Creamy Lemon Pepper Orzo With Chicken And Fig Salad Recipes

CREAMY LEMON-PEPPER ORZO WITH GRILLED CHICKEN

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.

CREAMY LEMON ORZO

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 ORZO WITH WINTER GREENS

Steps:

• Cook 2 cups sliced Tuscan kale in olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, 2 minutes. Add 2 sliced garlic cloves and cook 1 minute; season with salt and pepper. Add 2 cups vegetable broth and 1/2 cup heavy cream; bring to a simmer. Stir in 1 cup orzo and cook 9 minutes. Stir in 3 ounces baby spinach. Turn off the heat; stir in 3/4 cup grated Parmesan and 1 tablespoon each lemon zest and juice. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil.