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One Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo Recipe

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3.8 from 67 reviews

This One Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo recipe features tender, juicy bone-in chicken thighs cooked with zesty lemon and buttery orzo pasta. The dish is prepared in a single oven-safe skillet, first searing the chicken for a crispy skin and then baking it with lemon, broth, and toasted orzo for a flavorful, comforting meal that’s perfect for a family dinner.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken and Lemon

  • 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 lemons (1 sliced, 1 juiced)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Orzo and Broth

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup dried orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Skillet: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat to warm up for searing.
  2. Sear Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the preheated skillet. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. Place the chicken skin side down in the skillet and sear for 3-5 minutes on each side until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  3. Char Lemon Slices: Add the sliced lemon to the same skillet and sear for a couple of minutes on each side until slightly charred. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
  4. Toast Orzo: Add the unsalted butter and dried orzo pasta to the skillet. Toast the orzo in butter for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally to coat and prevent burning.
  5. Add Broth and Lemon Juice: Pour in the chicken broth and the juice of one lemon. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil on the stovetop.
  6. Arrange Chicken and Lemons: Place the seared chicken thighs and charred lemon slices on top of the boiling orzo mixture in the skillet.
  7. Bake to Finish: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Bake until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the orzo has absorbed the liquid, creating a tender, flavorful dish.

Notes

  • Use an oven-safe skillet to easily transfer from stovetop to oven.
  • Bone-in skin-on chicken thighs help keep the meat juicy and flavorful during cooking.
  • Be sure to monitor the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is fully cooked.
  • Charred lemon slices add a smoky citrus depth to the dish.
  • This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings by using a bigger skillet or baking dish.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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