🍋 Winner Winner Chicken Orzo Dinner: A Creamy, Cheesy Weeknight Dream
Looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner that brings both comfort and fresh flavor? Meet your new weeknight hero: Winner Winner Chicken Orzo Dinner featuring cheesy roasted zucchini, juicy tomato, and tender herb-crusted chicken breast. It’s quick, easy, and seriously delicious — the kind of meal that feels fancy but comes together in just 30 minutes.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need (Serves 2)
For the Chicken & Orzo:
- 12 oz chicken breasts
- 3 oz orzo pasta
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 lemon (halved)
- ¼ oz fresh parsley
- Olive oil (4 tsp)
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Cheesy Veggies:
- 1 zucchini (sliced into ¼-inch rounds)
- 1 Roma tomato (cut into wedges)
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella (cubed)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
🧀 Allergens: Gluten, Milk
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and position the rack on the upper level.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Wash and dry your produce.
- Toss sliced zucchini and tomato with 1 Tbsp olive oil, half the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet.
2️⃣ Roast Veggies & Cook Pasta
- Roast veggies for about 10 minutes until just tender.
- Meanwhile, cook the orzo until al dente (9–11 minutes). Drain and return to the pot.
3️⃣ Butterfly the Chicken
- Carefully butterfly each chicken breast by slicing it horizontally, but don’t cut all the way through.
- Season all over with salt, pepper, and remaining Italian seasoning.
4️⃣ Sear the Chicken
- In a large pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side. Set aside.
5️⃣ Broil the Veggies
- Turn your oven to broil (or 500°F).
- Top roasted veggies with panko, cubed mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Broil until cheese is bubbly and breadcrumbs are golden, about 3–5 minutes.
6️⃣ Plate & Serve
- Add juice from half the lemon and half the parsley to the orzo, then stir to combine.
- Plate the lemony orzo, top with cheesy veggies and sliced chicken.
- Drizzle with pan juices and a squeeze of lemon. Garnish with remaining parsley.
🥗 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 730
- Protein: 61g
- Fat: 33g
- Carbs: 54g
- Fiber: 7g
- Sugar: 8g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
- Sodium: 520mg
💡 Pro Tips
- Swap orzo with couscous or quinoa for a different twist.
- Add chili flakes to the cheese topping for a spicy edge.
- Want it extra lemony? Zest your lemon before juicing and sprinkle on top before serving.
Why You’ll Love It ❤️
This isn’t your average chicken dinner. The crunchy-cheesy zucchini steals the show, while the lively lemony orzo and herbed chicken breast round out a plate that feels gourmet with minimal effort. It’s comfort food — but make it fresh and fabulous.
