Lemon Chicken Zucchini Orzo (Print)

Tender chicken paired with zucchini, orzo, and bright lemon for a warm, flavorful meal.

# Components:

→ Proteins

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 14 oz), diced

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium zucchini, diced
03 - 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
04 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 stalks celery, diced
07 - Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

→ Grains and Broth

09 - 3/4 cup orzo pasta
10 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

→ Seasonings

11 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
12 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
14 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add diced chicken. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme. Cook, stirring, until chicken turns opaque on all sides, about 3 to 4 minutes.
04 - Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
05 - Add orzo and zucchini. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is al dente and chicken is cooked through.
06 - Stir in lemon juice and zest, and half the parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
07 - Ladle into bowls. Garnish with remaining parsley and extra lemon slices if desired. Serve hot.

# Chef Secrets:

01 -
  • It comes together in under an hour, which means dinner on the table when everyone's actually hungry.
  • That bright lemon flavor reminds you that healthy eating doesn't have to taste virtuous.
02 -
  • Lemon juice can make a soup taste flat if added too early; always add it at the very end so it stays bright and doesn't cook away into bitterness.
  • The zucchini releases water as it cooks, so if your broth seems too thin at the end, that's normal and actually what you want for a proper soup consistency.
03 -
  • If your broth is particularly salty, use less seasoning and taste as you go—it's easier to add salt than to undo it.
  • Dice your chicken smaller rather than larger; smaller pieces cook faster and distribute better throughout the pot, making every bite feel intentional.
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