Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 75 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo is a delightful, easy-to-make meal featuring juicy seared chicken thighs cooked with creamy lemony orzo pasta. The dish combines tender chicken with a rich sauce made from butter, garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, and fresh lemon for a bright flavor. Finished with baby spinach and Parmesan cheese, it’s a comforting yet fresh dinner perfect for busy nights.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

Orzo and Sauce

  • 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon

Finishing Touches

  • 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken and orzo together.
  2. Season Chicken: Season the chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried thyme, and paprika to infuse them with savory and aromatic flavors.
  3. Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear each side for 4-5 minutes until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  4. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant to build the base flavor for the orzo.
  5. Toast Orzo: Add the uncooked orzo pasta to the skillet, stirring constantly to coat it with butter and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the orzo is slightly toasted, enhancing its nutty flavor.
  6. Add Liquids and Lemon: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and add the lemon juice and zest. Stir to combine everything evenly, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  7. Bake Dish: Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin-side up. Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the orzo is tender.
  8. Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven. Stir in baby spinach until wilted, then mix in the grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
  9. Enjoy: Serve your flavorful One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo hot and savor the creamy, citrus-infused comfort in every bite.

Notes

  • You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce richness.
  • Use any fresh herbs like thyme or parsley if desired for added freshness.
  • Make sure to use an oven-safe skillet for seamless stovetop-to-oven cooking.
  • To make it gluten-free, substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta alternatives.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently for up to 3 days.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://speedydinnerrecipes.com/one-pan-lemon-chicken-orzo-recipe/