Lemon Basil Orzo with Chicken
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
675 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
Italian
Lemon Basil Orzo with Chicken
Description
This recipe pairs perfectly cooked chicken tenders seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, sauteed in olive oil, with orzo pasta cooked al dente. The orzo is tossed with olive oil to prevent sticking and kept warm. Garlic and onion are sautéed in butter, then deglazed with dry white wine to bring out nuanced flavors. Lemon juice and freshly torn basil leaves are added to the sauce, which is combined with the orzo and topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
The lemon gives a bright, fresh note that balances the richness of butter and cheese, while basil adds a fragrant, herbaceous layer. The orzo’s texture is tender but firm, complementing the juicy chicken tenders. This dish can be served as a complete meal or alongside a crisp salad for a balanced plate.
Ingredients
- ½ lb orzo pasta dry
- 2 lbs chicken breast tenders
- olive oil
- salt Kosher salt and freshly ground
- black pepper Kosher salt and freshly ground
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 TB butter salted
- 6 cloves garlic chopped
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 cup white wine dry
- 2 TB lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- ½ cup basil freshly torn leaves
- lemon more parmesan, extra basil leaves, wedges, for garnish
Instructions
- In a pot of generously salted water, cook orzo just until al dente; don't overcook. Drain and toss with about 2 TB olive oil to prevent sticking. Keep warm.
- While pasta is cooking: pat dry the moisture from chicken tenders with paper towels. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp garlic powder. Sprinkle evenly on both sides of chicken pieces.
- In a large skillet (not non-stick) add 4 TB olive oil over medium high heat. When oil is hot, cook chicken tenders just until no longer pink in center, about 2-3 min per side (depending on thickness of chicken.) Remove chicken from pan and keep warm.
- In same used skillet, add the butter over medium high heat. Once melted, add garlic and onion, stirring 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add wine; deglaze pan by scraping bits loose with your spatula while the liquid cooks. Reduce liquid by half, about 3 minutes. Add lemon juice and turn off heat. Add kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste (1/4-1/2 tsp each.)
- Place cooked orzo in a large serving bowl; toss with freshly grated parmesan and onion/garlic mixture. Toss in basil leaves. Serve with chicken and garnish as desired.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 675 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 675kcal | 34% |
| Carbohydrates | 57.5g | 19% |
| Protein | 67.4g | 135% |
| Fat | 18.4g | 28% |
| Saturated Fat | 8.6g | 43% |
| Cholesterol | 195.1mg | 65% |
| Sodium | 450.4mg | 19% |
| Fiber | 3.1g | 12% |
| Sugar | 6.5g | 13% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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