouting.
• Fresh Herbs (Thyme and Rosemary): Use fresh herbs for vibrant flavors; they elevate the dish significantly compared to dried ones.
• Lemon Zest and Juice: Freshly grated zest adds brightness; don’t skip out on juicing the lemon either!
• Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances both flavor and moisture in your chicken.
• Orzo Pasta: This tiny pasta cooks quickly and pairs beautifully with the flavors of lemon.
• Chicken Broth: Using broth instead of water boosts flavor in your orzo preparation significantly.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to taste preferences.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped thyme, rosemary, olive oil, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and juice. Add chicken breasts; marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for more flavor.

Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of olive oil; once hot, add marinated chicken breasts. Sear each side until golden brown—about 5-7 minutes per side.

Add Broth & Cook Orzo: Once seared, remove chicken from skillet. Pour in chicken broth; bring to a boil. Stir in orzo pasta and let it simmer until tender—around 8-10 minutes should do!

Combine & Serve : Return seared chicken to skillet once orzo is cooked. Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes to infuse flavors deeply.

Garnish & Enjoy!: Remove from heat; garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot and enjoy! Your taste buds will thank you.

This Garlic Herb Chicken Paired with Lemon Orzo is not just a meal—it’s an experience! With its enticing aroma and vibrant presentation, it’s sure to become a favorite at your table that brings everyone together.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken for at least an hour. Sear it to lock in juices, then cook the lemon orzo in the same pan to absorb all those delicious flavors. This method ensures a cohesive taste and simplifies cleanup.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out lemon for lime or add a splash of white wine for depth. You can also toss in seasonal vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes, giving your dish a colorful and nutritious boost.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to restore moisture without compromising flavor.

Cooking garlic herb chicken paired with lemon orzo reminds me of when I first made this dish for my friends. Their delighted reactions made it clear that this recipe was a keeper!

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, just ensure it’s fully thawed before marinating and cooking.

What can I substitute for orzo?

You can replace orzo with quinoa, rice, or even small pasta shapes if desired.

How do I make this dish dairy-free?

Simply omit any cheese and choose a dairy-free butter alternative for cooking.

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Garlic Herb Chicken Paired with Lemon Orzo

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Garlic Herb Chicken Paired with Lemon Orzo is a delightful dish that combines succulent chicken with zesty orzo, creating an easy yet impressive meal perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Searing
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Fresh garlic
• Fresh thyme and rosemary
• Lemon zest and juice
• Olive oil
• Orzo pasta
• Chicken broth
• Salt and pepper

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Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, mix minced garlic, chopped herbs, olive oil, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and juice. Add chicken breasts; marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and sear until golden brown (5-7 minutes per side).
3. Cook the orzo: Remove chicken from the skillet; add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Stir in orzo and simmer until tender (8-10 minutes).
4. Combine & serve: Return seared chicken to the skillet; simmer for another 5 minutes to blend flavors. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
• Feel free to substitute lemon with lime or add seasonal vegetables like asparagus for added nutrition.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (350g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 85mg