Lemon Herb Chicken Orzo Skillet (Printable view)

Tender chicken and orzo pasta with fresh herbs in a zesty lemon sauce. Light, bright, and ready in under an hour.

# What You 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 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped or 1 teaspoon dried dill
10 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
11 - 0.5 teaspoon salt, or to taste
12 - 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

→ Fats

13 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

# How To Make:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
02 - Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5–6 minutes until lightly golden. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
03 - 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.
04 - Stir in orzo pasta, coating it evenly in the oil and aromatics for 1–2 minutes.
05 - Pour in chicken broth and add dried oregano, lemon zest, and half of the chopped parsley and dill. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
06 - Return chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
07 - Add peas and fresh lemon juice. Continue cooking uncovered for 5–8 minutes, stirring frequently, until orzo reaches al dente texture and most liquid is absorbed.
08 - Remove from heat. Adjust seasoning to taste. Garnish with remaining fresh herbs and serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • One-Pan Magic: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in a single skillet.
  • Fresh Flavors: The combination of lemon zest, dill, and parsley creates a vibrant Mediterranean profile.
  • Balanced Meal: A complete dish with protein, grains, and vegetables in every bite.
  • Quick and Easy: Ready in just 45 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
02 -
  • Always use low-sodium broth so you can control the salt levels of the dish more precisely.
  • If the orzo has absorbed all the liquid but isn't quite tender yet, add a splash more broth or water and continue cooking for a minute.
  • Fresh herbs are key; adding half during cooking and the rest as a garnish ensures layers of flavor and a beautiful presentation.
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