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Lemon Pepper Chicken Broccoli Orzo

A zesty one-pan dinner featuring tender lemon pepper chicken, crisp broccoli, and creamy orzo pasta ready in 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 425

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts diced into 3/4-inch pieces
  • 1.5 cups dry orzo pasta
  • 3-4 cups broccoli florets cut into small pieces
  • 1 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
  • 2.5 cups chicken broth low sodium
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter or olive oil
  • 2-3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 small white onion chopped
  • 1 whole fresh lemon juice and zest
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large deep skillet or Dutch oven
  • wooden spoon
  • cutting board and knife

Method
 

  1. Heat butter or olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and sprinkle with lemon pepper seasoning. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through to 165°F. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
  2. If the pan looks dry, add a bit more oil. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring frequently for 2-3 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Avoid browning the garlic.
  3. Add the dry orzo to the pan and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the pasta turns slightly golden and smells nutty. This toasting step enhances the flavor.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to release the browned bits. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low for a gentle simmer.
  5. After about 5 minutes of simmering, stir in the broccoli florets. Cover with a lid and continue cooking for 5-8 minutes until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, and the broccoli is crisp-tender.
  6. Return the cooked chicken to the pan along with the lemon zest and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it.
  7. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth to loosen the pasta. Can be frozen for up to 2 months, though texture may change slightly. Make-Ahead: Dice chicken and chop broccoli up to 1 day ahead. Substitutions: Use chicken thighs for juicier meat, or substitute shrimp added in the last 3-4 minutes. For gluten-free, use gluten-free orzo or white rice (adjust liquid and cooking time). Variations: Add cream for richness, swap broccoli for spinach or kale, or make vegetarian with extra vegetables and vegetable broth.