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One-Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken Orzo Recipe

One-Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken Orzo Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 21 reviews

A flavorful and comforting one-pot meal combining tender lemon garlic chicken with perfectly cooked orzo pasta, all simmered together in a savory broth infused with fresh herbs. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that doesn’t sacrifice taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Vegetables

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

Liquids and Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup orzo pasta

Garnish

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil: Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
  2. Brown the chicken: Add the cut chicken thighs to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, which will help lock in flavor and juices. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
  3. Sauté the onion: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook it for about 5 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent, creating a flavorful base.
  4. Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma and deepen the dish’s flavor.
  5. Incorporate the orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the pot and stir well to coat the pasta with the aromatic mixture of onions and garlic.
  6. Add liquids: Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and 1/2 cup of lemon juice, then bring the mixture to a boil to start cooking the orzo and infuse it with bright citrus flavor.
  7. Return chicken to pot: Carefully add the browned chicken pieces back into the pot to cook through with the orzo and broth.
  8. Season: Season the mixture with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to enhance all the flavors.
  9. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the orzo is tender and the liquid is absorbed, ensuring a creamy, cohesive texture.
  10. Finish and serve: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley just before serving to add freshness and a pop of color to the dish.

Notes

  • Chicken thighs are preferred for juiciness but boneless skinless chicken breasts work as a leaner alternative.
  • Fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor; however, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
  • Orzo absorbs liquid quickly; do not add extra broth unless you want a soupier consistency.
  • For added zest, consider adding lemon zest along with the juice.
  • Garnish with additional parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: One-Pot, Lemon Garlic Chicken, Orzo, Easy Dinner, Quick Recipe, Mediterranean Chicken, Comfort Food

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