Best Creamy Lemon Orzo Recipes

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CREAMY LEMON-PEPPER ORZO WITH GRILLED CHICKEN



Creamy Lemon-Pepper Orzo with Grilled Chicken image

If you love risotto but want something quicker, this simple orzo takes half the time. Rich cheese and cream are switched out for tangy Greek yogurt and goat cheese for equally satisfying creaminess. Sweet green peas, fragrant fresh tarragon and basil scream spring--though this dish is a year-round classic. Get your fork--and appetite--ready.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 55m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/4 cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt, at room temperature
1 large clove garlic, minced
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
3 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup whole-wheat or other whole-grain orzo
1 cup frozen petite peas, thawed and patted dry
2 ounces finely crumbled goat cheese, at room temperature
4 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs, such as basil and tarragon

Steps:

  • Bring a pot of water to a boil; prepare a grill or grill pan for medium heat.
  • Whisk together the yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, 2 teaspoons of the oil and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper in a medium bowl until well combined.
  • Rub the chicken thighs with the remaining 1 teaspoon oil and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Grill until nicely marked and cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board and let stand for at least 5 minutes.
  • Add the orzo to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions for al dente, stirring in the peas during the last minute of cooking. Drain the orzo and peas, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid. Stir the orzo and peas into the yogurt mixture, along with the goat cheese, 3 tablespoons of the herbs and at least 3/4 cup of the cooking liquid, until well combined. Transfer to a platter.
  • Thinly slice the chicken and arrange on top of the orzo. Sprinkle with the lemon zest and the remaining 1 tablespoon herbs.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 317 calorie, Fat 9.5 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Cholesterol 50 milligrams, Sodium 266 milligrams, Carbohydrate 37 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 21 grams, Sugar 4 grams

CREAMY LEMON ORZO



Creamy Lemon Orzo image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     side-dish

Time 25m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
3 bay leaves
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 leeks (white and light green parts), halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
2 cups orzo
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest, plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Steps:

  • Bring the chicken broth, 1 cup water and the bay leaves to a simmer in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  • Meanwhile, melt 3 tablespoons butter in a medium dutch oven over medium heat. Add the leeks and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened but not browned, about 4 minutes. Stir in the orzo and thyme; season with salt and pepper. Add the warm broth mixture and adjust the heat to maintain a simmer. Add the heavy cream and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Remove the bay leaves. Stir the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, the parsley and the lemon zest and juice into the orzo; season with salt and pepper.

CREAMY LEMON PEPPER ORZO WITH GRILLED CHICKEN



CREAMY LEMON PEPPER ORZO WITH GRILLED CHICKEN image

Categories     Chicken     Dinner     Grill/Barbecue

Yield 3 Servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

¼ cup plain fat-free Greek yogurt, at room temperature
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 large clove garlic, minced
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 cup whole wheat or other whole grain orzo
1 cup frozen petite peas, thawed and patted dry
2 ounces finely crumbled goat cheese, at room temperature
4 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs, such as basil and tarragon

Steps:

  • Whisk together the yogurt, 2 teaspoons of the oil, garlic, lemon juice and ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper in a medium bowl until well combined. Bring a pot of water to a boil and preheat an outdoor or indoor grill to medium heat. Rub the chicken thighs with the remaining 1 teaspoon oil and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon pepper and ¼ teaspoon salt. Grill until nicely marked and cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board at let stand for at least 5 minutes. Add the orzo to the boiling water and cook according to package directions for al dente, stirring in the peas the last minute of cooking. Drain the orzo and peas, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid. Stir the orzo and peas into the yogurt mixture, along with the goat cheese, 3 tablespoons of the fresh herbs and at least ¾ cup of the cooking liquid, until well combined. Transfer to a platter. Thinly slice the chicken and arrange on top of the orzo. Sprinkle with the lemon zest and the remaining 1 tablespoon fresh herbs and serve.

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