Description
Savor the juicy flavors of Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken with Orzo, a delightful dish that’s perfect for a sunny outdoor meal. This recipe combines tender chicken marinated in zesty lemon and fresh herbs with nutty orzo pasta, creating a dish that is both vibrant and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Orzo
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Vegetables
- 1 cup seasonal vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, etc.)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended, creating a fragrant marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated, then seal the bag or cover the dish. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
- Cook the Orzo: While the chicken marinates, cook the orzo according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, tossing with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off, and place it on the grill. Grill for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
- Combine and Serve: Once the chicken is done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Toss the cooked orzo with your choice of grilled veggies and a drizzle of olive oil, then top with the sliced chicken. Serve warm, garnished with additional herbs and lemon wedges.
Notes
- Don’t Skip the Marinade: Allowing the chicken to marinate enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the chicken is cooked to 165°F for best results and safety.
- Let It Rest: Resting the chicken after grilling helps retain its juices, making it more succulent.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using fresh herbs and lemon juice elevates the dish significantly compared to dried alternatives.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Thicker chicken breasts may require additional grilling time, so keep an eye on them!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Grilled Chicken, Lemon Herb, Orzo, Summer Recipe, Quick Meal