Best 2 Lemon Pepper Orzo Recipes

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Indulge in a delightful culinary journey with our curated collection of lemon pepper orzo recipes, a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. From the classic one-pot dish to innovative variations featuring succulent shrimp, tender chicken, or roasted vegetables, our recipes offer a versatile range of options to suit every palate. Embark on a zesty adventure as you explore the vibrant flavors of lemon and pepper, perfectly complementing the delicate texture of orzo pasta. Each recipe is meticulously crafted to ensure a harmonious blend of tangy citrus, aromatic herbs, and a subtle hint of spice. Whether you seek a quick and easy weeknight meal or an impressive dish for a special occasion, our lemon pepper orzo recipes are sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Let's cook with our recipes!

LEMON PEPPER ORZO



Lemon Pepper Orzo image

Provided by Aaron McCargo Jr.

Categories     side-dish

Time 20m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 1/2 cups chicken stock
1 cup orzo
2 lemons, juiced
1/4 cup cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
2 tablespoons mascarpone
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons fresh chives
1 tablespoon cracked black pepper
1 teaspoon lemon zest

Steps:

  • In a medium saute pan, bring the chicken stock to a boil. Add orzo and cook for 7 to 8 minutes until liquid is almost absorbed and orzo is tender. Turn heat off.
  • Stir in the remaining ingredients. Season with salt and pepper, if necessary, and serve.

LEMON PEPPER CHICKEN WITH ORZO



Lemon Pepper Chicken with Orzo image

Number Of Ingredients 8

4 Chicken thighs
5 teaspoon Lemon pepper seasoning, divide
1 tablespoon Canola oil
2 Garlic cloves
2.5 cup Chicken broth
1/4 bunch Parsley
1.5 cup Orzo
2 ounce Feta cheese, crumbled

Steps:

  • Blot the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel, then season both sides liberally with lemon pepper seasoning (about 1 tsp per chicken thigh).
  • Heat a large, deep skillet over medium flame. Add 1 Tbsp canola or vegetable oil. When the oil is hot (it should be shimmering), add the chicken thighs, skin side down. Allow the thighs to cook until browned, then flip and brown on the second side (about five minutes on each side for bone­in thighs with skin). Remove the cooked thighs to a clean plate.
  • While the thighs are browning, mince two cloves of garlic and roughly chop 1/4 bunch of parsley.
  • After removing the chicken from the skillet, pour off the excess fat and turn the heat down to low. Add the garlic and sauté for about one minute. Add the chicken broth and stir to dissolve the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
  • Add about half of the chopped parsley, one additional teaspoon of lemon pepper seasoning, and the orzo to the skillet. Stir to combine. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin side up.
  • Cover the skillet and turn the heat up to high. Allow the broth to come to a boil, then turn the heat down to low. Let the skillet simmer on low for 10­12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender. (If the broth stops simmering, increase the heat slightly to keep it simmering.)
  • After 12 minutes, the orzo should be tender and most of the broth absorbed. If there is still too much liquid, allow it to simmer without the lid for a few minutes. It's okay if the orzo is slightly saucy. Sprinkle the remaining parsley over top along with the crumbled feta.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Organic or freshly grown lemons will provide a brighter, more intense citrus taste.
  • If you don't have lemon pepper seasoning, you can make your own by combining equal parts lemon zest and freshly ground black pepper.
  • To prevent the orzo from sticking together, rinse it thoroughly with cold water before cooking.
  • Add the lemon juice and zest at the end of cooking to preserve their flavor and aroma.
  • Garnish the finished dish with fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or chives for an extra burst of flavor and color.

Conclusion:

This lemon pepper orzo recipe is a quick, easy, and flavorful side dish that's perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that's both delicious and visually appealing. Whether you're serving it as a side dish for chicken, fish, or vegetables, or simply enjoying it on its own, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So next time you're looking for a simple yet satisfying dish, give this lemon pepper orzo a try. You won't be disappointed!

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