Lemon Chicken Orzo Recipe

An all-clad skillet with orzo, chicken thighs, lemon slices, and thyme with a silver serving spoon on a grey surface.

4.90 — Votes 48 votes

Lemon Chicken Orzo Recipe

This lemon chicken orzo dish is made in one skillet in less than 30 minutes! Juicy, seared chicken thighs are nestled into perfectly cooked, lemony orzo alongside thinly sliced lemons and fresh thyme. It's an elevated weeknight dinner that the entire family will love!

Prep Time5

Cook Time25

Total Time30

Servings: Servings

Author: Cassy Joy Garcia

Ingredients

1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1½ teaspoons salt, divided
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 lemon, zested then sliced
2 tablespoons butter
1½ cups (or 1, 8-ounce box) dried orzo
2¼ cups chicken broth
¼ cup lemon juice
4-5 sprigs fresh thyme

Instructions

In a large bowl, toss the chicken thighs with the chopped thyme, minced garlic, olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, red pepper flakes, and lemon zest.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken thighs to the pan, nestle the lemon slices into the pan, and sear the chicken on one side for 6-7 minutes, or until it develops a nice brown crust. Remove the chicken and lemon slices from the pan and set aside.
Add the butter to the pan and stir until it melts. Add the dried orzo and stir for 2 minutes to toast the orzo.
Carefully pour the broth and lemon juice into the pan, stirring to deglaze the bottom of the pan.
Add the chicken, seared side up, lemon slices, remaining ½ teaspoon of salt, and thyme sprigs to the pan.
Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 15 minutes over medium-low heat.
Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Let the orzo sit for a few minutes - after the orzo simmers for 15 minutes, know that there's a REALLY good chance that there will be some extra liquid in the pan. If that's the case, let the dish sit for 10 minutes so that the orzo can fully absorb the liquid, and then serve.

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