If you’re searching for a comforting, flavorful, and beautifully simple dish to add to your dinner rotation, look no further than this One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo Recipe. It blends tender, juicy chicken thighs with creamy, lemony orzo, all cooked together in one pan for minimal cleanup and maximum taste. The bright zing of lemon paired with fragrant garlic, thyme, and a touch of Parmesan makes every bite absolutely crave-worthy. Trust me, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to weeknight meals and possibly your new favorite way to make chicken and pasta.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo Recipe is carefully chosen to bring out the best flavors and textures. From the juicy chicken thighs to the fresh lemon zest, everything plays an essential role in creating a balanced, delicious meal.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Tender and juicy, they’re perfect for absorbing the rich flavors of the dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For a golden sear that locks in moisture and adds depth.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that amplify the dish’s natural flavors.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances savory notes without overpowering the fresh garlic.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a subtle earthiness that complements the lemon.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Brings a mild smokiness and beautiful color.
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta: The star grain that soaks up all the tasty juices.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Creates a luxuriously creamy base for the orzo.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic creates an irresistible aromatic foundation.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds savory depth and moisture for the orzo to cook perfectly.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version): Makes the orzo delectably creamy and smooth.
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon: Pops of bright citrus flavor that make this dish unforgettable.
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional): For a touch of color and nutrition that wilts beautifully into the creamy orzo.
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish to tie the whole dish together.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A fresh, herbaceous note to brighten every bite.
How to Make One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Chicken
Begin by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s warming up, season your chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and paprika. This seasoning blend gives the chicken a fragrant, flavorful crust that will beautifully complement the creamy orzo to come.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken thighs. Searing each side for about 4 to 5 minutes until they’re golden brown locks in juiciness and builds layers of flavor. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside—you’ll finish cooking it in the oven shortly.
Step 3: Create the Flavor Base
Lower the heat to medium, melt the butter in the same skillet, and add the freshly minced garlic. Let the garlic sauté until fragrant, about one minute, which forms the aromatic foundation crucial for the orzo’s flavor.
Step 4: Toast the Orzo
Add the dry orzo pasta to the skillet and stir it into the buttery garlic mixture. Toasting it for two to three minutes not only adds a subtle nutty flavor but also ensures the orzo will absorb all the luscious liquids as it cooks.
Step 5: Add Liquids and Lemon
Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and the juice plus zest of one lemon. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This blend of flavors and creamy texture is what makes this recipe so special and irresistibly bright.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Nestle the seared chicken thighs skin-side up back into the skillet, situating them atop the orzo mixture. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The chicken finishes cooking while the orzo softens in the creamy lemon sauce, resulting in a perfectly tender and flavorful dish.
Step 7: Final Touches for One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo Recipe
Once out of the oven, stir in the optional baby spinach and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The residual heat will wilt the spinach and melt the cheese, combining nutrition and richness seamlessly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley to add a burst of green and brighten the flavors before serving.
How to Serve One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is the perfect finishing touch to add a fresh, herbaceous note that contrasts beautifully with the creamy orzo and citrus chicken. For a little extra zing, a few thin lemon slices or a light drizzle of good quality olive oil can make the presentation pop even more.
Side Dishes
This dish stands confidently on its own thanks to the balance of protein, starch, and greens, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables brings welcome texture contrast and rounds out the meal wonderfully. A simple cucumber-tomato salad with a light vinaigrette is an especially refreshing side.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving this One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo Recipe straight from the skillet adds a rustic, family-style touch that’s both inviting and practical. Alternatively, plating each portion neatly with a lemon wedge on the side invites guests to add extra brightness to their dish as they like.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from this dish store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even more delicious when reheated gently.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, place it in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the cream may slightly change, but the flavors will hold up well. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave at medium power. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water can help loosen the sauce and keep the orzo creamy and tender without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work fine but be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out more quickly. You may want to reduce the baking time slightly and check internal temperature frequently.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Yes! You can skip the chicken and add hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep the flavors balanced and rich.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Definitely. Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, and swap heavy cream for coconut cream or a dairy-free milk thickened slightly with cornstarch. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for that cheesy touch.
What type of orzo should I use?
Regular uncooked dried orzo is best for this recipe so it can absorb the flavors as it cooks. Avoid pre-cooked or quick-cooking orzo as it will not hold up during the baking process.
Can I make this on the stovetop only?
Yes, but baking ensures the chicken cooks through evenly while the orzo simmers in a creamy sauce. If using just stovetop, cover and simmer on low heat, adjusting the liquid as needed to cook the orzo fully and keep the chicken moist.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo Recipe is truly a gem—easy enough for busy weeknights but special enough to impress guests. Its combination of zesty lemon, tender chicken, and creamy orzo is pure comfort food magic. Give it a try and savor how effortlessly delicious one pan can be!
Print
One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo is a flavorful, creamy, and comforting dish that combines tender, seasoned chicken thighs with buttery orzo pasta infused with lemon zest and juice. Cooked together in a single skillet and finished in the oven, this recipe is both easy and elegant, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken & Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Orzo & Sauce
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
Finishing Touches
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken and orzo together later.
- Season the chicken: In a bowl or on a plate, season the chicken thighs evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried thyme, and paprika to build layers of flavor.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken thighs and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté garlic & toast orzo: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then add uncooked orzo pasta and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is lightly toasted.
- Add liquids and lemon: Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and add lemon juice and zest. Stir to combine everything and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to start cooking the orzo.
- Combine and bake: Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin-side up. Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the orzo is tender.
- Finish with spinach and cheese: Remove the skillet from the oven and stir in baby spinach (if using) and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the spinach wilt in the residual heat, enriching the dish with freshness and creaminess.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a burst of color and herbaceous aroma before serving.
- Enjoy: Serve this comforting, lemony chicken and orzo meal hot and enjoy the balanced flavors and creamy textures.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs with boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- For a dairy-free option, omit Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative.
- If you prefer, baby kale or arugula can substitute spinach.
- Ensure the skillet you use is oven-safe to avoid accidents when transferring to the oven.
