Lemony Chicken Orzo
Brighten up your dinner table with this irresistible Lemony Chicken Orzo, a one-pot wonder featuring tender, golden-seared chicken thighs nestled in a velvety, lemon-kissed orzo pasta. Infused with fresh garlic, zesty lemon juice, and a sprinkle of nutty Parmesan cheese, this dish is brimming with comforting Mediterranean flavors. The lightly toasted orzo absorbs the richness of chicken broth while staying perfectly al dente, creating a creamy, risotto-like texture without the extra effort. Finished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor, this quick and easy recipe comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. Impressively simple yet bursting with vibrant taste, your guests will savor every irresistibly citrusy bite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 piece yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Season the chicken thighs with 1 teaspoon of salt and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken thighs to the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside. The chicken will finish cooking later.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the orzo to the skillet and stir for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the pasta.
Pour in the chicken broth and add the seared chicken back into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Remove the lid and stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and grated parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with the remaining 0.5 teaspoon of salt and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper if needed.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Serve hot and enjoy your Lemony Chicken Orzo!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
559 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 24.6 g | 31% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.1 g | 40% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 125 mg | 42% | |
| Sodium | 1560 mg | 68% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 42.7 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.4 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.8 g | ||
| Protein | 43.5 g | 87% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 272 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 2.8 mg | 16% | |
| Potassium | 528 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
