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One-Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken Orzo Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 53 reviews
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Description

This One-Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken Orzo recipe is a creamy, fresh, and flavorful dish that comes together in just 20 minutes of active cooking time. Tender chicken thighs sautéed with garlic and onion combine with orzo pasta simmered in a zesty lemon-infused broth to create a comforting yet bright meal—all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Aromatics

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Orzo and Liquids

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice

Seasonings and Garnish

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Heat the Oil and Brown Chicken: Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook them until they are browned on all sides. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to rest.
  2. Sauté Onion: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This process builds a flavorful base for the dish.
  3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until the garlic becomes fragrant, enhancing the dish’s aroma.
  4. Incorporate Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the pot, stirring well to coat it with the fragrant garlic and onion mixture. This step helps the pasta absorb all the flavors.
  5. Add Liquids and Bring to Boil: Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and 1/2 cup of lemon juice. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil to start cooking the orzo and develop a tangy broth.
  6. Return Chicken to Pot: Carefully add the browned chicken back into the pot. Season everything with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, then gently stir to combine all ingredients.
  7. Simmer Covered: Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed, creating a creamy texture in the dish.
  8. Finish with Parsley: Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley just before serving to add a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the lemon and garlic flavors.

Notes

  • For an extra boost of lemon flavor, add grated lemon zest along with the lemon juice.
  • Enhance the dish by adding vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers during the last 5 minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color.
  • To make the sauce creamier, stir in a tablespoon of butter or a splash of heavy cream right before serving.

Find it online: https://oliviadinner.com/one-pot-lemon-garlic-chicken-orzo-recipe/