One-Pan Chicken with Lemon Orzo
This cozy one-pan dish features juicy, herb-seasoned chicken seared until golden, then simmered with tender lemony orzo, garlic, and veggies. Creamy, zesty, and perfectly Mediterranean, it’s a complete meal cooked in a single pan — minimal cleanup, maximum flavor!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 3–4
Ingredients
For the Chicken
3–4 chicken thighs or breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp paprika
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Lemon Orzo
1 cup orzo pasta
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups chicken broth
½ cup milk or cream
1 cup baby spinach
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of ½ lemon
2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Optional Add-ons
Cherry tomatoes
Roasted veggies
Feta cheese for topping
Instructions
1. Season the Chicken
Pat chicken dry.
Rub with olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden.
Remove and set aside (it will finish cooking later).
3. Cook the Aromatics
In the same pan, lower heat to medium.
Add chopped onion and sauté 2 minutes.
Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
4. Add the Orzo Base
Stir in:
Orzo
Chicken broth
Lemon zest
Lemon juice
Mix well, scraping any browned bits from the pan.
5. Add Chicken Back
Nestle the seared chicken pieces into the orzo.
Cover and cook 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
If using cream or milk, stir it in during the last 2–3 minutes.
6. Finish the Dish
Add spinach and allow it to wilt.
Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil on top.
Taste and adjust lemon, salt, or pepper.
7. Serve
Serve warm in bowls, optionally with:
Crumbled feta
Extra lemon wedges
A drizzle of olive oil
Notes & Tips
Non-spicy: Naturally mild — perfect for your preference.
Creamier version: Add ¼ cup parmesan or a splash of cream.
More lemon flavor: Add extra zest right before serving.
Avoid mushy orzo: Stir halfway to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use rice instead of orzo?
Yes — but increase liquid to 2 ½ cups and cooking time to ~20 minutes.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes — skip the milk/cream and use extra broth.
Q: Can I use boneless chicken?
Absolutely — boneless cooks faster.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~430
Protein: 32g
Carbs: 42g
Fat: 14g
Fiber: 3g