Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece, where bright lemon, fragrant basil, and tender chicken dance together in perfect harmony. This Lemon Basil Orzo with Chicken isn't just a meal—it's a quick, mouthwatering escape from boring weeknight dinners that will have your taste buds singing and your family begging for seconds. With an incredibly simple preparation and restaurant-quality results, this recipe proves that gourmet cooking can be both effortless and incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and diced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Ensure the pan is large enough to accommodate the orzo and chicken.
- Pour chicken broth into the pan and bring to a gentle boil. Add orzo pasta and stir to prevent sticking. Reduce heat to low and cover the pan.
- Simmer the orzo for approximately 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is absorbed and the pasta is tender but not mushy.
- While the orzo is cooking, prepare the cooked chicken. If using raw chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, then grill, bake, or pan-sear until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Once orzo is cooked, remove from heat and let stand for 2-3 minutes. Fluff the pasta with a fork to separate the grains.
- Add diced chicken to the orzo and gently fold to combine.
- Zest the entire lemon, then squeeze its juice into the pasta mixture. Add chopped fresh basil.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently stir to distribute lemon zest, juice, and basil evenly.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with additional fresh basil leaves if desired. The dish can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Tips
- • Use fresh basil whenever possible—it makes a world of difference in flavor intensity. • For extra flavor, toast the orzo in olive oil for 1-2 minutes before adding broth to enhance its nutty undertones. • Ensure your chicken is precisely cooked to 165°F to maintain juiciness and food safety. • Let the orzo rest after cooking to allow it to absorb remaining moisture and become perfectly fluffy. • For a lighter version, you can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and use grilled or rotisserie chicken. • Don't skip the lemon zest—it provides an incredible aromatic dimension that elevates the entire dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 75mg
