The WW Lemon Chicken Orzo with Summer Veggies is a tasty meal and has 295 kcal per serving. This dish takes 40 minutes to prepare. Serve this meal at lunches, feasts, gatherings, dinners, functions, get-togethers, or celebrations. It contains boneless skinless chicken breast, olive oil, whole wheat orzo, low-sodium chicken broth, bell pepper, zucchini, black pepper, yellow squash, tomatoes, red onion, lemon juice, garlic powder, lemon zest, dried oregano, salt, & parsley. We may pair this dish with mixed green salad, steamed green beans, light garlic bread, a fresh berry bowl, mini pita bread, lemon lentil soup, lemon sorbet, vegetable soup, or tomato basil soup. You may keep this WW Lemon Chicken Orzo with Summer Veggies in the refrigerator for four days.
STATS:
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Course: Main
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Diet: Weight Watchers
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 295 kcal
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 6
EQUIPMENT:
- Medium saucepan
- Cutting board
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Citrus zester
- Lemon juicer
- Knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 pound diced chicken breast
- Half cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Quarter tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- One cup dry whole wheat orzo
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 medium diced zucchini
- Quarter cup chopped red onion
- 1 medium diced yellow squash
- Half tsp salt
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- Two tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- Half tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
INGREDIENT NOTES:
CHICKEN BREAST:
- It includes lean protein in the recipe and keeps the points low. Chicken breast absorbs the flavors perfectly and cooks quickly. You may use boneless skinless chicken thighs as per your preference.
OLIVE OIL:
- Oil helps to cook the chicken and vegetables. It includes healthy fats and taste as well. You may use cooking spray for a lighter version.
WHOLE WHEAT ORZO:
- It includes fiber and makes the dish more filling. Orzo provides a pasta texture that pairs well with lemon sauce. You may use small pasta shapes as another choice.
LOW-SODIUM CHICKEN BROTH:
- Broth cooks the orzo and adds a savory taste to the dish. It controls sodium in the recipe. Vegetable broth is a good substitute as well.
YELLOW SQUASH:
- It provides mild sweetness and beautiful color to the recipe. Squash cooks the same as zucchini and blends smoothly with other vegetables. Use additional zucchini if you are not adding squash.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- First, cook the orzo in chicken broth as per package guidelines.
- Drain the liquid and warm olive oil over a moderate flame in a large skillet.
- Cook diced chicken breast for 8 minutes, so it gets lightly browned.
- Then include zucchini, bell pepper, onion, and yellow squash to cook for 6 minutes.
- Now, cook cherry tomatoes for two minutes and stir lemon juice, salt, oregano, black pepper, lemon zest, and garlic powder.
- Mix cooked orzo in the skillet and cook for two minutes.
- Lastly, turn off the flame and garnish with parsley on top.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
SALADS:
- Greek Salad
- Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Arugula Salad
- Caesar Salad
- Spinach Salad
- Garden Salad
- Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
- Radish and Cucumber Salad
VEGETABLE SIDE:
- Roasted Asparagus
- Garlic Green Beans
- Grilled Zucchini
- Steamed Broccoli
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Honey Glazed Carrots
- Sautéed Spinach
- Roasted Cauliflower
BREAD AND ROLLS:
- Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls
- Garlic Bread
- Herb Focaccia
- Whole Grain Breadsticks
- Pita Bread
- Ciabatta Bread
- Sourdough Bread
- Multigrain Rolls
SOUP:
- Lemon Lentil Soup
- Tomato Basil Soup
- Vegetable Soup
- Chicken Vegetable Soup
- Minestrone Soup
- White Bean Soup
- Zucchini Soup
- Roasted Red Pepper Soup
PROTEIN:
- Grilled Shrimp
- Baked Salmon
- Garlic Tilapia
- Turkey Meatballs
- Grilled Chicken Skewers
- Seared Scallops
- Herb-Crusted Cod
- Grilled Turkey Breast
MEDITERRANEAN:
- Hummus
- Tzatziki
- Marinated Olives
- Stuffed Grape Leaves
- Cucumber Yogurt Dip
- Roasted Eggplant
- Baba Ganoush
- Marinated Artichokes
FRUIT SIDES:
- Mixed Berry Bowl
- Watermelon Slices
- Citrus Fruit Salad
- Pineapple Chunks
- Grapes
- Mango Slices
- Melon Medley
- Strawberry Salad
DESSERTS:
- Lemon Sorbet
- Fresh Fruit Salad
- Greek Yogurt Parfait
- Berry Compote
- Grilled Peaches
- Baked Apples
- Frozen Yogurt
- Angel Food Cake with Berries
DRINKS:
- Lemon Iced Tea
- Sparkling Water
- Cucumber Mint Water
- Citrus Infused Water
- Unsweetened Iced Tea
- Lemonade
- Herbal Tea
- Berry Spritzer
TIPS:
- Fresh lemon juice gives the dish its brightest taste.
- Do not overcook vegetables to keep the texture.
- Prepare ingredients early to save time.
- Cut all the vegetables into equal pieces for better cooking.
STORAGE INFORMATION:
FRIDGE:
- Include the meal in the box and keep it for four days.
FREEZER:
- You may freeze this recipe for 60 days.
FAQs:
Can I make this recipe early?
- Yes, it is good to keep it so the taste gets better.
Is rotisserie chicken good to use?
- Yes, include cooked shredded chicken in the final mixing.
Can I serve this meal cold?
- Yes, it is good to eat after chilling.
What vegetables should I include?
- Add squash, tomatoes, peppers, or zucchini as per your choice.
Is my recipe vegan?
- Yes, if you replace chicken with vegetable broth and chickpeas.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
Net Carbs: 26 grams
Total Carbs: 30 g
Fiber: 4 grams
Protein: 28 g
Fat: 7 grams
Iron: 2 mg
Vitamin A: 1,850 IU
Calcium: 55 milligrams
Sodium: 380 mg
Calories: 295 kcal
Potassium: 620 milligrams
Weight Watcher Points: 5 Points