Lemon Herb Chicken Orzo Skillet (Printable Version)

A bright one-pan meal with tender chicken, orzo, and fresh herbs in zesty lemon sauce.

# What You Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.1 lbs), cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Pasta & Grains

02 - 1 cup (180 g) orzo pasta

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 cup (5 oz) 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 1/2 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 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Fats

13 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5–6 minutes until lightly golden. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
02 - In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Stir in orzo, coating it in the oil and aromatics for 1–2 minutes.
04 - Pour in chicken broth and add oregano, lemon zest, and half the parsley and dill. Bring to a simmer.
05 - Return chicken (and any juices) to the skillet. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Add peas and lemon juice. Continue to cook uncovered for 5–8 minutes, stirring, until orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
07 - Remove from heat. Adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with remaining herbs. Serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Easy one-pan preparation means minimal cleanup.
  • Features a refreshing blend of fresh dill, parsley, and lemon.
  • A nutritionally balanced main dish that is completely nut-free.
02 -
  • Check your chicken broth ingredients to ensure they meet your specific dietary needs.
  • Wait to add the lemon juice until the end to keep the citrus flavor bright and fresh.
  • Toasting the orzo for a minute before adding liquid adds a lovely nutty depth.
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