Lemon Chicken Orzo with Roasted Asparagus
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever get stuck on what to cook? For my family, this is our absolute go-to Lemon Chicken Orzo . It's the best banana pudding replacement when we need a savoury dish.
It's zesty, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying, packed with Mediterranean flavours.
Brief Overview
The Mediterranean inspired recipes always brings fresh and vibrant taste. My Lemon Chicken Orzo is an easy one pan chicken orzo dish, ready in under an hour.
It is a simple recipe. It serves 4-6 people.
Main Benefits
This creamy lemon pasta recipe is packed with protein and vitamins. It's perfect easy weeknight dinner recipes , and a definite crowd pleaser.
What makes this recipe special? It's that lemony zing that makes your taste buds dance. This is better than Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Recipe for a light and refreshing meal.
. It's so much more than just another family favorite recipes chicken dish! It's a hug in a bowl, honestly. And did I mention the roasted asparagus recipes ? They add the perfect crunch and healthy greens.
So, ditch the usual and give this one a go! You might just find a new favorite. This isn't your average lemon chicken orzo recipe . It's proper lush.
Now, let's gather our bits and bobs.
Ingredients & Equipment: Lemon Chicken Orzo Magic
Let's get down to brass tacks, shall we? This Lemon Chicken Orzo with Roasted Asparagus, one of my easy weeknight dinner recipes , is all about fresh ingredients and minimal fuss.
For my family, this is a dish that screams comfort and is way better than a takeaway. Trust me, you'll ditch your usual family favorite recipes chicken in favour of this one.
You can think of this recipe as a Mediterranean inspired recipes with a creamy twist.
Main Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavours
- Chicken Breasts: 1.5 lbs ( 680g ). Get good quality, plump chicken. The better the chicken, the better the dish!
- Asparagus: 1 lb ( 450g ). Look for bright green stalks that snap easily. Avoid limp or yellowing asparagus.
- Orzo Pasta: 1 cup ( 200g ). Orzo is your canvas. It absorbs all the gorgeous flavours.
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups ( 950ml ). Go for low sodium. You can always add more salt, but you can't take it away.
- Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup ( 120ml ). Adds a touch of richness and balances the lemon beautifully.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup ( 60ml ), freshly grated. The real deal, not the stuff in a shaker!
- Lemon Juice: 1/4 cup ( 60ml ), freshly squeezed. Bottled lemon juice? Nah, pass.
Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce
I'm all about simple flavors, but I never skimp on seasoning!
- Garlic Powder & Dried Oregano: A classic combo for chicken. Smells divine.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential. Don't be shy!
- Fresh Parsley: Brightens everything up. Adds a pop of color.
- Lemon Juice: Adjust to your taste. Some like it tart, some like it mild. Start small, taste as you go.
Don't have oregano? Thyme will do in a pinch. Garlic granules are okay if you're out of powder.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
This one pan chicken orzo means fewer dishes, right?
- Large Oven Safe Skillet or Dutch Oven: Absolutely essential. Needs to withstand high temperatures.
- Cutting Board & Chef's Knife: For prepping your veggies and chicken.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accuracy is key, especially with baking, but with this, who cares!
- Lemon Juicer: Makes life easier, but you can squeeze by hand too.
- Microplane or Grater: For grating that gorgeous Parmesan.
Don't have a lemon juicer? Just squeeze the lemon hard! No oven safe skillet? A regular skillet and baking sheet will do just fine.
Honestly, this is not magnolia bakery banana pudding recipe , so you can relax because that needs some special baking treatment.
For example, if you don't have an oven. You can use a grill. I swear! Just take your time.
Right then, gather your bits and bobs, and let's get cracking! You can forget about your best banana pudding .
Lemon Chicken Orzo: An Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe
Oh my gosh, are you searching for easy weeknight dinner recipes ? This lemon chicken orzo recipe is a lifesaver.
For my family, this is a regular because everyone loves it, from the smallest to the tallest! Plus, it's on the table in under an hour.
Think of it as your new family favorite recipes chicken dish.
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
First, mise en place is key. Chop your veggies. Measure out your spices. Dice the chicken into 1 inch pieces. Time saving tip: Do this while the oven preheats.
Honestly, proper prep makes cooking so much easier.
step-by-step Process: Let's Get Cooking!
- Heat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C).
- Toss the asparagus with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Then, spread them on a baking sheet.
- Roast the asparagus for 10- 12 minutes , until tender crisp. Set aside.
- Sauté your chicken. Add 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp oregano, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Cook it until golden brown and internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C). This takes about 5- 7 minutes.
- Add 1 chopped small onion and cook until softened (3- 5 minutes). Throw in 2 minced garlic cloves for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in 1 cup orzo pasta and toast it for 1 minute.
- Pour in 4 cups chicken broth and simmer until the orzo is tender. This usually takes around 10- 12 minutes . Be sure to stir often.
- Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup Parmesan, and 1/4 cup lemon juice. Combine chicken and asparagus and serve.
Pro Tips: Chef Secrets
A trick I learned making this one pan chicken orzo ? Use fresh lemon juice. Bottled stuff just doesn't cut it.
Also, don't overcook the orzo. No one likes mushy pasta, you know? This recipe has some Mediterranean inspired recipes vibes going on.
You can make the chicken ahead and store it in the fridge, which is great for busy days.
This is like a better and healthier cousin to Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Recipe since you are not using bananas.
Seriously, this creamy lemon pasta recipe is a winner. It is the best banana pudding you won't taste. It always makes my house smell amazing and it is a big hit.
Give it a try - you won't regret it. You could even add some roasted asparagus recipes alongside and make it a super healthy meal.
You know that banana dessert that your family likes? This is just as yummy!
Recipe Notes: Making it Your Own Lemon Chicken Orzo
Right then, let's chat about making this Lemon Chicken Orzo with Roasted Asparagus sing! It is one of the family favorite recipes chicken .
Honestly, recipes are just blueprints, yeah? Feel free to tweak it till it shouts you .
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
So, you've got this gorgeous creamy lemon pasta recipe . How do you make it look as good as it tastes? Simple! Think freshness.
A sprinkle of extra Parmesan, a good handful of fresh parsley. Bam! Serve it in shallow bowls. If you are looking for ideas to impress, this is the best Banana Dessert to start.
What to serve alongside? A nice, crisp green salad is a winner. Even some crusty bread for soaking up that lovely sauce.
Delicious ! As for drinks, a glass of chilled Pinot Grigio goes down a treat. Fancy something non-alcoholic? Elderflower presse is lush .
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Got leftovers? No worries, mate. Pop the orzo into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. Should be grand for up to three days.
Reheating? Microwave works, but a gentle simmer in a pan with a splash of broth is better. Makes it nice and creamy again.
Not ideal for freezing, though the orzo can get a bit mushy.
Variations: Your Flavour, Your Way
Want to switch things up? Go wild! How about adding some spinach at the last minute for extra greens? For my family, this is a staple where we swap out Roasted Asparagus Recipes with peas for a seasonal twist.
Sun-dried tomatoes add a yummy punch. If you're feeling brave, a pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a kick.
If you are a vegetarian you can exclude the chicken and add mushrooms instead. If you have dietary restrictions, you could switch out heavy cream for coconut cream for a lighter option.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
Okay, I am no nutritionist. Here's the lowdown on this Mediterranean inspired recipes : Packed with protein, thanks to the chicken.
Carbs from the orzo, but hey, we all need energy. The lemon gives you a vitamin C boost. Just be mindful of the Parmesan it can be a bit salty.
Generally speaking, it is a fairly balanced easy weeknight dinner recipes option that everyone will love!
I made it last night and it was amazing, very similar to a delicious Lemon Chicken Orzo Recipe . The best is that I used the one pan and was super easy for cleaning.
You should try it!
So, there you have it! Don't be scared to experiment. Get in the kitchen, put on some tunes, and have some fun.
You've got this! This recipe has more potential than the Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Recipe .
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Lemon Chicken Orzo with Roasted Asparagus recipe difficult to make? I'm not exactly a Gordon Ramsay in the kitchen!
Not at all! This Lemon Chicken Orzo with Roasted Asparagus recipe is designed to be easy, even for beginner cooks. It involves simple techniques like roasting asparagus and sautéing chicken. Think of it as more "Nigella Lawson effortless" than "Heston Blumenthal complicated!"
Can I make "For my family, this is" Lemon Chicken Orzo with Roasted Asparagus ahead of time?
While it's best served fresh, you can prep some components ahead of time. Chop the vegetables, marinate the chicken, and even roast the asparagus a day in advance. Store each separately in the fridge.
However, it's best to cook the orzo and assemble the dish just before serving to prevent the orzo from absorbing too much sauce and becoming mushy.
How should I store leftovers of this Lemon Chicken Orzo dish?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium low heat or in the microwave. You might need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.
I'm trying to eat healthier. Are there any substitutions I can make to this recipe?
Absolutely! For a lighter version, you can substitute half and-half or milk for the heavy cream, though the sauce may not be as thick. Using whole wheat orzo will add fibre. Consider increasing the amount of asparagus or adding other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
Using low-sodium chicken broth also helps reduce sodium intake.
My kids are picky eaters! How can I get them to try "For my family, this is" Lemon Chicken Orzo with Roasted Asparagus?
Ah, the classic parental struggle! Try cutting the chicken into smaller, bite sized pieces. You can also offer the asparagus separately, or even blend some into the sauce for a hidden veggie boost. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese always helps, too.
Sometimes presentation is key get them involved in sprinkling the parsley on top!
What if I don't have asparagus? Can I substitute it with something else?
No worries, feel free to swap the asparagus for other green veggies you have on hand! Broccoli florets, green beans, or even zucchini would work well. Adjust the roasting time as needed to ensure they are tender crisp.
Remember, cooking is all about making it your own and using what you have available, a bit like improvising in a Bake Off technical challenge!
Lemon Chicken Orzo With Roasted Asparagus
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-500 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 3g |
