Our lemon orzo chicken recipe is hearty, delicious and made in one pot. It’s prepared in just 30 minutes for a comforting weeknight meal.

If you’re a fan of our delicious Lemon Orzo Chicken, you’re in for a treat with our Chicken Giouvetsi, Buttermilk Chicken and Orzo, and Chicken Chops!

A cast iron skillet with lemon orzo chicken and two serving utensils.

Why this recipe sings

  • It’s delicious. The thighs are tender and tasty, andthe dish is infused with wonderful lemony flavor.
  • It’s easy. This dish has a quick prep and the cooking takes about 30 minutes.

Here is what you need

Ingredients to make lemon orzo with chicken on a cutting board overhead view.
  • Chicken thighsโ€”boneless and skinless. Free-range organic chicken is the best. Prices can vary, and it can certainly be expensive, so you do the best you can within your budget.
  • Chicken seasoningโ€”For this recipe, I chose paprika and coriander chicken seasoning from my collection of homemade Greek seasoning blends. You may also keep it simple and use dried oregano, sea salt, and freshly ground pepper.
  • Butterโ€” It adds extra flavor while browning the chicken thighs. The orzo toasts right after with the spring onions.
  • Spring onionsโ€” They have such a fresh aroma.
  • Orzoโ€”My favorite shortcut pasta.
  • Chicken stockโ€”Vegetable stock will also do just fine. You may use organic, palm oil-free bouillon cubes diluted in hot water.
  • Lemonsโ€”The piรจce de rรฉsistance, otherwise known as the magical ingredient that livens up any protein with brightness.
  • Chili pepper flakesโ€”For a little kick. Add as many or as few as you like.
  • Fresh herbs like parsley or oreganoโ€” They add freshness to any dish and give it a beautiful color(optional).
  • Extra-virgin olive oil, sea salt, freshly ground pepper.

How to make one pot lemon orzo chicken

Chicken thighs marinating in a bowl.

In a bowl, mix two tablespoons of olive oil and two tablespoons of the chicken seasoning. Rub the chicken thighs with the mixture and let them marinate for a few minutes or overnight.

Chicken thighs browning in a cast iron skillet.

Place a medium skillet on medium-high heat. Brown the thighs on both sides for two to three minutes per side. When the thighs are nicely browned, transfer them to a plate.

Orzo and spring onion slices in a skillet.

In the same skillet, add the butter, spring onion slices, and orzo. Toast the orzo for two minutes, stirring often and scraping the tasty bits stuck on the bottom of the pan.

Browned chicken thighs, in broth with two lemon slices.

Pour in the stock and the juice from one lemon. Stir and transfer the chicken thighs into the skillet, pouring in any liquids left on the plate. Add a couple of slices of lemon if you like, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for about twenty to twenty-five minutes, until orzo is done and chicken is cooked through. Check mid-way for liquids in case you need to add a little more stock (or water).

A cast iron skillet with lemon orzo chicken and two serving utensils on a table.

Serve the chicken with chopped fresh herb leaves on top and more lemon wedges around the table.

What to serve with lemon orzo chicken

A cast iron skillet with lemon orzo chicken and two serving utensils on a table.

Cooked this? Rate this recipe! You can also leave a comment below. I love hearing from you!

WANT TO EAT LIKE A GREEK? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on FacebookPinterest, and Instagram for the latest updates.

The Greek Foodie Logo.
A cast iron skillet with lemon orzo chicken and two serving utensils on a table.

One Pot Lemon Orzo Chicken

by Jenny | The Greek Foodie
Our lemon orzoย chicken recipe is hearty, delicious and made in one pot. It's prepared in just 30 minutes for a comforting weeknight meal.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Greek
Servings 6
Calories 466 kcal

Equipment

  • Skillet

Ingredients
  

  • 6 chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons paprika and corriander chicken seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 spring onions sliced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1-2 lemons
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • chili flakes
  • 1-2 tablespoons parsley leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, mix two tablespoons of olive oil and two tablespoons of the chicken seasoning. Rub the chicken thighs with the mixture and let them marinate for a few minutes or overnight.
  • Place a medium skillet on medium-high heat. Brown the thighs on both sides for two to three minutes per side. When the thighs are nicely browned, transfer them to a plate.
  • In the same skillet, add the butter, spring onion slices, and orzo. Toast the orzo for two minutes, stirring often and scraping the tasty bits stuck on the bottom of the pan.
  • Juice one of the lemons. Pour in the stock and lemon juice. Stir and transfer the chicken thighs into the skillet, pouring in any liquids left on the plate. Add a couple of slices of lemon if you like, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for about twenty to twenty-five minutes, until orzo is done and chicken is cooked through. Check mid-way for liquids in case you need to add a little more stock (or water).
  • Serve the chicken with chopped fresh herb leaves on top and more lemon wedges around the table.

Notes

Helpful tips & substitutions

  • You can use skin-on-bone-in thighs. Sear the chicken skin side down and remove and discard the skins before adding the stock. This technique works well because the skins might lose their crispness when covered. Serving soggy skins detracts from the dish and is not appetizing.
  • Chicken breasts may also be used. Slice them in half to reduce cooking time; alternatively, add a couple of minutes of browning on each side. Use a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature at the thickest part. The temperature of fully cooked chicken should be 74ยฐC / 165ยฐF.
ย 
The nutritional analysis is only an estimate based on available ingredients and the recipeโ€™s preparation.ย 
ย 

Nutrition

Calories: 466kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 24gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 128mgSodium: 249mgPotassium: 397mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 397IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @thegreekfoodie__ or tag #thegreekfoodie__
One Pot Lemon Orzo Chicken

Similar Posts