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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 vibrant, easy-to-make meal combining tender chicken thighs, lemon zest and juice, aromatic garlic, and creamy orzo pasta, all cooked in a single pan. This dish delivers bright, fresh flavors and comforting textures, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests while keeping cleanup minimal.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 4–6 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on

Grains

  • 1 cup orzo pasta

Produce

  • 2 fresh lemons (zest and juice)
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • Fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)

Liquids & Fats

  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. Sear each side until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to keep warm.
  2. Sauté Garlic and Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium in the same pot. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned, approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute, to unlock the garlic’s full flavor for the dish.
  3. Add Orzo and Liquids: Pour in the orzo pasta and stir to coat with the garlic and olive oil. Add chicken broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir everything well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  4. Return Chicken and Simmer: Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the pot on top of the orzo mixture. Cover and simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
  5. Finish with Fresh Herbs: Remove the lid, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme over the dish, and gently stir. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and lemon juice if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • Properly sear the chicken to lock in moisture and add depth of flavor.
  • Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest citrus notes.
  • Simmer the orzo slowly in the broth to absorb all the flavors; don’t rush this step.
  • Monitor broth levels carefully to avoid dry or overly soupy orzo.
  • Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes off heat before serving to let flavors settle and thicken slightly.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon garlic chicken, one pot meal, orzo pasta, easy dinner, weeknight dinner, Mediterranean chicken, gluten free option

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