Za'atar Lemon Chicken Orzo

This Za’atar Lemon Chicken Orzo is a hearty one-pan dinner made with tender chicken, aromatic za’atar, bright lemon, and orzo pasta simmered together until comforting and flavorful. It’s an easy, weeknight-friendly meal that comes together in about 30 minutes.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Greek

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 30

Servings

Calories 587kcal

Author by Jenny Skrapaliori Graves

Ingredients

1 lb chicken thighs
2 tablespoons za'atar seasoning
1 teaspoon chili flakes
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 cup diced onion diced
8 garlic cloves roughly chopped
1 cups orzo
3 cups chicken broth
1 bunch medium asparagus
2 lemons juiced and zested
sea salt
freshly ground pepper

For serving

1 tablespoons chopped dill
lemon wedges
chili flakes

Instructions

Season the chicken thighs with two tablespoons of za'atar and a tablespoon of olive oil.
Dice the onion and garlic. Cut off the white hard ends from the asparagus and then cut them into two or three pieces.
Place a large pot or Dutch oven over high heat. When the pot is hot, lower heat to medium high.
Add the olive oil and the chicken.
Sear chicken on both sides for about 4 minutes per side. Avoid to move the chicken around too much. Allow it to get a nice color on both sides.
Transfer chicken pieces to a plate.
Add the onion and garlic in the same pot. Stir and scrap the bottom with a wooden spoon to lift the fond (caramelized chicken and fat pieces stuck at the bottom of the pot full of flavor).
Cook until they are softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the orzo and toast it with the onion and garlic for one minute.
Add the broth, juice from one lemon and the asparagus tips.
Return the chicken and all the accumulated juices to the pot, cover, and cook for about 20 minutes.
Add more lemon juice if you like and season with sea salt and pepper to taste.
Serve in bowls with chopped dill, chili flakes, and lemon zest on top.
Add bowls with lemon wedges around the table.

Notes

Serving suggestion:
Serve family-style with roasted vegetables, a crisp Greek salad, or horta with lemon and olive oil. Add crusty bread and a side of spicy whipped feta for dipping.

Nutritional Info – Please remember that the nutritional information provided is only estimated and can vary based on the products used.

Nutrition