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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Flavor Preparation: Generously coat chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, ensuring complete coverage for maximum taste infusion.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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