Delicious Lemon Chicken Orzo Recipe
There’s something magical about the combination of bright, citrusy lemon, tender chicken, and plump orzo pasta that just speaks to the soul.
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This Mediterranean-inspired dish brings together simple ingredients to create a meal that’s both comforting and refreshing, perfect for any season but especially delightful during those warm spring and summer evenings.
Why You’ll Love Lemon Orzo Chicken
This lemon chicken orzo is destined to become a family favorite for several compelling reasons.
- The dish comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze for busy weeknights.
- The orzo pasta, which looks like oversized rice, absorbs all the beautiful flavors of the chicken broth and lemon while cooking, creating layers of flavor in every bite.
- Unlike heavier pasta dishes, this one feels light and bright thanks to the fresh lemon and herbs, yet it’s still satisfying enough to serve as a main course.
The versatility of this dish is another winning factor. You can serve it hot as a cozy dinner or enjoy it at room temperature as a pasta salad for lunch the next day. It’s also an excellent meal prep option, as the flavors continue to develop overnight in the refrigerator.
Perfect Side Dish Pairings
While this dish can certainly stand alone, pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal to restaurant-worthy status. A simple arugula salad dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar complements the lemony notes perfectly. For a more substantial spread, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables like brussel sprouts, zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes.
For a light and refreshing option, try a cucumber and red onion salad with fresh dill, which echoes the Mediterranean flavors of the main dish.
Ingredients Needed
- 3 large chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 tbsp. butter
- 3/4 cup orzo
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 lemon
- 1/3 cup sliced tomatoes
- 1/3 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1/3 cup finely chopped purple onions
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1/3 cup sliced cucumber
- herbs, thyme
- salt, pepper
How to Make a Delicious Lemon Chicken Orzo
Strip the thighs of excess fat and rub with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet with olive oil and butter. Fry the chicken until golden on each side, 2 minutes per side. Place thighs on a serving platter.
In the same pan, squeeze the garlic, sprinkle in the onion and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the orzo and fry the orzo with the onion and garlic for 1-2 minutes.
Place all the vegetables in a bowl, pour in 1 tbsp. of juice, add the chopped herbs.
Place chicken in the skillet. Pour in the broth and lemon juice. Arrange the lemon slices, thyme sprigs and cover the pan with a lid. Season with salt. Cook until the liquid evaporates over low heat, about 10 minutes. Place the thighs on a plate to serve. Mix the hot pasta with the vegetables and transfer to the plate. Garnish serving with lemon and herbs.
If you have leftovers, store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Before serving, reheat it over medium heat with a little broth to keep the orzo juicy.
Final Thoughts
Lemon chicken orzo exemplifies how simple, quality ingredients can come together to create something truly special. It’s the kind of dish that feels sophisticated enough for company yet approachable enough for a casual family dinner. The bright flavors, satisfying texture, and versatile nature make it a recipe worth keeping in your regular rotation.
Give this recipe a try, and you’ll discover why it’s become a beloved favorite in kitchens around the world. Just don’t be surprised when your family starts requesting it on a weekly basis!
Delicious Lemon Chicken Orzo Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 large chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3/4 cup orzo
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 lemon
- 1/3 cup sliced tomatoes
- 1/3 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1/3 cup purple onions finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/3 cup sliced cucumber
- herbs thyme
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Strip the thighs of excess fat and rub with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet with olive oil and butter. Fry the chicken until golden on each side, 2 minutes per side. Place thighs on a serving platter.
- In the same pan, squeeze the garlic, sprinkle in the onion and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the orzo and fry the orzo with the onion and garlic for 1-2 minutes.
- Place all the vegetables in a bowl, pour in 1 tbsp. of juice, add the chopped herbs.
- Place chicken in the skillet. Pour in the broth and lemon juice. Arrange the lemon slices, thyme sprigs and cover the pan with a lid. Season with salt.
- Cook until the liquid evaporates over low heat, about 10 minutes. Place the thighs on a plate to serve.
- Mix the hot pasta with the vegetables and transfer to the plate. Garnish serving with lemon and herbs.
More Delicious Chicken Recipes
- Instant Pot Moroccan Chicken
- French Onion Chicken
- Honey Garlic Pulled Chicken
- Fresh Rosemary Chicken Thigh
- Pan Seared Chicken Strips
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I made this tonight for dinner, it was so flavourful.