One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs with Orzo: A Flavorful and Easy Meal

If you’re looking for a delicious, easy-to-make dinner that comes together in one pan, then this One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs with Orzo is the perfect choice. This flavorful dish combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with zesty lemon, fragrant garlic, and savory orzo all cooked together in one pan for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. The chicken thighs are seared to crispy perfection and paired with a rich, lemony orzo that absorbs all the delicious juices and broth.

The addition of baby spinach and Parmesan cheese takes this meal to the next level, adding a burst of freshness and creaminess. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to impress. It’s a well-rounded dish that delivers both protein and veggies, making it as satisfying as it is tasty.

This one-pan wonder proves that great meals don’t have to be complicated or require hours in the kitchen. A bit of lemon, garlic, and a few simple ingredients come together to create a dish that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. One Pan Cooking: Minimal dishes and fuss – everything cooks in one pan!
2. Flavor-Packed: The lemon and garlic bring a burst of freshness, while the Parmesan adds richness.
3. Juicy Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs stay tender and flavorful throughout the cooking process.
4. Perfectly Cooked Orzo: The orzo absorbs all the savory broth, making each bite flavorful and comforting.
5. Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in less than an hour, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• Olive oil
• Lemon (sliced into rounds)
• Butter
• Garlic (minced, with 1 clove reserved for later)

For the Orzo:

• Dried orzo
• Low-sodium chicken broth
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 2 lemons)
• Baby spinach
• Parmesan cheese (freshly shredded)
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground pepper
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Variations

• Chicken Breasts: You can swap the chicken thighs for bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts if you prefer white meat. Just be sure to adjust cooking time, as chicken breasts cook faster than thighs.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free orzo or a similar gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Add Veggies: Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the pan for more color and nutrients.
• Herb Variations: You can switch up the fresh herbs – thyme, rosemary, or oregano would work well in place of parsley.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. When the pan is hot, add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken over and cook for another 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Butter

In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic (reserving 1 clove for later) and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Orzo

Add the orzo to the pan and stir it into the garlic and butter mixture. Toast the orzo for 1-2 minutes to give it a nice golden color. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Add the Chicken Back In

Place the chicken thighs back into the pan, skin-side up, ensuring that the orzo is spread evenly around the chicken. Add the lemon slices on top of the chicken. Cover the pan and let everything simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the orzo is tender.

Step 5: Finish the Dish

Once the chicken is cooked through and the orzo is tender, remove the pan from the heat. Add the baby spinach and stir it into the orzo until wilted. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter and the freshly shredded Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Garnish the dish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy your flavorful, one-pan dinner!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Searing the chicken: Make sure the pan is hot enough before adding the chicken to ensure the skin gets crispy and golden.
• Chicken thighs vs. breasts: If using chicken breasts, be sure to check the internal temperature after 15 minutes of cooking, as breasts cook faster than thighs.
• Don’t overcook the orzo: Keep an eye on the orzo, as it cooks quickly and can become mushy if overcooked.
• Use fresh lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice will give the dish a vibrant and zesty flavor compared to bottled lemon juice.
• Rest the chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to ensure the juices stay locked in.

How to Serve

This One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs with Orzo is a complete meal on its own, but it can also be served with:

• A side salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the richness of the dish.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus or broccoli adds a healthy and flavorful side.
• Garlic Bread: For an extra treat, serve with garlic bread to soak up the delicious orzo broth.
• White Wine: A chilled glass of crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, would complement the citrusy, garlic flavors beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if the orzo has absorbed too much liquid.

Freezing

Although this dish is best fresh, you can freeze the cooked chicken and orzo mixture for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then heat on the stove, adding a little extra broth to loosen the orzo.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the dish in a skillet on medium heat with a little chicken broth to keep the orzo moist and the chicken tender.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead?

Yes, but boneless, skinless chicken thighs will cook faster. Adjust the cooking time to ensure they don’t dry out.

2. Can I use another type of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, small pasta shapes like ditalini or acini di pepe would also work well in this recipe.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it’s best fresh, you can make it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before serving.

4. What can I substitute for spinach?

You can use other leafy greens such as kale, arugula, or Swiss chard if you prefer.

5. Can I make this dish without the Parmesan?

Yes, you can leave out the Parmesan or substitute it with another cheese, such as Pecorino Romano, for a slightly different flavor.

6. Is this dish gluten-free?

No, the orzo contains gluten, but you can substitute gluten-free orzo or another gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

7. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a small amount of chili paste for a kick of heat.

8. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, vegetable broth is a great substitute if you’re looking for a vegetarian version of this dish.

9. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

If using pre-cooked chicken, you can skip the searing step and simply warm it through in the pan with the orzo.

10. How do I ensure the chicken skin stays crispy?

To keep the skin crispy, avoid covering the pan once the chicken is cooked, and don’t stir the orzo around the chicken after adding it back to the pan.

Conclusion

One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs with Orzo is the perfect combination of bright flavors, tender chicken, and savory pasta. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that makes dinner easy and delicious with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to become a favorite go-to meal. Give it a try tonight and experience the magic of one-pan cooking!

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