Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs with Orzo Recipe: Bold Flavor!

Tender chicken thighs simmered in a zesty lemon garlic sauce bring vibrant flavors to this orzo delight.

The rich, succulent marinade infuses each bite with Mediterranean charm.

Herbs and spices dance across the plate, creating a symphony of taste.

Simple ingredients come together with remarkable ease.

Fresh lemon zest brightens the entire dish, cutting through the richness of the chicken.

Garlic adds depth and warmth to every forkful.

You’ll love how effortlessly this meal comes together for a satisfying dinner that feels both elegant and comforting.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 245 kcal

Servings: 4

One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs With Orzo Ingredients

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy, flavorful cut that stays tender during cooking, selecting bone-in and skin-on ensures maximum richness and depth of flavor.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic flavor enhancers that bring out the natural taste of chicken.
• Garlic Powder: Adds deep, aromatic warmth without raw garlic intensity.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces subtle smoky complexity and beautiful reddish color.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides gentle heat and vibrant kick to the dish.
• Italian Seasoning: Blends dried herbs for authentic Mediterranean undertones.

• Olive Oil: Creates perfect searing environment and adds smooth, fruity undertone.
• Butter: Provides rich, velvety texture and nutty depth to orzo.
• Chicken Broth: Delivers savory foundation and helps cook orzo perfectly.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Brightens entire dish with tangy, fresh citrus notes.
• Garlic: Fresh aromatic that infuses incredible depth and warmth.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds creamy, salty dimension and luxurious texture.
• Fresh Parsley: Brings vibrant color and light herbal freshness.

Gear You’ll Need for Lemon Garlic Chicken With Orzo

• Large Skillet: Crucial for searing chicken and cooking entire one-pan meal, preferably cast iron or heavy-bottomed.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately season chicken with salt, pepper, and spices.
• Measuring Cups: Perfect for precise chicken broth and lemon juice measurements.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Essential for stirring orzo and scraping pan bottom.
• Cheese Grater: Useful for fresh Parmesan cheese if not pre-grated.
• Kitchen Tongs: Helps flip and handle chicken thighs safely during searing.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for cutting lemon and chopping fresh parsley.

How to Cook Chicken Thighs and Orzo in One Pan

• Prep the Star Performer

Grab your chicken thighs and give them a flavor massage with seasonings that’ll make your taste buds dance. Salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of spices will transform these humble pieces into something magical.

• Sizzle and Brown

Fire up a skillet with a splash of olive oil. Drop those seasoned chicken thighs into the hot pan, letting them develop a gorgeous golden crust. Hear that sizzle? That’s the sound of deliciousness coming to life. Flip them once to create an even, crispy exterior.

• Create the Flavor Foundation

In the same pan where your chicken performed its magic, melt some butter and let garlic release its aromatic charm. Toss in orzo and let it toast until it’s golden and nutty. Pour in chicken broth, a generous squeeze of lemon, and sprinkle of herbs to build layers of flavor.

• Harmony on a Plate

Nestle the chicken back into the pan, letting it swim in the herby, lemony liquid. Cover and let everything simmer together, creating a symphony of tastes. When the orzo is tender and chicken is perfectly cooked, finish with a shower of Parmesan and fresh parsley.

• Serve with Joy

Plate your one-pan wonder and add a few lemon wedges on the side. Each bite promises a burst of sunshine and comfort.

Fresh Ideas to Brighten Lemon Garlic Chicken Flavor

• Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure a perfectly golden, crisp skin that's irresistibly crunchy.
• Replace traditional orzo with gluten-free orzo or quinoa to make the dish celiac-friendly without compromising on texture and flavor.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill instead of parsley to create unique flavor profiles that complement the lemon garlic base.
• Prepare the entire dish in advance and reheat gently in the oven at 350°F, adding a splash of extra broth to prevent drying out and maintain the orzo's creamy consistency.
• Substitute chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts, salmon, or plant-based protein like tofu for a versatile meal that adapts to different dietary preferences and protein needs.

Serving This One Pan Dish Straight From the Stove

• Flavor Fusion Feast: Pair this vibrant chicken and orzo dish with a crisp Greek salad to complement the Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
• Bright Side Additions: Scatter fresh lemon wedges and extra chopped parsley over the top to enhance the citrusy and herbal notes of the meal.
• Creamy Companion: Serve alongside a dollop of cool tzatziki or Greek yogurt to balance the dish's rich, savory profile and add a tangy contrast.
• Wine Harmony: Select a light white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to elevate the meal's delicate lemon and garlic undertones.

How to Store Chicken and Orzo for Meal Prep

• Whip up double the recipe and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week. Store individual portions in airtight containers for quick, satisfying meals.
• Cooked chicken and orzo stay tasty for 3-4 days when sealed tightly in the refrigerator. Keep flavors locked in by storing chicken and orzo together to maintain moisture.
• Separate chicken from orzo before freezing to prevent texture changes. Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently reheat in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture.
• Warm leftovers slowly in a covered skillet over medium-low heat. Add a few tablespoons of chicken broth to prevent dryness and revive the dish's original juicy texture. Stir gently to distribute heat evenly and keep chicken tender.

Juicy Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs with Orzo

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent lemon garlic chicken thighs with orzo dance with Mediterranean flavors in this simple, elegant dish. Crispy chicken nestles on a bed of creamy orzo, delivering a perfect weeknight meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on or boneless)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 lemon, zested
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Flavor Preparation: Generously coat chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, ensuring complete coverage for maximum taste infusion.
2. Searing Stage: Ignite olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, strategically positioning chicken skin-side down to achieve a golden, crispy exterior for 5 minutes, then flip and cook an additional 3 minutes before transferring to a holding plate.
3. Orzo Foundation: Within the same skillet, melt butter and quickly sauté minced garlic until aromatic, then introduce orzo and lightly toast, creating a nutty undertone. Immediately incorporate chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, zesty lemon zest, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, stirring to blend flavors comprehensively.
4. Culinary Fusion: Carefully reintroduce seared chicken thighs into the orzo mixture, reducing heat to medium-low, covering the skillet, and allowing ingredients to simmer and meld for 15-20 minutes until orzo reaches tender perfection and chicken achieves a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Final Flourish: Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve piping hot alongside additional lemon wedges to enhance the citrusy profile.

Notes

• Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in maximum flavor.
• Stir orzo constantly during toasting and add liquid immediately to prevent burning and create a smooth, creamy texture without clumping.
• Monitor liquid absorption carefully; add extra chicken broth if orzo becomes too dry during cooking to maintain a perfect al dente consistency.
• Swap chicken thighs with boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option, or use gluten-free orzo for a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg