Lemon Hen and Orzo – The Keep At Residence Chef

With contemporary, vibrant lemon and herbs, this one-pot meal is our favourite solution to efficiently pull off a home-cooked meal throughout the busy workweek. This simple recipe covers your entire bases—prepared in simply 45 minutes and tremendous flavorful whereas nonetheless being a lighter possibility that doesn’t depart you feeling weighed down.

Love Orzo previous as a lot as we do? Strive our simple and scrumptious One Pot Italian Chicken Orzo.

Orzo pasta elevates this easy dish and pairs effectively with the lemon rooster, maintaining issues fascinating so that you don’t should fall again on boring, boiled pasta. If you want a fast and straightforward dinner with minimal cleanup, this Lemon Hen and Orzo is the proper resolution.

Ingredient Notes

• Hen Breasts: You can even use boneless thighs in case you favor darker meat. Simply make certain to chop them into bite-size items and trim off any fats.
• Olive Oil: Substitute with any impartial cooking oil, resembling vegetable or canola oil.
• Hen Broth: Utilizing a low-sodium possibility lets you greatest management the flavour. It’s an incredible chef tip.
• Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice works effectively and retains prep to a minimal, however freshly squeezed at all times has the perfect taste.
• Orzo: This short-cut pasta resembles rice and is discovered within the pasta aisle in a field or plastic container. Examine the cooking time in your bundle for the perfect outcomes.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly shredded or grated Parmesan at all times melts the perfect.

Hen Choices

Rotisserie Hen: When you’re in a rush, rotisserie rooster is a incredible time-saver. Since rotisserie chickens are normally a loss chief for grocery shops, it’s a money-saver too! Merely shred about 1 1/2 to 2 cups of pre-cooked rooster and stir it in throughout the previous few minutes of cooking.

Leftover Hen: Bought leftover rooster from a earlier meal? Whether or not it’s grilled, baked, or roasted, you’ll be able to simply shred it and add it to your soup. This can be a nice solution to reduce waste and provides new life to leftovers.

Hen Thighs: When you favor darkish meat, boneless rooster thighs are a tasty different to rooster breasts. They add a richer taste to the soup and have a tendency to remain extra tender and juicy. Sear and cook dinner them simply as you’d rooster breasts.

Add Veggies

Simply add some shade to this one-pot dish by incorporating contemporary greens. Asparagus, broccoli, and inexperienced beans are all nice choices that pair effectively with lemon, basil, and parmesan.

For asparagus, add chopped asparagus over the last 3–4 minutes of cooking so it stays tender-crisp.

For broccoli, stir in small broccoli florets about 5 minutes earlier than the orzo is finished to make sure they soften with out turning into mushy.

For inexperienced beans, minimize into bite-sized items and add them over the last 5 minutes of cooking for the perfect texture.

If utilizing softer veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes, stir them in after turning off the warmth and allow them to wilt from the residual heat.

The Proper Pan

Measurement Issues: Go for a big, deep skillet (12 inches or larger). It provides the rooster and orzo loads of room to cook dinner evenly and retains every part from spilling out if you stir.

Lid Required: You’ll want a lid to cowl the pan whereas the orzo cooks. In case your skillet doesn’t have one, no worries—simply cowl it tightly with foil.

No skillet? No drawback! A large, shallow Dutch oven or braiser works like a appeal.