Garlic Herb Chicken with Lemon Orzo Recipe

Garlic Herb Chicken with Lemon Orzo is a bright, flavorful one-pan meal that pairs tender, seasoned chicken with zesty, lemon-infused orzo pasta. This dish is both elegant and comforting, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The chicken is marinated in garlic, herbs, and lemon, then seared to perfection, while the orzo soaks up all the pan juices for a rich, tangy finish. It’s a complete meal made in one skillet—meaning less cleanup and more convenience. Plus, the combination of juicy chicken and citrusy orzo is always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Olive oil
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Fresh lemon juice and zest
• Dried oregano
• Fresh or dried thyme
• Salt and pepper
• Chicken broth
• Orzo pasta
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, zest, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken and coat well. Let marinate for at least 20 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge).
3. Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add orzo and toast for a minute.
5. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir occasionally until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid (about 10 minutes).
6. Return the chicken to the skillet. Let everything warm together for a couple of minutes.
7. Finish with chopped parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, and Parmesan if using. Serve hot.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Add veggies: Stir in baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted zucchini during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes to the marinade for a little heat.
• Creamy version: Stir in a splash of cream or a spoonful of cream cheese into the orzo before serving.
• Swap the protein: Use shrimp or salmon instead of chicken for a seafood version.
• Gluten-free: Substitute with gluten-free orzo or rice.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the orzo.
Freezing is not recommended, as the orzo can become mushy once thawed.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time to ensure it cooks through fully.

Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can mix the marinade and refrigerate it up to 24 hours in advance.

What is orzo, and can I substitute it?

Orzo is a rice-shaped pasta. You can use small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice as a substitute.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, just skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

What herbs go best in this dish?

Oregano, thyme, and parsley are classic, but rosemary or basil would also work nicely.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and juices run clear.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, just add it at the end when the orzo is nearly done, to warm through.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely. Just divide into portions and store in airtight containers in the fridge for easy grab-and-go lunches.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, though chicken broth adds more depth, vegetable broth is a great alternative for a lighter flavor.

How can I keep the orzo from sticking?

Stir it occasionally while cooking, and make sure there’s enough liquid until it reaches a creamy consistency.

Conclusion

Garlic Herb Chicken with Lemon Orzo is a flavorful, one-skillet meal that’s as easy as it is impressive. The bright lemon, fragrant herbs, and tender chicken combined with creamy orzo create a well-balanced and satisfying dinner. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish brings comfort and elegance to the table in under an hour.

Print