Description
This easy Orzo Chicken recipe is a comforting one-pot meal made with tender chicken thighs, creamy orzo pasta, garlic, and lemon. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it’s quick, wholesome, and full of Mediterranean-inspired flavor. Great for meal prep or cozy family meals.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken thighs
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, diced
2 ½ cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Add chicken thighs, season with salt and pepper, and sear both sides until lightly browned.
3. Stir in orzo pasta to coat with the oil and aromatics. Pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender.
4. Stir in lemon juice and parsley. Add spinach if desired and let wilt. Remove from heat.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm.
Notes
Make sure not to overcook the orzo—it should be al dente and creamy.
Swap chicken thighs for breast or pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Add veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg