Lemon Orzo Chicken Salad

Do any of you watch The Next Food Network Star? I have to give these people serious props, because there is NO way I could subject myself to that sort of speculation…on TV or in a public scenario. I’m more of a cook-for-the-ones-I-love and share it with the world in print and photos, type. I have serious stage fright issues, y’all.

Despite what my astrological sign (Leo) implies, I do not enjoy being the center of attention. I don’t like all eyes on me. I just like to work behind the scenes to get things done and take care of the ones I love. I’m fortunate to have a love and a knack for cooking. It’s one of the best ways I can think of for me to care for and show love to the people in my life. So, as disappointing as I know it is for you all to hear ::insert a big wink and silly laugh here::, you won’t find me being the next food blogger trying to get on a cooking competition TV show. I’ll stick to watching the cooking shows, cooking at home, and sharing it with you all here.

It’s been a long couple of weeks and another long one yet to come, but I’m looking forward to the upcoming weekend (yes, I know today is only Monday) and going to a nearby Six Flags theme park for a little fun on my birthday weekend. A week from today, I turn the big 3-4. Ok, so this isn’t a “big” birthday, but whatevs. Saturday will be my first day off in nineteen days, between my two jobs. Nineteen days, you guys. Geez. But that’s just a part of life and being a grown-up sometimes, right? I’m not complaining. I do it by choice, but I do miss the time it takes away from J and the nights I miss cooking for him. That means I have to make the times I do cook really count.

This lemon orzo chicken salad was a definitely one that counted. Not only was it a great dinner, but the leftovers were perfect for lunch. And the best part, in my opinion, is the lemon zest. Yes, I said lemon zest. I find that anytime I add lemon zest to a dish, it has a lighter, fresher flavor to it. And J always notices when it’s there, too. I love lemon juice, there’s no doubt about that, but it’s the zest that really kicks things up a notch.

Of course the asparagus and tomatoes scream summer and freshness, too. And the chicken and orzo make this a great entree dish that’s filling, but still light. I told you before that I’m all about the one dish meals lately, and this one fits the bill.

Lemon Orzo Chicken Salad

Adapted from For the Love of Cooking

Ingredients

6 oz of orzo
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tsp olive oil
6 asparagus spears, hard ends removed and cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cloves of garlic, minced
Handful of grape tomatoes, sliced in half lengthwise
Zest and juice from 1 lemon
salt and pepper, to taste
Parmesan cheese

Preparation

Cook the orzo in a large pot, according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, season the chicken with salt and pepper, and cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked through. Remove the chicken to a cutting board to cool before cutting into bite-sized pieces.
Using the same skillet, add a little bit of olive oil or cooking spray and cook the asparagus pieces until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. During the last minute, add the garlic, salt and pepper, and stir the mixture.
Now, add the orzo and chicken pieces to the asparagus skillet and stir to combine. Remove the mixture to a large bowl, then add the lemon juice, zest, and tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, then top with Parmesan cheese and serve.

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