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One Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken with Orzo

One Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken with Orzo
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One Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken with Orzo is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs, aromatic garlic, tangy lemon, and creamy orzo pasta all cooked together in a single pot. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend meals, offering a comforting yet bright and fresh meal with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Pasta & Grains

  • 1 cup orzo pasta

Aromatics & Flavorings

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon

Liquids

  • 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Herbs & Seasonings

  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Sear the Chicken

    Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Season the boneless, skinless chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Place chicken skin-side down (if skin was on) and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove chicken from pot and set aside.

  2. Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

    Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the same pot and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes, unlocking a rich aromatic base for the dish.

  3. Step 3: Add Orzo and Liquids

    Add dry orzo pasta to the pot and toss with garlic and oil for about one minute to lightly toast it. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth along with freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest. Stir well to combine all flavors.

  4. Step 4: Simmer with Chicken

    Return the chicken thighs to the pot, nestling them into the orzo mixture. Cover the pot and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through.

  5. Step 5: Finish and Garnish

    Remove lid once cooked. Fluff the orzo gently with a fork, then sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

  • Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.
  • Don’t skip lemon zest to add fresh citrus punch beyond just lemon juice.
  • Lightly toast orzo in garlic and oil to boost nuttiness and prevent mushiness.
  • Keep the pot covered while simmering to cook orzo evenly and absorb all flavors.
  • Use fresh parsley rather than dried herbs for the best flavor and color.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pot chicken, lemon garlic chicken, orzo recipe, quick dinner, easy chicken dinner, Mediterranean chicken, gluten-free chicken recipe

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/one-pot-lemon-garlic-chicken-with-orzo/