Name: Za'atar Lemon Chicken Orzo
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
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; 1 tablespoons chopped dill; lemon wedges; chili flakes

Our Za’atar Lemon Chicken Orzo is a hearty, satisfying dish. With savory za’atar seasoning and bright lemon, this recipe is simple and delicious and comes together in about 30 minutes.

If you love this Lemon Chicken orzo, you will also love this Greek Chicken Orzo-Giouvetsi Kotopoulo, Chicken Skewers Orzo Bowls with Lemon or Buttermilk Chicken Thighs With Lemon Garlic Orzo!

Close up of skillet with Za'atar Lemon Chicken Orzo, two lemon wedges and serving utensils.

Why this recipe sings

Our za’atar lemon chicken orzo is a hearty weeknight meal ready in about thirty minutes.

This versatile recipe can be modified to your liking with existing pantry ingredients.

The za’atar seasoning adds so much flavor. In the Middle East, za’atar is an essential seasoning. It is a blend of ground herbs, including a relative of oregano, mixed with sumac, sesame, and salt. It can be used as a finishing spice, a seasoning for roasted meat or vegetables, and also as a dip mixed with fresh olive oil.

Here is what you need

Bowls with chicken pieces, asparagus, orzo, small bowls with broth, salt and pepper, zaatar, olive oil, an onion, a head of garlic, a bunch of dill,on a wooden table.

Chicken. This recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Substitute with chicken breasts, ground chicken, or turkey. If possible, purchase free-range organic chicken.
Asparagus. It has a mild flavor enhanced by the lemon. Broccolini or green beans also work well here.
Za’atar. This seasoning has it all. It works so well with proteins, and you barely need anything else. My favorite is from Burlap & Barrel.
Orzo pasta. We love orzo but have made this recipe with shortcut pasta like penne, rigatoni, or ziti.
Extra virgin olive oil.
Broth. Vegetable or chicken. Use a stock cube with hot water as a substitute.
Lemons. Gives a bright note.
Garlic. It adds flavor yet doesn’t overwhelm the dish.
Fresh dill. For serving. This slightly sweet herb has a distinct aroma—just a little sprinkled for serving adds freshness to the chicken orzo.
Sea salt, pepper and chili flakes. Always check at the end if the seasoning is to your liking. I love serving this orzo with a sprinkle of crushed hot pepper for a little kick.

How to cook this lemon chicken orzo

Dice the onion, and the garlic. Chop the white hard parts from the asparagus and cut the into two or three pieces.

Season the chicken thighs with two tablespoons of zaatar and one tablespoon of olive oil.

A large deep skillet cooking skinless chicken thighs.

Place a large pot or Dutch oven over high heat.

Decrease the heat to medium-high and add the chicken.

Sear each side for about 3 to 5 minutes. Don’t move the pieces much, let them get a nice color on each side.

A large deep skillet cooking diced onion and garlic.

Transfer the chicken to a plate and add the onion and garlic in the same pan. Stir and cook for three to five minutes.

Tip: With a wooden spoon deglaze the pan and lift the delicious fond that has accumulated on the bottom of the pot(caramelized bits from the chicken). Fond adds so much flavor to dishes.

Add the orzo and toast it with the onion and garlic for one minute.

A large deep skillet with broth, orzo and asparagus tips.

Add the broth, juice from one lemon and the asparagus tips.

A large deep skillet with chicken thighs, broth, orzo and asparagus tips.

Stir and transfer back the chicken. Lower the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes.

Add more lemon juice if you like and season with sea salt and pepper to taste.

A skillet with Za'atar Lemon Chicken Orzo, two lemon wedges and serving utensils, and a cloth napkin on a table.

Serve with chopped dill, lemon zest and chili flakes on top. Have more lemon wedges around the table.

Close up of a skillet with Za'atar Lemon Chicken Orzo, two lemon wedges and serving utensils, and a cloth napkin on a table.

Other dishes to serve with this orzo

This lemony chicken orzo goes well with roasted vegetables, a large Greek green salad, and horta-greens with olive oil and lemon. Make the dinner family style and serve on the table a spicy whipped feta dip–tirokafteri and bread for dipping in olive oil.