By nlejune
Lemon Basil Orzo with Chicken
5 steps
Prep:20minCook:20min
This Lemon Basil Orzo with Chicken is quick, easy, and absolutely scrumptious. It’s the ultimate spring-summer dinner; light yet incredibly tasty. It’s an instant hit you can count on.
Updated at: Thu, 17 Aug 2023 11:30:57 GMT
Nutrition balance score
Great
Glycemic Index
45
Low
Glycemic Load
18
Moderate
Nutrition per serving
Calories697.6 kcal (35%)
Total Fat24.3 g (35%)
Carbs40.7 g (16%)
Sugars4.7 g (5%)
Protein66.7 g (133%)
Sodium664.6 mg (33%)
Fiber7.5 g (27%)
% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet
Ingredients
4 servings
0.5 lbdry orzo pasta
2 lbschicken breast tenders
olive oil
kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
1 tspgarlic powder
2 tbsalted butter
6cloves garlic
chopped
1onion
chopped
1 cupdry white wine
2 tblemon juice
freshly squeezed
1 cupparmesan cheese
freshly grated
½ cupbasil leaves
freshly torn
lemon wedges
garnish
parmesan
garnish
basil leaves
garnish
Instructions
Step 1
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.
Step 2
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.
Step 3
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.
Step 4
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.)
Step 5
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.
Notes
145 liked
16 disliked
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Easy
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Makes leftovers