Description
For the Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Orzo:
1 cup orzo pasta
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, until cooked through. Let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
While the chicken is grilling, cook orzo according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until creamy.
Add cooked orzo to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve the creamy lemon Parmesan orzo with sliced grilled chicken on top. Garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes Kcal: 460 per serving Servings: 4 servings
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results. First, pat the chicken breasts dry to ensure a good sear. Combine the olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl, then coat the chicken thoroughly. Preheat your grill or a heavy skillet to medium-high. While the chicken cooks, start the orzo. For the sauce, ensure your cream and Parmesan are at room temperature to prevent curdling. After adding the orzo to the skillet, let it simmer gently for a minute to absorb the flavors fully. Always let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain its juices.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is versatile. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a simple arugula salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Steamed asparagus or roasted broccoli also pair beautifully. To elevate the presentation, serve family-style on a large platter, arranging the sliced chicken over the bed of orzo and garnishing generously with fresh parsley and extra lemon zest. A final drizzle of high-quality olive oil adds a lovely finish.
How-to Summary
In brief: Season and grill chicken until cooked through. Cook orzo separately. Create a creamy sauce by simmering butter, garlic, heavy cream, Parmesan, lemon juice, and zest. Combine the sauce with the drained orzo. Slice the rested chicken and serve it atop the creamy orzo. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely. Boneless, skinless thighs will work well but may require an additional 2-3 minutes of cooking per side due to their higher fat content.
How can I make this recipe lighter? Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Note the sauce will be slightly less rich.
My sauce seems too thick. How can I thin it? Simply stir in a splash of the pasta cooking water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I prepare any components ahead of time? You can cook the orzo and make the sauce ahead, storing them separately. Reheat the sauce gently over low heat, adding a little cream or milk to loosen it, then combine with the reheated orzo.
What can I use instead of fresh lemon? Use 2 tablespoons of bottled lemon juice in place of fresh, but omit the zest as bottled zest lacks freshness. The flavor will be less bright.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcooking the chicken, which leads to dryness—use a meat thermometer and remove it at 165°F. Do not add cold cream directly to the hot pan, as it can cause the sauce to separate. Let it warm slightly first. Rushing the sauce by cooking on too high heat can cause the dairy to curdle; maintain a gentle simmer. Finally, do not skip resting the chicken, as slicing immediately will cause the flavorful juices to run out.
Conclusion
This Grilled Chicken with Creamy Lemon Parmesan Orzo is a restaurant-quality meal achievable in under 30 minutes. The harmony of juicy, herbed chicken with the rich, citrus-kissed pasta creates a satisfying and impressive dish perfect for both weeknights and entertaining. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can master this recipe and enjoy a delicious, balanced dinner any day of the week.
