Creamy Chicken Orzo (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Chicken Preparation

01 - 450g chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into strips
02 - 1 tsp garlic powder
03 - 1/2 tsp paprika
04 - 1 tbsp olive oil
05 - 1 tsp dried oregano
06 - Salt as you like
07 - Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste

→ Orzo Pasta Mix

08 - 3 minced garlic cloves
09 - 200g orzo pasta
10 - 1 tbsp olive oil
11 - 600ml chicken broth, low sodium
12 - 240ml milk or use half-and-half for a richer taste
13 - 2 cups of broccoli florets, already steamed
14 - 100g Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
15 - Salt to your preference
16 - Freshly ground black pepper, add as much as you like
17 - Optional: Lemon zest for garnish
18 - Optional: A quick squeeze of lemon juice

# Instructions:

01 - Put your chicken pieces in a bowl. Mix them up with olive oil, oregano, paprika, garlic powder, and enough salt and pepper. Heat a big nonstick pan over medium-high. Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side until it's nicely browned and cooked through. Move it to a plate and set it aside.
02 - In the same pan, pour in the other tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the minced garlic. Let it cook for half a minute until it smells awesome. Add the orzo and give it a quick stir, letting it toast for a minute or two.
03 - Pour the chicken broth into the pan and let it simmer gently. Stir the orzo now and then, cooking it for 8-10 minutes until it’s firm but cooked and the broth is mostly soaked up.
04 - Turn the heat to low and mix in the milk or half-and-half along with the Parmesan cheese. Stir until the whole thing turns creamy. Add the steamed broccoli and gently fold it in.
05 - Drop the chicken into the pan with the orzo mix. Let it heat together for a couple of minutes. Taste test and add salt and pepper if it needs more. If you want, top it with lemon zest or a few drops of lemon juice. Serve it warm and maybe sprinkle some fresh herbs on top if you’d like.

# Notes:

01 - For a lighter option, swap half-and-half with low-fat milk. A splash of lemon juice gives it a fresh kick and balances the creamy flavor perfectly.

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