Let me introduce you to your new weeknight favorite: One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo. This vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired dish is the answer to those “what’s for dinner?” nights when you crave something fresh, flavorful, and fuss-free. Tender chicken, zingy lemon, and perfectly cooked orzo all come together in a single skillet, making cleanup almost as blissful as every zesty bite. If you’re after a meal that feels like a warm embrace—bright, savory, and deeply satisfying—One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo is absolutely the dish for you!
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something so comforting about a recipe where every ingredient serves a delicious purpose. For One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo, each element plays a key role in building its irresistible layers of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need, and why you don’t want to skip a single one.
- Olive oil: The foundation for rich flavor and a golden sear on the chicken.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Incredibly juicy and quick to cook—they stay tender in this one-pan recipe.
- Salt and pepper: Don’t underestimate the magic of seasoning; it brings every flavor to life.
- Dried oregano: Adds a savory, earthy essence that pairs perfectly with lemon.
- Onion (diced): A touch of sweetness and depth as it softens in the pan.
- Garlic (minced): The aromatic backbone—just a little unleashes big flavor.
- Orzo pasta: The star carb—small pasta that cooks up creamy, almost like a risotto but with half the effort.
- Chicken broth: Infuses the orzo and chicken with all that savory depth and keeps things moist.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: This is where the dish gets its signature brightness and zing.
- Lemon zest: Don’t skip the zest—it’s pure citrus fragrance in every bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts in for a savory, nutty finish and a hint of creaminess.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): Sprinkled on top for a burst of green freshness.
- Lemon slices (optional): The prettiest garnish and a promise of extra lemony flavor, if you want a showstopper look.
How to Make One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Heat your olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. While that oil is shimmering, season the chicken chunks with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Add the chicken to the pan, making sure the pieces are in a single layer so they get nicely golden. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re deeply browned and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set it aside—don’t worry, it’ll be back soon!
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Without wiping out your pan (all that chicken goodness gets to stay), toss in the diced onion. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring now and then, until it turns soft and translucent. Next, add the minced garlic, stirring for about 30 seconds until your kitchen smells absolutely heavenly.
Step 3: Toast the Orzo
Stir in the uncooked orzo right into the pan. Give it a minute or so to toast gently—this extra step adds such a lovely nutty flavor and keeps your orzo from going mushy. You’ll see the grains turn slightly golden and fragrant.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Lemon
Now pour in your chicken broth and freshly squeezed lemon juice, scraping up any tasty bits from the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle in the lemon zest for that beautiful, citrusy aroma. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then immediately turn the heat down to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Add the cooked chicken back to the pan, followed by grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. Stir everything together and let it warm through for another 1 to 2 minutes—the cheese melts, the flavors come together, and it looks (and smells) irresistible. Garnish with extra parsley and those lemon slices if you want to make it extra pretty. Your One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo is ready to wow!
How to Serve One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo
Garnishes
A shower of fresh parsley and a fan of thin lemon slices take this dish straight from “simple” to “special.” Sprinkle on a bit more Parmesan if you want a salty lift, and don’t be shy about adding a twist of freshly ground black pepper for a little extra kick. The pops of green and yellow make your One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo look as sunny as it tastes.
Side Dishes
While this skillet meal is plenty satisfying on its own, you can absolutely round it out with a crisp green salad—think arugula, shaved fennel, or spring greens drizzled with olive oil and lemon. A side of crusty bread is perfect for scooping up those last bits of orzo and sauce. If you want something lighter, try roasted asparagus, green beans, or a cucumber and tomato salad for added freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
To take your One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo to the next level, serve it family-style right from the skillet; it’s rustic and inviting. For a dinner party, try piling the orzo onto a pretty platter, nestling the golden chicken pieces on top, and garnishing with parsley and lemon rounds. If you’re packing lunch, tuck it into individual bowls or containers with extra lemon on the side for a zesty midday pick-me-up.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool your One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo completely before storing. Transfer leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate—they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. This is one of those rare dinners that tastes just as lovely the next day, thanks to the orzo soaking up even more of those citrusy, savory flavors overnight.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze your One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo, portion it into freezer-safe containers (leave a bit of room for expansion). While the orzo’s texture may soften slightly after thawing, the flavors will still shine. It keeps well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and add a splash of broth or water if it seems a bit dry.
Reheating
When you’re ready to reheat, simply warm portions in a skillet over medium heat, adding a spoonful or two of broth or water if needed to loosen things up. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between. A fresh squeeze of lemon and a little extra parsley perk everything right back up.
FAQs
Can I make One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo with chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Just swap in boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into chunks. They cook quickly and stay tender in this recipe, though chicken thighs will be a bit juicier. Either way, your One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo will be a hit.
Is it possible to use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?
Definitely. Add shredded or chopped rotisserie chicken after the orzo has simmered and just before stirring in the Parmesan. Warm everything through for a couple of minutes, and you’ve got a quick shortcut meal that doesn’t sacrifice any flavor.
What other vegetables can I add to this dish?
This recipe is lovely for customization! Try stirring in baby spinach or peas toward the end of cooking for a pop of green. You can also sauté bell peppers or zucchini along with the onions for extra color and veg power in your One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You sure can. Simply leave out the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative. The dish will still have plenty of flavor and creamy texture from the starchy orzo and savory chicken broth.
How do I keep the orzo from sticking to the pan?
Give the orzo a good stir when you first add the broth, and continue stirring occasionally as it simmers. Also, be sure there’s enough liquid in the pan. Using a skillet with a good nonstick surface or a well-seasoned stainless steel pan helps prevent sticking, making clean-up a breeze.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo—this dish is truly a lifesaver on busy nights and a show-stealer at any table. The fresh lemon, tender chicken, and creamy orzo combo never fails to spark joy (and second helpings). Gather your ingredients, grab your favorite skillet, and get ready to fall in love with a recipe you’ll want on repeat!
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One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo is a delicious and easy one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, flavorful orzo pasta, and bright lemony notes. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Orzo:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and oregano. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Set aside.
- Cook the Orzo: In the same pan, cook onion for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and orzo, toasting for about 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, then stir in lemon zest. Bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 10–12 minutes until orzo is tender.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in cooked chicken, Parmesan, and parsley. Cook for 1–2 minutes until heated through. Garnish with lemon slices and extra parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt before serving.
- This dish also works well with boneless chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
