Lemon Garlic Chicken and Orzo
Lemon Garlic Chicken and Orzo is a vibrant and comforting one-pan dish featuring tender chicken breasts or thighs cooked with zesty lemon, savory garlic, and delicate orzo pasta. This quick and easy recipe balances bright citrus flavors with hearty textures, making it a perfect family-friendly meal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Dairy-Free (can be adapted), Gluten-Free (if gluten-free orzo or alternative used)
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Pasta
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
Citrus and Aromatics
- 2 fresh lemons (zested and juiced)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids and Oils
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Herbs and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken. Cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Orzo: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, being careful not to burn it. Add the dry orzo pasta and stir to toast it slightly for about 1 minute to enhance its nutty flavor.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Nestle the cooked chicken back into the skillet, cover, and let cook gently for about 10 minutes or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Once the orzo is cooked and the chicken is warmed through, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley or thyme to add brightness and color.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer to plates or bowls and serve immediately. Optionally, drizzle with olive oil or sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for the brightest flavor instead of bottled lemon juice.
- Monitor chicken cooking time closely to keep it juicy; an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is ideal.
- Toasting the orzo before simmering enhances its nutty flavor.
- Let the dish rest covered for a few minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and the orzo to finish cooking perfectly.
- Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their vibrant color and aroma.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: lemon garlic chicken, orzo recipe, one-pot meal, quick dinner, family-friendly, easy chicken dinner, Mediterranean chicken
Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/lemon-garlic-chicken-and-orzo/