Introduction:

Lemon Butter Chicken Bites with Garlic Herb Orzo is a deliciously comforting meal that brings together tender, juicy chicken bites in a luscious, zesty lemon butter sauce paired with aromatic orzo infused with garlic and herbs. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re craving a satisfying meal with balanced flavors of citrus, buttery richness, and fresh herbs. The combination of the savory chicken and vibrant orzo creates a delightful contrast that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress with its beautiful presentation and gourmet taste. Plus, it’s quick to make, perfect for busy days without sacrificing flavor. Follow the steps below to make this irresistible Lemon Butter Chicken Bites with Garlic Herb Orzo.

Ingredients:

For the Lemon Butter Chicken Bites:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme leaves
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Garlic Herb Orzo:

• 1½ cups (300g) orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cups (475ml) chicken broth (or water)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Juice of half a lemon (optional, for an extra citrusy kick)

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Bites

1. Season the Chicken – In a large bowl, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and thyme. Toss to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning.
2. Cook the Chicken – Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and the skillet is hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even browning. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

1. Add Garlic and Lemon – In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
2. Deglaze with Lemon – Add the lemon juice and zest to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. If using, add the crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of spice. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
3. Return the Chicken – Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, tossing to coat it with the lemon butter sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and well coated with the sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Garlic Herb Orzo

1. Sauté Garlic – In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Cook the Orzo – Stir in the orzo pasta, coating it with the garlic-infused oil. Add the butter and chicken broth (or water) to the pan, stirring well. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking.
3. Add Herbs and Seasoning – Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and fresh parsley and basil. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice if you prefer a more citrus-forward flavor. Stir everything together and remove from heat.

Step 4: Plate the Dish

1. Serve the Orzo – Spoon a generous portion of the garlic herb orzo onto each plate as the base for your dish.
2. Top with Chicken Bites – Pile the lemon butter chicken bites on top of the orzo, ensuring the chicken is well coated with the lemon butter sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish – Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top of the chicken for a fresh, bright finish. If desired, add a lemon wedge on the side for an extra burst of citrus when served.
2. Serve Hot – Serve the dish immediately, pairing it with a side salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Notes:

• Be careful not to overcook the chicken. Chicken breasts can dry out quickly, so it’s best to cook them until just done, keeping them juicy and tender.
• If you prefer, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for an even juicier result.
• The garlic herb orzo can be made ahead and reheated before serving, making this dish an excellent option for meal prep.

Serving Suggestions:

• Pair this dish with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the butter sauce.
• Roasted vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts would be a great side dish to accompany the chicken and orzo.
• For a more indulgent meal, serve with a glass of chilled white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, which complements the lemony and herbaceous flavors.

Tips:

• To save time, you can marinate the chicken in the lemon and herb mixture for 30 minutes before cooking for even more flavor.
• If you want to add extra veggies to the dish, sauté spinach or kale in the same pan after removing the chicken, then fold it into the orzo.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to revive the sauce if needed.

Prep Time:

• 15 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 25 minutes

Total Time:

• 40 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 38g
• Sodium: 600mg

Conclusion:

Lemon Butter Chicken Bites with Garlic Herb Orzo is a delightful combination of tangy, buttery chicken and herb-infused pasta that’s both simple to make and elegant enough for any occasion. The lemon adds a refreshing brightness that complements the rich garlic butter sauce, while the orzo brings a comforting, herby base to the meal. This dish is perfect for those who crave gourmet flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re serving it for a family meal or impressing guests, this recipe will become a go-to favorite!

Lemon Butter Chicken Bites with Garlic Herb Orzo

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• Author: Imili Johnson
• Total Time: 40 minutes

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Ingredients

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For the Lemon Butter Chicken Bites:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme leaves
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Garlic Herb Orzo:

• 1½ cups (300g) orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cups (475ml) chicken broth (or water)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Juice of half a lemon (optional, for an extra citrusy kick)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Bites

1. Season the Chicken – In a large bowl, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and thyme. Toss to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning.
2. Cook the Chicken – Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and the skillet is hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even browning. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

1. Add Garlic and Lemon – In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
2. Deglaze with Lemon – Add the lemon juice and zest to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. If using, add the crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of spice. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
3. Return the Chicken – Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, tossing to coat it with the lemon butter sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and well coated with the sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Garlic Herb Orzo

1. Sauté Garlic – In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Cook the Orzo – Stir in the orzo pasta, coating it with the garlic-infused oil. Add the butter and chicken broth (or water) to the pan, stirring well. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking.
3. Add Herbs and Seasoning – Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and fresh parsley and basil. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice if you prefer a more citrus-forward flavor. Stir everything together and remove from heat.

Step 4: Plate the Dish

1. Serve the Orzo – Spoon a generous portion of the garlic herb orzo onto each plate as the base for your dish.
2. Top with Chicken Bites – Pile the lemon butter chicken bites on top of the orzo, ensuring the chicken is well coated with the lemon butter sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish – Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top of the chicken for a fresh, bright finish. If desired, add a lemon wedge on the side for an extra burst of citrus when served.
2. Serve Hot – Serve the dish immediately, pairing it with a side salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: 520
• Sodium: 600mg
• Protein: 38g