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.

GREEN GODDESS ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• Make the dressing: Combine the watercress, parsley, dill, tarragon, chives, capers, lemon zest garlic, shallot and sugar in a blender or food processor.
• Add the lemon juice, vinegar, mustard, mayonnaise and sour cream and puree until pale green and very smooth. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
• Make the salad: Combine the orzo, peas, artichoke hearts, asparagus and snap peas in a bowl; toss with 1 cup of the dressing. Season with pepper. Refrigerate to let the orzo absorb some of the dressing, 20 to 30 minutes. Toss with more dressing as needed, about 2 tablespoons at a time, then toss with the dill; store any remaining dressing, covered, in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. Season with salt and pepper.

LEMON PEPPER ORZO

Steps:

• In a medium saute pan, bring the chicken stock to a boil. Add orzo and cook for 7 to 8 minutes until liquid is almost absorbed and orzo is tender. Turn heat off.
• Stir in the remaining ingredients. Season with salt and pepper, if necessary, and serve.

TOASTED ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• 1. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the orzo and cook, stirring, until golden, about 3 minutes. Add 3 cups water, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and the lemon zest and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes. Uncover and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the orzo is tender and the liquid is absorbed, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat.
• 2. Transfer the orzo to a large mixing bowl, remove the lemon zest and let cool about 10 minutes. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons oil, tomatoes, if using, feta cheese, parsley, capers, dill and lemon juice. Season with additional salt and pepper. Serve warm or at room temperature.