Can eat this on repeat every week! Delish!
Lemon Chicken Orzo Casserole is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that’s sure to please your taste buds. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. In this article, we’ll explore how to prepare this mouthwatering dish step-by-step, along with helpful tips and insights to elevate your cooking experience.
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Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Chicken breast | 1 pound, diced into bite-sized pieces |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Onion | 1 small, chopped |
| Garlic cloves | 2, minced |
| Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Chicken broth | 2 1/2 cups |
| Heavy cream | 1/2 cup |
| Lemon zest | Zest of 1 lemon |
| Fresh lemon juice | 3 tablespoons |
| Orzo pasta | 1 1/2 cups |
| Frozen peas | 1 cup |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 1 1/2 cups |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Chopped parsley | 2 tablespoons, for garnish |
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your casserole will cook evenly and thoroughly.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large ovenproof skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken breast with salt and pepper, then cook until it’s nicely browned and nearly cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
- Prepare the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened. Stir in minced garlic and dried thyme, sautéing for another minute until fragrant.
- Thicken the Sauce: Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the cooked onions and garlic, stirring to coat evenly. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Simmer the mixture until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Cream and Citrus: Stir in heavy cream, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. Add uncooked orzo and frozen peas to the skillet, followed by the cooked chicken. Mix everything well to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Top with Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses over the top of the mixture.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the orzo is tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before garnishing it with chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, citrusy goodness!
