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Here’s what you need to make this tasty dish. Gather these ingredients for Garlic Herb Chicken with Lemon Orzo: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 4 cloves of garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided - 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 cups chicken broth - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of 1 lemon - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a key role in this recipe. The chicken breasts serve as the main protein. Garlic adds a strong flavor, while rosemary and thyme bring freshness. Paprika gives a hint of spice. Salt and black pepper enhance all the tastes. Olive oil keeps the chicken moist and helps with cooking. Orzo pasta is a small, rice-shaped pasta that absorbs flavors well. Chicken broth adds depth, while lemon zest and juice brighten the dish. Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a fresh taste. You can find the full recipe in the article. Enjoy gathering your ingredients! First, gather your marinade. You need minced garlic, fresh rosemary, thyme, paprika, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Mix these ingredients in a bowl. Coat the chicken breasts well with this mixture. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes. This helps the chicken absorb all those tasty flavors. Next, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add one tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want it golden brown and fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes. In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth. Bring it to a boil. Once boiling, stir in the orzo. Lower the heat and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes. The orzo should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed. After cooking, stir in the lemon zest and juice for a bright flavor. Now, slice the garlic herb chicken into strips. Gently fold the chicken into the lemon orzo. If needed, adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper. This step ensures every bite is flavorful. For the final touch, serve the dish on a large platter or individual plates. Use fresh parsley to garnish. This adds color and freshness, making the dish even more appealing. Enjoy this tasty delight! For the full recipe, check out the instructions above. To boost your dish, try using fresh herbs like basil or oregano. These herbs can add unique tastes to your garlic herb chicken. You can also mix in some parsley for a fresh touch. Marinating the chicken longer really helps deepen the flavor. Aim for at least an hour, but overnight is best if you have the time. Just remember to keep it in the fridge while marinating. To get perfect chicken doneness, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Cook each side until golden brown for a nice crust. For orzo, cook it until it’s tender but still firm. This is called al dente. Stir occasionally, and make sure to watch the liquid level so it doesn’t dry out. Plating is key for a beautiful meal. Try stacking the orzo and placing the chicken on top. This adds height and makes the dish look fancy. For sides, think about bright colors. Steamed green beans or a mixed salad can add a nice contrast. A sprinkle of lemon zest on top also helps brighten up the plate. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. {{image_2}} You can easily switch up the protein in this dish. Shrimp or tofu works well. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice flavor. Tofu is great for a plant-based option. Both will pair nicely with the lemon orzo. You can also try different pasta. Instead of orzo, you could use farro or quinoa. These grains offer a unique taste and texture. They also add different nutrients to your meal. Feel free to add more herbs and spices. Basil or oregano can enhance the taste. You might also try a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Adding vegetables can take this dish to the next level. Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers would be lovely. Mix them into the orzo for color and flavor. They also boost the health benefits of the meal. If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free orzo. Many brands offer tasty alternatives that cook just like regular orzo. You can also make this meal low-calorie. Use less oil or replace chicken with lean turkey. You can also cut back on the orzo and add more veggies. This way, you can enjoy a lighter dish without losing flavor. For the full recipe, check out the Garlic Herb Chicken with Lemon Orzo section. To keep your garlic herb chicken and lemon orzo fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Store the dish in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It will stay good for three to four days. If you plan to eat it later, ensure it cools before sealing. You can freeze garlic herb chicken and lemon orzo for later use. Allow the dish to cool completely. Then, place it in freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you want to eat it, defrost in the fridge overnight. For quick defrosting, use the microwave on low power. Reheat chicken and orzo gently to keep the taste and texture. Use a skillet over low heat to warm the chicken. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. For orzo, warm it in a pot on the stove. Stir occasionally and add a bit of broth if needed. This way, it stays creamy and delicious. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions and enjoy your meal! The best way to check chicken doneness is by using a meat thermometer. The ideal internal temperature for fully cooked chicken is 165°F (75°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast. If it reads 165°F, your chicken is safe to eat. This ensures it is juicy and tender. Yes, you can use dried herbs instead of fresh ones. The general rule is to use one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh herbs. For example, if the recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of fresh rosemary, use about 2 teaspoons of dried rosemary. This gives you the flavor without overpowering the dish. For sides, consider fresh vegetables like steamed broccoli or a simple green salad. Roasted asparagus also complements the dish well. If you want a fun beverage, a crisp white wine or sparkling water works great with this meal. These choices enhance the flavors and create a balanced dinner experience. You can find the full recipe above for more details on making this delightful dish! In this post, I covered how to make Garlic Herb Chicken with Lemon Orzo. We explored the ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips to enhance flavor. You can adjust the recipe to fit your diet and preferences. Proper storage and reheating techniques help keep your meal tasty. Remember, cooking should be fun and easy! Now, gather your ingredients and enjoy making this delicious dish.

- Garlic Herb Chicken with Lemon Orzo

Impress your dinner guests with a flavorful Garlic Herb Chicken with Lemon Orzo that everyone will love. This easy recipe combines juicy marinated chicken with zesty orzo pasta, creating a delightful meal that's perfect for any occasion. Discover simple cooking steps and tips for serving this tasty dish.
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

4 cloves of garlic, minced

2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped

2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

1 cup orzo pasta

2 cups chicken broth

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 1 lemon

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, paprika, salt, black pepper, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix well and coat the chicken breasts with this marinade. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.

    Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the marinated chicken breasts. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Remove from skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes.

      Prepare the Orzo: In the same skillet, add the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Stir in the orzo and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes or until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed. Stir in the lemon zest and juice once cooked.

        Combine and Serve: Slice the garlic herb chicken into strips and gently fold it into the lemon orzo. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

          Garnish and Plate: Serve the dish on a large platter or individual plates, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

            Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 mins | 45 mins | 4 servings