Lemon Basil Orzo with Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lemon Basil Orzo with Chicken is a great combination of vibrant, fresh flavors that are easy to prepare and delicious to eat. The creamy, cheesy orzo is complemented by the bright acidity of lemon and the herbal freshness of basil. The tender chicken adds protein, making this a balanced and fulfilling meal. Best of all, it only takes about 40 minutes to make!

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• ½ lb dry orzo pasta

• 2 lbs chicken breast tenders

• Olive oil

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 2 TB salted butter

• 6 cloves garlic, chopped

• 1 onion, chopped

• 1 cup dry white wine

• 2 TB freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

• ½ cup freshly torn basil leaves

• Garnish: Lemon wedges, more parmesan, extra basil leaves

Directions

1. In a pot of generously salted water, cook orzo until al dente, then drain and toss with about 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Keep warm.

2. Pat dry the chicken tenders and season them with ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder.

3. Heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken tenders for 2-3 minutes per side, until no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, add butter and melt over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and onion, sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

5. Pour in the wine, scraping the bits from the pan. Let the liquid reduce by half for about 3 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice and turn off the heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Toss the cooked orzo in a large serving bowl with the onion and garlic mixture. Stir in the parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. Serve with the chicken and garnish with extra parmesan and basil.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Meatless Option: Skip the chicken and add roasted sliced almonds or other nuts for texture and protein.

• Grilled Shrimp: Swap the chicken for grilled or sautéed shrimp for a different protein option.

• Extra Herbs: Add freshly chopped parsley, oregano, or chives to enhance the flavor.

• Broth Substitute: If you don’t have white wine, use regular-strength chicken broth for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the orzo and chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little olive oil or butter to prevent it from sticking. You can also microwave it for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Look for gluten-free orzo, which is now available at many grocery stores.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute orzo with another small pasta like ditalini, farfalle, or penne, but the cooking time may vary slightly.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

While it’s best served fresh, you can cook the orzo and chicken in advance and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, just heat and combine.

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Grilled shrimp, tofu, or even a vegetarian protein like chickpeas could be great alternatives.

Is there a non-alcoholic option for the white wine?

Yes, you can substitute the wine with chicken broth for a similar depth of flavor.

Can I freeze this dish?

It’s not ideal for freezing, as the texture of the orzo and chicken may change once thawed.

What can I serve this with?

This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or some crusty bread.

Can I make this recipe with store-bought pesto?

Yes, you can replace the fresh basil with pesto for a richer, more intense flavor.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the orzo for some heat.

What type of white wine should I use for this recipe?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works best for its crisp acidity.

Conclusion

Lemon Basil Orzo with Chicken is an incredibly tasty, light dish perfect for any occasion. The fresh lemon and basil flavors, combined with tender chicken and creamy orzo, make for a satisfying meal. Whether you're looking for a quick dinner option or something special for a gathering, this recipe will surely hit the spot!

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This Lemon Basil Orzo with Chicken recipe is a refreshing, light, and easy-to-make dish packed with zesty flavors. Perfect for spring and summer, the tender chicken, creamy orzo pasta, and the bright freshness of basil and lemon come together in a delightful meal. This 40-minute recipe is a great option for a family dinner or a casual gathering. Serve it with a crisp green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal!

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American, Italian
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

½ lb dry orzo pasta

2 lbs chicken breast tenders

Olive oil

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 tsp garlic powder

2 TB salted butter

6 cloves garlic, chopped

1 onion, chopped

1 cup dry white wine

2 TB freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

½ cup freshly torn basil leaves

Garnish: Lemon wedges, more parmesan, extra basil leaves

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Instructions

1. In a pot of generously salted water, cook orzo until al dente. Drain and toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Keep warm.

2. Pat dry the chicken tenders and season them with ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder.

3. Heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken tenders for 2-3 minutes per side, until no longer pink in the center. Remove chicken and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and onion, sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

5. Pour in wine, scraping the bits from the pan. Let the liquid reduce by half for about 3 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and turn off the heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Toss cooked orzo with the onion and garlic mixture in a large bowl. Stir in parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

7. Serve with chicken and garnish with extra parmesan and basil.

 

Notes

• Meatless Option: Skip the chicken and add roasted sliced almonds or other nuts for texture and protein.

• Grilled Shrimp: Swap chicken for grilled shrimp for a different protein.

• Extra Herbs: Add fresh parsley, oregano, or chives for extra flavor.

• Broth Substitute: Use chicken broth instead of white wine for a different flavor profile.

• Storage/Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.