Print

One Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken with Orzo

One Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken with Orzo
Print Recipe

One Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken with Orzo is a bright, zesty, and comforting dish that combines juicy chicken thighs, tender orzo pasta, fragrant garlic, and fresh lemon flavors all cooked together in a single pot. This flavorful and easy-to-make meal is perfect for busy weeknights, offering both nourishment and simplicity with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Pasta

  • 1 cup orzo pasta

Citrus and Flavorings

  • 1 lemon, juiced and zested
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids

  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth

Oils and Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Herbs

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or thyme, chopped

Instructions

  1. Brown the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear them skin-side down until golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook for 2 more minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Sauté the garlic: In the same pot, add minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant but not burnt, creating a flavorful base for the dish.
  3. Add orzo and broth: Stir in the orzo pasta and pour the chicken broth into the pot. Mix well to distribute the orzo evenly. Bring the mixture to a light boil.
  4. Return chicken and add lemon: Nestle the browned chicken thighs back into the pot on top of the orzo. Add fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. Cover the pot and simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and orzo is tender.
  5. Finish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme over the dish. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Stir gently and serve hot directly from the pot.

Notes

  • Use bone-in thighs for juicier, more flavorful chicken.
  • Don’t skip the lemon zest to ensure intense citrus aroma.
  • Cook over medium heat to avoid burning garlic or drying out chicken.
  • Keep pot covered and simmer gently to prevent orzo from sticking.
  • Let the dish rest for a few minutes off heat to allow flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: One pot, lemon garlic chicken, orzo, easy dinner, weeknight meal, gluten free option, Mediterranean flavors, chicken thighs

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