One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and comforting meal that requires minimal cleanup, One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo is your answer. This dish is bursting with fresh, zesty lemon, tender chicken, and soft, pillowy orzo, all cooked in one pan for ease and convenience. The bright, citrusy flavor of the lemon pairs perfectly with the savory chicken and the creamy orzo, making this meal feel like a little burst of sunshine on your plate.

It’s the kind of dish that’s as easy to make as it is to fall in love with—simple ingredients, simple steps, but a whole lot of deliciousness. Whether you’re in need of a cozy dinner or want something light yet satisfying, this recipe is a total winner.

Why You’ll Love One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo

Fresh and Zesty

The lemon brings a vibrant, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness of the chicken and orzo. It’s the perfect balance of tart and savory, with just the right amount of brightness to wake up your taste buds.

One-Pan Wonder

No fuss, no mess—this recipe only requires one pan. That means less time cleaning and more time enjoying your meal. It’s a no-stress, no-mess kind of dinner.

Comforting Yet Light

You get the warmth and comfort of a cozy meal without feeling overly heavy. The chicken is juicy, the orzo is creamy, and the lemon keeps it light and refreshing.

Perfect for Busy Nights

This dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a hearty, flavorful meal on the table in no time.

Versatile

Feel free to add extra veggies like spinach, peas, or roasted red peppers to suit your taste or increase the nutritional value. You can easily customize it to make it your own.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this zesty, one-pan wonder:

Chicken Breasts

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. They cook quickly and stay tender when pan-seared. You could also use thighs for a juicier result, if preferred.

Orzo

Orzo, a small, rice-shaped pasta, is the perfect base for this dish. It absorbs all the lovely flavors from the chicken and broth, creating a creamy, comforting texture without being too heavy.

Lemon

The fresh lemon juice and zest are what give this dish its signature bright flavor. The zest adds a lovely depth, while the juice gives that tangy pop.

Chicken Broth

Using chicken broth adds depth of flavor to the dish, making the orzo creamy and savory as it absorbs the broth while cooking. You can substitute vegetable broth if you prefer.

Garlic

Fresh garlic is essential for this recipe—it adds a savory, aromatic note that complements the lemon and chicken perfectly.

Olive Oil

A bit of olive oil is used to cook the chicken and create a flavorful base for the orzo. It adds a nice richness without overpowering the dish.

Herbs (Thyme & Parsley)

Fresh thyme and parsley provide earthy, aromatic notes that balance the bright lemon. If you can’t find fresh thyme, dried thyme works just as well.

Salt and Pepper

For seasoning—simple and necessary. Adjust to taste to bring out the flavors and make everything pop.

Instructions

Now let’s get cooking! Here’s how you’ll make this delicious one-pan dish:

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook them in the skillet for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Herbs

In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté the garlic and fresh thyme for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. This step adds a wonderful base flavor to the dish.

Step 3: Cook the Orzo

Add the orzo to the pan and stir it around to coat it in the garlic and oil. Let it toast for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns a light golden color.

Step 4: Add Broth and Lemon

Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir to combine, making sure the orzo is evenly distributed in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pan with a lid. Let it cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo has absorbed most of the liquid and is tender.

Step 5: Slice the Chicken

While the orzo is cooking, slice the cooked chicken into thin strips. You can also shred it if you prefer smaller pieces.

Step 6: Combine and Finish Cooking

Once the orzo is cooked, add the sliced chicken back into the pan. Stir everything together to combine, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to heat through.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the fresh parsley. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 400
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 500mg
Total Carbohydrates: 45g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 35g
Vitamin D: 0% DV
Calcium: 4% DV
Iron: 8% DV

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo

This dish is great on its own, but here are a few suggestions to round out the meal:

Side Salad

Pair with a light side salad—something crisp and refreshing like a simple mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted veggies like asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts are great on the side and complement the lemony flavors in the dish.

Crusty Bread

Serve with a slice of crusty bread to soak up any leftover broth or sauce. It’s a simple but perfect addition.

Wine Pairing

A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, pairs beautifully with the citrusy, herbaceous flavors of the chicken and orzo.

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead

You can prep the chicken and garlic ahead of time to make this dish even faster on a busy night. Just keep the chicken in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

Add Veggies

Feel free to add in some extra veggies like spinach, peas, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition. Stir them in towards the end of the cooking process to keep them vibrant and fresh.

Substitute for Gluten-Free

If you want to make this recipe gluten-free, swap the orzo for a gluten-free pasta or rice. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.

Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a little extra chicken broth to prevent the orzo from drying out.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

A1: Yes! Chicken thighs will work perfectly for this recipe, and they’ll add even more juicy flavor to the dish.

Q2: Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh thyme?

A2: Absolutely! You can use dried thyme, but use about 1/3 of the amount (so about 1 teaspoon) since dried herbs are more concentrated.

Q3: Can I make this dish vegetarian?

A3: Yes! You can substitute the chicken with a plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu. Add extra veggies to make the dish hearty and filling.

Q4: Can I make this in advance?

A4: While this dish is best served fresh, you can prep the chicken and orzo ahead of time and store them separately. When you’re ready, just heat and combine.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?

A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a bit of extra chicken broth or water to loosen it up.

Q6: Can I freeze this dish?

A6: It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, but you can freeze the chicken and orzo for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth.

Q7: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A7: Sure! If you don’t have orzo, try using small pasta shapes like farfalle, penne, or fusilli. Just keep an eye on the cooking time and adjust as needed.

Q8: How do I make the orzo creamier?

A8: For a creamier texture, stir in a bit of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese toward the end of cooking.

Q9: What should I serve with this dish?

A9: Pair this dish with a light salad, roasted veggies, or crusty bread for a well-rounded meal.

Q10: How can I make this dish spicier?

A10: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to give this dish a spicy kick. You can also toss in some sliced jalapeños!

Conclusion

One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo is the kind of meal that’s both comforting and refreshing, easy yet impressive, and sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. With just a few simple ingredients and a little love, you can make a delicious, one-pan dinner that everyone will enjoy. Give it a try, and prepare to be wowed!

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