Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Orzo and Asparagus

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.

• 1 (3-4 pound) whole chicken

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In a small bowl, combine the minced shallot, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix the minced herbs with the softened butter and mash together into a paste. Carefully loosen the skin of the chicken breast and rub half of the herb butter mixture under the skin. Rub the remaining herb butter all over the outside of the chicken. Cut the lemon in half and place one half inside the chicken cavity. Squeeze the juice from the other half of the lemon over the chicken.

• 1 shallot (minced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary (chopped)
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 4 tablespoons butter (softened)
• 1 lemon

Step 3: Roast the Chicken

Place the chicken in a roasting pan and roast for 60-75 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.

• Prepared chicken from step 2

Step 4: Cook the Orzo

While the chicken is roasting, cook the orzo according to package directions, using chicken broth instead of water. Drain any excess liquid.

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth

Step 5: Prepare the Asparagus

While the chicken is roasting, toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, pepper, and remaining minced garlic (2 cloves).

• 1 pound asparagus (trimmed)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Step 6: Sauté the Asparagus

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the asparagus and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until tender-crisp.

• Prepared asparagus from step 5

Step 7: Finish the Orzo

Stir in the Parmesan cheese into the cooked orzo.

• Cooked orzo from step 4
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)

Step 8: Serve

Carve the roasted chicken and serve with garlic Parmesan orzo and sautéed asparagus.

• Roasted chicken from step 3
• Garlic Parmesan orzo from step 7
• Sautéed asparagus from step 6