Onepot Lemon Garlic Orzo Chicken Sunshine on a Plate
Recipe Introduction
Fancy a super tasty, easy meal? Ever tried one pot lemon garlic orzo ? Honestly, you are in for a treat! It's sunshine on a plate, I tell you!
Quick Hook
This recipe is the star of the show! It's creamy lemon orzo heaven with pan-seared chicken, all in one pot. Want a quick pasta dinners ? Then, say no more!
Brief Overview
This dish has Mediterranean roots. It brings zest and warmth to your table. It's easy orzo recipe , needing just 40 minutes and feeds four happy bellies.
Main Benefits
Packed with protein and bright flavors, this Italian chicken orzo is a health boost. Make it for a relaxed weeknight dinner recipes .
It's my go-to! What makes it special? It’s the ease. Plus, that lemon zing? Unbeatable!. You know?
Let's talk ingredients for this lovely one-pot chicken orzo recipe . First you need 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (approx. 600g) .
One-Pot Wonder: Let's Talk Chicken!
Ok, I have to say. I love chicken thighs. They don’t dry out like breasts. This chicken thigh orzo has that great sear.
Crispy skin is a must! Honestly, this is so good!
Orzo Magic: Simple Ingredients, Big Flavors!
This recipe uses 1 cup orzo pasta (approx. 170g) , but did you know it can be swapped? Ditalini or Arborio rice work too.
Just keep an eye on the cook time. I messed this up once using the Arborio rice and it came out so mushy, never again!
This one pot meals dream is waiting to happen. Get ready for lemon garlic pasta deliciousness! The dish is finished off with some lovely vegetables making it orzo with chicken and vegetables
Ingredients & Equipment for Sunshine on a Plate
Okay, so let's dive into what you'll need to make this fantastic one pot lemon garlic orzo chicken. I promise it’s easier than assembling IKEA furniture! This easy orzo recipe is genuinely foolproof.
Honestly, if I can do it, you can do it! It is based on one pot meals , so you know you will win!
Main Players in Our Italian Chicken Orzo Drama
Alright! Grab these, pronto!:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (around 600g ). Look for plump thighs that aren't pale. Good quality chicken thigh orzo needs good quality chiken!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil ( 30 ml ) - the extra virgin kind gives it a little something extra!
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 150g ).
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (roughly 12g ). Fresh garlic is always better. If it's old, it won’t pack the same punch.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 1 large lemon). Zest it right before you need it for the best aroma.
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice ( 60 ml ). Bottled juice just doesn’t cut it, trust me.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth ( 950 ml ). Low sodium is key, we don't wanna over salt it.
- 1 cup orzo pasta (around 170g ).
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese ( 50g ), plus extra to serve. Get the real stuff, not the powdery stuff in a green can.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley ( 15g ), plus extra to sprinkle. Fresh herbs always make a dish feel fancy.
- Salt and pepper. Because, duh!
This creamy lemon orzo is the perfect canvas for the chicken! And remember, you can totally tweak this one-pot chicken orzo recipe to your taste.
Seasoning & Flavor Boosters
This is where the magic happens.
- Lemon zest and garlic are a match made in heaven. They provide brightness and depth.
- Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory richness.
- Parsley brings a fresh, herbaceous note to the whole dish.
If you are after a quick pasta dinners then you need to know that you could try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
If you don't have fresh parsley, dried works in a pinch (about a teaspoon), but it won't be quite the same.
Essential Tools of the Trade
Don't worry, you probably have most of this already.
- A large, oven safe pot or Dutch oven with a lid. This is essential for one pot meals .
- Measuring cups and spoons. You know. For measuring.
- Cutting board and sharp knife. Gotta chop those veggies.
- Microplane or zester. For the lemon zest!
- Lemon juicer (optional, but handy).
Honestly, you can get away with a regular pot with a lid if you don't have a Dutch oven. Just make sure it's big enough! I once tried making this in a too-small pot.
Let's just say it ended with me cleaning a sticky orzo mess off my hob for a week. Not fun.
This orzo with chicken and vegetables is sure to be a hit! Enjoy this weeknight dinner recipes as much as I do.
One-Pot Lemon Garlic Orzo Chicken: Sunshine on a Plate!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a good one pot meal ? Especially after a long day, the last thing you want is a mountain of dishes.
This one pot lemon garlic orzo chicken recipe is my go-to for a quick, easy, and flavourful weeknight dinner recipe .
I'm not even kidding when I say this easy orzo recipe is a total lifesaver! This recipe will not disappoint, I swear! According to some food magazines, One-pot meals, and in general lemon, chicken and garlic flavors, are trending with up to 34% increases in recent years!
Prep Like a Pro: Get Your Ducks in a Row
First, get everything ready. It’s called mise en place fancy, right? Chop one medium yellow onion (approx. 150g ).
Mince four cloves of garlic (approx. 12g ). Zest one lemon and squeeze out one-fourth cup ( 60 ml ) of its juice.
Measure out one cup of orzo pasta (approx. 170g ). Grate one-half cup of Parmesan cheese (approx. 50g ). Chop one-fourth cup of fresh parsley (approx.
15g ). Season those chicken thighs ! Having all your ingredients ready makes cooking so much smoother.
Cooking One-Pot Chicken Orzo Recipe : step-by-step to Yum
Okay, let's get cooking!
- Sear the chicken: Heat two tablespoons of olive oil ( 30 ml ) in your pot over medium high heat. Season four bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (approx. 600g ) with salt and pepper. Sear skin side down for about 5- 7 minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for about 3- 5 minutes . Take the chicken out and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Lower the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook for about 2- 3 minutes . Don't burn the garlic, alright?
- Add flavor: Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice , scraping up any browned bits.
- Simmer time: Pour in four cups of low-sodium chicken broth ( 950 ml ). Simmer gently. Add the orzo pasta , stirring it to coat.
- Combine and cook: Put the chicken back in the pot, nestling it in the orzo. Cover the pot and simmer for 10- 12 minutes . Stir halfway. The orzo should be tender and the liquid mostly gone.
- Cheesy finish: Take the pot off the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese . Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley . Serve hot.
This creamy lemon orzo is so good. I promise!
Pro Tips for Lemon Garlic Pasta Perfection
- Don't crowd the pot when searing the chicken. Do it in batches if needed for crispy skin.
- Watch the orzo carefully. Overcooked orzo is a no-go.
- Use fresh lemon juice, for the best taste.
- Can't find orzo? Use ditalini pasta.
This Italian chicken orzo is one of the best quick pasta dinners you can prepare. You can replace chicken thighs with chicken breasts, but be aware it will dry more quickly.
And if you're feeling fancy, add some asparagus or green beans for a orzo with chicken and vegetables , the possibilities are endless! Enjoy this chicken thigh orzo !
Recipe Notes: Let's Get Personal!
Honestly, this one pot lemon garlic orzo chicken recipe is so easy, it's almost cheating. But hey, I'm all about delicious food without the stress.
I once tried to make a complicated risotto and let's just say, the fire alarm got involved. This easy orzo recipe is my redemption!
Serving Suggestions: Making it Pretty (and Tasty!)
Forget fancy plating this is comfort food! But a little effort goes a long way. I love serving this one-pot chicken orzo recipe in shallow bowls, topped with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
A wedge of lemon on the side adds a pop of color and a final burst of flavor. For sides, steamed green beans or a simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette are perfect.
Got some crusty bread? YES! Dip and enjoy the delicious sauce.
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This creamy lemon orzo tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
I don't recommend freezing it as the orzo can get a bit mushy. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up.
Nobody wants dry pasta.
Variations: Make it Your Own
Want to jazz it up? Throw in some chopped spinach or sun-dried tomatoes during the last few minutes of cooking.
For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken thigh orzo for cannellini beans or chickpeas. Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, simples!.
To make it gluten-free, just use gluten-free orzo. Honestly, it is so easy. I had to adjust the cooking time by like 2 minutes.
The possibilities are endless! Experiment with different orzo with chicken and vegetables .
Nutrition Basics: Feel Good Food
Each serving of this sunshine-on-a-plate Italian chicken orzo is packed with flavor and goodness. You're looking at approximately 550 calories, 35g of protein, and a healthy dose of carbs for energy.
Plus, chicken is a great source of lean protein. All estimated of course. This is comfort food that fuels you up without weighing you down.
Perfect for a weeknight dinner recipes !
So there you have it! This one pot meals recipe is so delicious that you will love it. I hope you feel ready to tackle this quick pasta dinners recipe.
You got this! Now go forth and create some kitchen magic!.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make one pot lemon garlic orzo ahead of time? Is it good for meal prep?
Absolutely! The one pot lemon garlic orzo is fantastic for meal prep. The flavors actually meld together even better overnight. Just keep in mind that the orzo will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so you might need to add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to loosen it up.
Think of it like leftover spaghetti bolognese even better the next day!
I'm not a big fan of chicken thighs, can I substitute something else in this one pot lemon garlic orzo recipe?
You bet! While chicken thighs give great flavour and stay super juicy, you can easily swap them out. Chicken breasts will work, but watch them carefully as they tend to dry out quicker; reduce the simmering time to prevent this. For a vegetarian spin, try using cannellini beans or chickpeas.
Just remember to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian. A hearty white bean is a great alternative source of protein, similar to a tasty chickpea and spinach curry!
Help! My one pot lemon garlic orzo is mushy. What did I do wrong?
Oh dear, mushy orzo is a common kitchen woe! The most likely culprit is overcooking. Orzo is a sneaky pasta and can turn to mush pretty quickly. Next time, keep a close eye on it during the simmering process and start checking for doneness around the 10-minute mark.
Stirring occasionally also helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking, but try not to stir too often, as that can release more starch and contribute to the mushiness.
What's the best way to store leftover one pot lemon garlic orzo, and how long will it last?
To store your leftover one pot lemon garlic orzo, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a little extra chicken broth or water if it seems dry. You can reheat it in the microwave or in a pan on the stovetop.
I wouldn't recommend freezing it as the texture of the orzo can change.
I'm trying to watch my sodium intake. Any tips for making this one pot lemon garlic orzo healthier?
Good on you for being mindful of sodium! The easiest way to reduce the sodium content is to use low-sodium chicken broth. You can also control the amount of salt you add during cooking, and remember that Parmesan cheese also contributes to the sodium level, so use it sparingly.
Loading up on fresh herbs like parsley is a great way to boost the flavor without adding extra salt. Maybe swap it out for a 0% fat greek yoghurt for a lighter alternative.
My family isn't keen on lemon. What other flavours work well with one pot orzo?
No worries, we can still make a delish dish. Instead of the lemon, try a Mediterranean twist with sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese. A creamy pesto version with chicken or shrimp is another winner. You could even go for a spicy Italian sausage orzo with a touch of tomato paste and red pepper flakes.
The possibilities are endless think of the orzo as your blank canvas, like when you are doing 'fakeaway' pizzas!
Onepot Lemon Garlic Orzo Chicken Sunshine On A P
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 550 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 3g |
