One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs with Orzo Recipe

Introduction

One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs with Orzo combines succulent, flavorful chicken with tender pasta in a lemony, garlicky sauce—all cooked in a single skillet for ultimate convenience and minimal cleanup. The bright flavors of fresh lemon and garlic, along with juicy chicken and creamy orzo, make this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family dinners or entertaining friends.

This dish is not only packed with Mediterranean-inspired flavors but is also effortless to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The combination of protein and pasta in one skillet also ensures a balanced, satisfying meal every time.

Why This One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Orzo Stands Out

What makes this meal truly shine is the way it melds tangy citrus, pungent garlic, and savory chicken juices into the orzo, ensuring every bite is full of flavor. As the chicken thighs cook, their juices are absorbed by the pasta, giving it an undeniable depth and richness you rarely find in other one-pan meals.

Additionally, the one-pan approach means less time spent washing dishes—a win for any home cook. It’s a recipe designed for simplicity but delivers on taste in a big way.

Prepping Chicken and Aromatics Like a Pro

Begin by trimming excess fat from your chicken thighs and patting them dry for the crispiest skin. For even chopping of garlic, onion, or fresh vegetables like zucchini or bell pepper (if desired), use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper. This tool makes prep quick and uniform, ensuring even cooking and saving you valuable time.

Once the veggies and aromatics are ready, season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and a hint of smoked paprika for added depth.

Searing and Simmering for Maximum Flavor

To achieve perfectly golden chicken and prevent sticking, heat olive oil in a quality nonstick skillet like the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch. Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down until the skin crisps and turns a beautiful golden color. Set the chicken aside, then sauté your chopped aromatics right in the same skillet to soak up all the flavorful fond.

Add orzo and let it toast for a minute to deepen its flavor before adding broth, lemon juice, and a little zest. Nestle the chicken back into the pan and let everything simmer gently until the orzo is creamy and fully cooked.

Finishing Touches and Serving Suggestions

Finish your dish with a shower of fresh herbs like parsley or dill and extra lemon zest for a pop of freshness. To portion out leftovers or pack lunch for the next day, a Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl is perfect for keeping your meal fresh and spill-proof.

Serve straight from the skillet for a family-style meal, or plate individually with extra lemon wedges and a crisp side salad.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe feeds four hungry people, delivering approximately 520–580 calories per portion, depending on the amount of olive oil and whether you add any extra vegetables. With a good balance of lean protein, satisfying carbs, and plenty of fresh flavors, this meal offers both comfort and nutrition.

One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs with Orzo Recap

Crispy, juicy chicken thighs; creamy, flavorful orzo; and a bright, zesty sauce all come together in a single pan for a meal that’s as easy as it is delicious. This is a recipe you’ll return to again and again for its unbeatable flavor and unmatched simplicity.

Instructions

1. Trim any excess fat from chicken thighs. Pat dry with paper towels and season both sides well with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Heat olive oil in a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Lower heat to medium. Add onion (and optional diced veggies), sautéing for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour in orzo and toast for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add broth, lemon juice, and zest, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
5. Nestle chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin-side up. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 12–15 minutes, until the orzo is al dente and the chicken is cooked through (internal temp of 175–180°F; check with a ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer).
6. If any extra liquid remains, remove the lid and simmer uncovered for a couple of minutes to thicken. Taste and adjust salt or lemon as desired.
7. Remove from heat. Top with chopped parsley or dill, and serve straight from the skillet with lemon wedges. For easy leftovers, transfer to a Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl or similar food storage container.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Make Weeknight Dinners Effortless

Ready in under an hour and boasting irresistible flavors, this One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs with Orzo recipe is bound to become a staple in your culinary rotation. Give it a try for a meal that’s bursting with freshness, comfort, and convenience!