Introduction
Golden, crispy Parmesan-crusted chicken pairs beautifully with a vibrant, herb-infused orzo tossed in lemon and parsley. It’s a comforting yet elevated meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a shallow bowl, mix Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs.
- Dip each chicken breast in the eggs, then coat in the Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Arrange chicken on the baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
- Meanwhile, bring vegetable broth to a boil in a saucepan. Add orzo and cook for 8–10 minutes. Drain.
- In a bowl, mix cooked orzo with parsley, lemon juice, and zest.
- Serve the chicken over the herbed orzo and enjoy!
Variation
- Swap the Orzo for Couscous or Quinoa
If you’re out of orzo or want a slightly healthier alternative, couscous or quinoa work wonderfully. Couscous cooks quickly and absorbs flavor easily, while quinoa adds a protein boost and a nutty texture that complements the crispy chicken. - Use Panko for Extra Crunch
For a crunchier crust, substitute regular breadcrumbs with panko. Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier, helping the Parmesan coating stay golden and airy after baking. - Add a Touch of Heat with Red Pepper Flakes
If you enjoy a bit of spice, stir red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture or sprinkle them over the orzo for a zesty kick that balances the richness of the dish.
Cooking Notes
- Pound Chicken Evenly for Consistent Cooking
Flattening the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they bake uniformly, so you don’t end up with dry edges or undercooked centers. Aim for about ½ inch thickness. - Let the Chicken Rest Before Serving
After baking, rest the chicken for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. This helps retain the juices inside the meat, keeping it moist and flavorful. - Taste the Orzo Before Serving
After mixing in the herbs, lemon juice, and zest, give the orzo a quick taste and adjust the seasoning. Sometimes just a pinch more salt or an extra splash of lemon makes the dish pop.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a Simple Green Salad
A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette adds freshness and balances out the savory richness of the Parmesan crusted chicken. Try arugula, baby spinach, or mixed greens. - Add Roasted Veggies on the Side
Serve with roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots for a colorful, nutrient-packed plate. Roasting brings out natural sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the tangy orzo and crispy chicken. - Top with Extra Parmesan and Fresh Herbs
Just before serving, sprinkle more grated Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley over the dish. It adds an extra layer of flavor and a pretty finishing touch that elevates presentation.
Tips
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan for Best Results
Pre-grated Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that affect texture and melting. Grating your own cheese ensures a crispier, more flavorful coating. - Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet
Give each chicken breast enough space on the sheet to allow hot air to circulate. Crowding can cause steaming instead of crisping, leading to a soggy crust. - Double the Orzo for Meal Prep
The herbed orzo keeps well and can be a great base for other proteins later in the week. Make a larger batch and store it in the fridge for quick lunches or sides.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Protein: 40g
- Sodium: 560mg
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken ahead by breading it and storing it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. The orzo can also be made ahead and reheated with a splash of broth or lemon juice to freshen it up. -
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
To maintain the chicken’s crispiness, reheat it in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 10 minutes. The orzo can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave with a tablespoon of water or broth to restore its creamy texture. -
Can I freeze this meal?
The chicken freezes well once cooked let it cool, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. The orzo can be frozen too, but the texture may soften slightly. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. -
Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta or cooked rice. Always double-check the labels on broth and Parmesan to ensure they’re gluten-free.
Conclusion
Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Herbed Orzo is a hearty, feel-good meal that blends crisp textures and bright, fresh flavors. Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, this dish delivers comfort and elegance in every bite easy enough for weeknights, special enough for weekends. Give it a try and watch it become a go-to favorite in your kitchen! 🍽️
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Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Herbed Orzo
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Golden, crispy Parmesan-crusted chicken pairs beautifully with a vibrant, herb-infused orzo tossed in lemon and parsley. It’s a comforting yet elevated meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a shallow bowl, mix Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs.
- Dip each chicken breast in the eggs, then coat in the Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Arrange chicken on the baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
- Meanwhile, bring vegetable broth to a boil in a saucepan. Add orzo and cook for 8–10 minutes. Drain.
- In a bowl, mix cooked orzo with parsley, lemon juice, and zest.
- Serve the chicken over the herbed orzo and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 2–3 minutes of baking.
- You can swap vegetable broth for chicken broth for added depth of flavor.
- This dish pairs well with a side of sautéed greens or roasted veggies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast + orzo
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: parmesan chicken, herbed orzo, lemon orzo, easy chicken dinner, crispy baked chicken, chicken and pasta