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Easy One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken with Roasted Orzo

one-pan lemon herb chicken - featured image
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A quick and easy one-pan meal featuring juicy lemon herb chicken thighs roasted alongside nutty, toasted orzo pasta for a flavorful and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 cup orzo pasta (regular or whole wheat; gluten-free option: quinoa or rice pasta)
  • 2 cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • A handful fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crisp skin. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and thyme. Let sit for about 10 minutes.
  2. Zest and juice the lemon using a microplane or fine grater. Set aside.
  3. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  4. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the orzo and stir frequently for 3-4 minutes until golden amber and fragrant.
  5. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Carefully pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring quickly to combine.
  6. Nestle the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on top of the orzo. Drizzle the remaining olive oil and sprinkle lemon zest over everything.
  7. Place the skillet in the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the orzo is tender with slightly crispy edges.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Dry chicken skin before seasoning for crispiness. Toast orzo before adding broth for nutty flavor. Avoid stirring orzo too much after adding broth to prevent mushiness. Use bone-in thighs for juiciness. If chicken skin isn’t crispy enough, broil for 2 minutes watching carefully to avoid burning. For gluten-free, swap orzo with quinoa or rice pasta. For vegetarian, substitute chicken with roasted cauliflower steaks or portobello mushrooms and increase roasting time slightly.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon herb chicken, one-pan meal, roasted orzo, easy dinner, weeknight recipe, chicken thighs, quick dinner, lemon chicken

Find it online: https://yumbelle.com/easy-one-pan-lemon-herb-chicken-with-roasted-orzo-recipe-for-perfect-dinner/