Lemon Garlic Chicken Orzo (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Chicken Meatballs
01 -
1 tbsp olive oil for frying
02 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (if you like)
03 -
Salt and pepper, as much as you need
04 -
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if you want some heat
05 -
1 tbsp lemon juice
06 -
Zest of a whole lemon
07 -
2 garlic cloves, minced up
08 -
1 large egg
09 -
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
10 -
1/2 cup panko or any breadcrumbs
11 -
1 lb ground chicken
→ Creamy Orzo
12 -
Lemon wedges for squeezing on top (your call)
13 -
Fresh parsley leaves to sprinkle (optional)
14 -
Salt and pepper for flavor
15 -
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
16 -
1/2 cup thick cream
17 -
1 cup chicken broth
18 -
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
19 -
1 tbsp butter or olive oil
20 -
1 cup orzo pasta
# Instructions:
01 -
Dump the chicken, bread crumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, lemon zest and juice, red pepper flakes, some salt and pepper in a big bowl. Stir it up till just mixed—don't go wild with the mixing.
02 -
Scoop up bits of the mix and roll into meatballs about an inch wide using your hands.
03 -
Warm up olive oil in a big pan over medium. Put in your meatballs and turn them every so often. Give them 7 to 9 minutes till they're browned and cooked all the way. Take 'em out and set aside.
04 -
If you need more oil, add it to the same pan. Toss in the garlic and stir for a minute. Pour in the orzo and let it get toasty for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring the whole time.
05 -
Add in the chicken broth and keep it on a low simmer. Give it 8 to 10 minutes, stirring every so often. Orzo should soak up most of the liquid and be nice and soft.
06 -
Pour in the cream and cheese. Season with some more salt and pepper. Let it bubble for 2 minutes—stir till it thickens up a bit.
07 -
Put those meatballs back in with the orzo, gently toss everything together. Keep it over the heat for another 3 or 4 minutes to get it all cozy. Top with parsley or lemon wedges if you want and dig in.
# Notes:
01 -
Stir in some chopped kale or spinach near the end if you want more veggies
02 -
Swap the cream for half-and-half if you're after something lighter
03 -
Keep extra broth nearby and splash some in if your orzo sucks up too much liquid