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One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Orzo: A Weeknight Dinner Dream

Discover the easiest, most flavorful one-pan chicken orzo recipe! Packed with lemon and herbs, it's a perfect weeknight meal that's ready in under an hour.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner Recipes
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine optional, can substitute with more broth
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp salt plus more to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper plus more to taste
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley plus more for garnish
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional, for serving

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the orzo, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Toast the orzo for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth and white wine (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  7. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the orzo mixture. Ensure everything is mostly submerged.
  8. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
  9. Remove the skillet from the oven. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  10. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.