Lemon Herb Chicken Orzo Skillet (Printable)

Tender chicken with orzo pasta, peas, and fresh herbs in a bright lemon sauce. Mediterranean-inspired comfort in one skillet.

# What You'll Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.1 lbs), cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Pasta & Grains

02 - 1 cup orzo pasta

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 cup frozen green peas
04 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon

→ Liquids

07 - 2.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth

→ Herbs & Seasonings

08 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
09 - 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
10 - 1 tsp dried oregano
11 - 0.5 tsp salt
12 - 0.25 tsp black pepper

→ Fats

13 - 2 tbsp olive oil

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5-6 minutes until lightly golden. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
02 - In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Stir in orzo pasta, coating it evenly in the oil and aromatics for 1-2 minutes.
04 - Pour in chicken broth and add dried oregano, lemon zest, and half the fresh parsley and dill. Bring to a simmer.
05 - Return chicken pieces and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Cover with a lid and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Add frozen peas and lemon juice. Continue cooking uncovered for 5-8 minutes, stirring regularly, until orzo reaches al dente texture and most liquid is absorbed.
07 - Remove from heat. Adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with remaining fresh herbs. Serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The orzo soaks up all those lemony juices while the chicken stays impossibly tender
  • Everything cooks in one pan, leaving you with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor
02 -
  • The orzo will continue absorbing liquid as it sits, so do not let it dry out completely in the pan
  • Adding the lemon juice at the end keeps the flavor fresh and bright instead of cooking out
03 -
  • Do not rush the initial chicken sear, those browned bits are flavor gold
  • Taste and adjust the lemon before serving, everyone has a different brightness threshold
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