Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs with Orzo

One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs with Orzo

One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs with Orzo is a simple, flavorful, and comforting weeknight dinner featuring juicy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs seared to crispy golden perfection. The dish is cooked all in one pan with tender orzo pasta simmered in a zesty lemon garlic sauce, infused with fresh herbs and savory chicken broth. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s delicious, easy to prepare, and perfect for family meals or entertaining.

  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Orzo and Sauce

  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (plus more for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken Thighs: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. This helps ensure crispy, golden skin when cooked.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and place the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside temporarily.
  3. Sauté Garlic and Add Orzo: In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic, cooking just until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Then stir in the dry orzo, letting it toast slightly for extra nuttiness.
  4. Add Lemon Juice and Broth: Pour in fresh lemon juice and chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift any browned bits for flavor. Stir to combine everything well.
  5. Simmer with Chicken: Return the seared chicken thighs to the pan, nestling them into the orzo mixture. Cover the pan, reduce heat to low, and let everything simmer for about 15 minutes until the orzo is tender and the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
  6. Finish and Garnish: Once cooked, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme over the dish to add freshness. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then serve straight from the pan for a delightful meal.

Notes

  • Patting chicken dry ensures crispier skin.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan; sear the chicken thighs in batches if needed to maintain heat.
  • Lightly toasting orzo before simmering enhances its flavor.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for a brighter flavor compared to bottled.
  • Cover while simmering helps the orzo cook evenly and absorb all the tasty liquids.
  • Let the dish rest for a couple of minutes off heat to allow flavors to meld before serving.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Searing and Simmering
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Gluten Free (if orzo is substituted or gluten-free pasta used)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with orzo
  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg

Keywords: lemon garlic chicken, one pan dinner, chicken thighs, orzo pasta, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal, Mediterranean chicken