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Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Skillet Recipe with Creamy Orzo Made Easy

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A quick and easy skillet meal featuring crispy lemon pepper chicken paired with creamy, flavorful orzo. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines bold citrus seasoning with a comforting creamy pasta base.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds / 680 grams), pounded to even thickness
  • 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free option)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 cup orzo pasta (about 180 grams)
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (480 ml)
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. In a shallow dish, mix lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and flour. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken breasts and cook 5-6 minutes on first side without moving. Flip and cook another 4-5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken and tent with foil to rest.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to skillet and melt. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add orzo and stir to coat in butter and skillet flavors. Toast lightly for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
  4. Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir to combine. Bring to gentle boil, reduce heat to low, cover skillet, and simmer 10-12 minutes until orzo is tender and most liquid absorbed. Stir occasionally.
  5. Stir in cream cheese and Parmesan until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning if needed. Orzo should be creamy but not soupy.
  6. Nestle rested chicken breasts back into skillet, spoon some orzo over top. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before dredging for best crispiness. Avoid overcrowding pan to maintain heat and crisp crust. Let chicken rest after cooking to keep juices locked in. Toast orzo before simmering for nutty flavor. Stir orzo occasionally but gently to prevent mushiness. If orzo looks dry, add splash of broth or water.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon pepper chicken, creamy orzo, skillet recipe, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, weeknight meal, crispy chicken, lemon chicken

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/crispy-lemon-pepper-chicken-skillet-recipe-with-creamy-orzo-made-easy/