There’s something special about a meal that comes together in just one pan—it’s easy, it’s flavorful, and it means fewer dishes to clean up. One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo is the perfect combination of bright, zesty flavors and comforting, creamy textures. Trust me, this one is a game-changer.
Picture this: tender, juicy chicken infused with the citrusy tang of lemon, nestled in a bed of perfectly cooked orzo that’s absorbed all those incredible flavors. Every bite is a delightful balance of freshness and warmth, making it the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this dish is always a winner.
Why You’ll Love One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile
Perfect for any occasion, from a quick weeknight dinner to a meal that impresses guests. Serve it on its own or alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.
Budget-Friendly
Made with simple, everyday ingredients that won’t break the bank. You likely already have most of them in your kitchen!
Quick and Easy
A complete meal in just one pan with minimal prep and cleanup. Perfect for busy nights when you need a delicious meal fast.
Customizable
Easily adapt this dish by adding more vegetables, swapping the protein, or adjusting the seasonings to your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing
A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo
Here’s the magic of this dish—it’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Chicken Breasts
The star of the show. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts become incredibly juicy and flavorful as they soak up the lemony, garlicky goodness.
Orzo Pasta
This small, rice-shaped pasta cooks beautifully in the same pan, absorbing all the delicious flavors for a rich, creamy texture.
Lemon Juice and Zest
Adds brightness and a fresh zing that makes every bite pop. The zest intensifies the lemony goodness without making it too tart.
Garlic
Aromatic and essential. It infuses the dish with a deep, savory flavor that complements the lemon beautifully.
Chicken Broth
The base of the dish that helps cook the orzo while adding depth and richness to every bite.
Parmesan Cheese
A touch of nuttiness and creaminess that brings everything together.
Fresh Herbs
Parsley and thyme add a fresh, herby note that balances the flavors perfectly.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Sear the Chicken
Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear them until golden brown on both sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Sauté the Garlic
In the same pan, add a bit more olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. This only takes about 30 seconds, so keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Cook the Orzo
Add the orzo to the pan and toast it slightly, stirring for a minute. This step enhances the nutty flavor of the pasta.
Add Liquid and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, then stir everything together. Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the pan, cover, and let it all simmer until the orzo is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
Add the Finishing Touches
Stir in the lemon zest, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs. Give everything a final mix to let the flavors meld beautifully.
Serve and Enjoy
Plate the dish warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 Calories per serving: 450
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette
- Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers
- A side of warm, crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor—it makes a huge difference.
- Toast the orzo slightly before adding the broth for a deeper, nuttier taste.
- Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more lemon or Parmesan to suit your taste.
- Store leftovers properly in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
FAQ’s
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes! Chicken thighs work great and add even more flavor to the dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can cook it in advance and reheat, but fresh is always best for texture.
What if I don’t have orzo? You can substitute with other small pasta like couscous or even rice.
Can I make it dairy-free? Skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
Can I freeze leftovers? It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to a month.
How do I reheat it without drying it out? Add a splash of broth before reheating to keep the orzo creamy.
Can I add more veggies? Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, or peas would all be great additions.
Is this dish gluten-free? No, but you can swap orzo for gluten-free pasta or rice.
What’s the best way to zest a lemon? Use a microplane grater for fine, fragrant zest without the bitter white pith.
Can I use bottled lemon juice? Fresh is best, but bottled works in a pinch—just reduce the quantity slightly.
Conclusion
One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo is a true gem—a dish that’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to. So grab your ingredients, fire up that pan, and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s both simple and sensational!
Print
One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Searing, Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean / American
Description
A bright and comforting one-pan meal featuring tender lemon-infused chicken, orzo pasta, and fresh vegetables all cooked together for a burst of zesty flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish delivers a balanced blend of protein, carbs, and vibrant citrus notes in every bite.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or diced tomatoes)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat & Sear: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the chicken thighs for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Orzo & Tomatoes: Stir in the orzo and cherry tomatoes. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, allowing the orzo to lightly toast.
- Deglaze & Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and add lemon zest, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Combine & Bake: Nestle the seared chicken thighs into the orzo mixture. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the orzo has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Finish: If using spinach, stir it in just before serving until wilted. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt after baking.
- Adjust lemon quantities to suit your taste; more zest can boost the citrus flavor.
- Use boneless chicken for a quicker cooking time, but adjust accordingly to ensure it remains moist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 300g)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg