One Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken with Orzo
A quick and convenient one-pot meal featuring tender chicken thighs simmered with fragrant garlic, bright lemon juice and zest, and creamy orzo pasta. This recipe delivers bold, fresh flavors in a comforting and light dish that the whole family will love, with minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: American / Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Pasta
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
Fresh Produce & Aromatics
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped
Liquids & Oils
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Dairy & Seasonings
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken on both sides until golden and almost cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Aromatics: In the same pot, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant and lightly golden, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook the Orzo: Add dry orzo to the pot and stir with the garlic for about 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir, scraping up browned bits from the pot bottom. Bring to a simmer.
- Combine Chicken and Orzo: Nestle the browned chicken thighs back into the pot. Cover and cook on low heat for about 15 minutes or until orzo is tender and chicken is fully cooked through.
- Finish With Cheese and Herbs: Remove pot from heat. Stir in grated parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley or dill. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Cover and let rest for a few minutes to meld flavors.
Notes
- For extra flavor and juiciness, bone-in chicken thighs can be used.
- To enhance nuttiness and prevent sticking, toast the orzo in the pot before adding liquid.
- Monitor the orzo closely to avoid overcooking; it should be tender yet slightly firm.
- Letting the dish rest covered after cooking thickens the sauce and deepens flavor.
- Add fresh herbs at the end for a bright aroma and vibrant color.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: one pot, lemon garlic chicken, orzo, quick meal, family-friendly, easy dinner, creamy pasta, healthy chicken recipe