When you crave something cozy yet delightfully zesty, One Pot Lemon Pepper Chicken with Orzo is your ticket to weeknight happiness. Juicy chicken thighs, bright lemon pepper seasoning, and tender orzo all simmer together in one pan—the result is a vibrant bite that practically sings with flavor. Your family (and your tastebuds) are about to meet their new favorite dinner!
Why You Should Make This Recipe
- One-Pan Simplicity: Minimal mess and maximum flavor—everything cooks together, infusing each grain of orzo and every piece of chicken with savory goodness.
- Bright & Zesty: That bold punch of lemon pepper and fresh parsley gives the dish a sunny, crave-worthy twist that’s anything but boring.
- Hearty & Comforting: Juicy chicken and creamy orzo make for a meal that sticks to your ribs—but in the most delicious way.
- Adaptable: Mix it up with boneless thighs, swap in extra veggies, or use up whatever’s in your fridge—this recipe welcomes creativity!
Ingredients & Substitutions
This recipe couldn’t be easier—the ingredients are humble but each one makes its mark, building layers of flavor, creaminess, and vibrant color in every forkful. Here’s a quick look at the essentials and a few ways you can customize.
- Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs amp up the richness and keep things juicy, but boneless or skinless work just fine (just reduce cook time a bit).
- Lemon Pepper Seasoning: The star of the show, this blend brings tangy citrus and cracked black pepper—try homemade or your favorite store brand.
- Cooking Oil: A little bit helps brown the chicken and unlock all those delicious browned bits on the pan. Olive oil or a neutral oil both work great.
- Garlic: Adds aromatic depth; don’t skip it! Fresh is best, but you can sub with 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder in a pinch.
- Chicken Broth: Fuels the orzo’s creaminess and infuses the whole dish with savory deliciousness. Veggie broth works too if you prefer it meatless.
- Orzo: This tiny, rice-shaped pasta cooks up tender and helps create that cozy, risotto-esque texture. You could use another small pasta if that’s what’s in your pantry, but orzo really shines here.
- Fresh Parsley: Bright, herbal, and essential for that pop of green. You can swap in fresh dill or even a little basil for a twist.
- Feta Cheese: The salty finish you didn’t know you needed—crumbled on top for creamy bites and tang. Goat cheese or shaved parmesan also work for a different vibe.
How to Make One Pot Lemon Pepper Chicken with Orzo
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken thighs dry (this is key for crisping!) and thoroughly coat them with your lemon pepper blend. Toss the seasoned chicken into a hot skillet, skin side down, and let it sizzle away undisturbed—the skin will turn golden and the aroma will win over anyone in your kitchen. Once both sides are browned, set the chicken aside, saving all that gorgeous flavor in the pan.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics & Build the Base
Lower the heat and sauté the minced garlic in those savory chicken drippings until just fragrant (don’t let it burn!). This short step infuses the oil deeper, becoming the flavor base for your orzo.
Step 3: Simmer Orzo and Chicken Together
Stir in the chicken broth and scrape up every last browned bit—this is flavor city! Add the orzo and half the parsley, then nestle your chicken back in, skin side up. Bring to a gentle boil, cover, and simmer until the orzo is creamy and the chicken is perfectly cooked through, about 15 minutes of hands-off magic.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Once the orzo is tender and you have a saucy, starchy base, give everything a little fluff to mix, top with more parsley and a good handful of crumbled feta. Each bite will be creamy, citrusy, and bursting with flavor—your One Pot Lemon Pepper Chicken with Orzo is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve One Pot Lemon Pepper Chicken with Orzo
Garnishes
For a beautiful finish, shower the dish with extra fresh parsley and a generous scatter of feta just before serving—if you want more lemon zing, a few grates of fresh lemon zest or another crack of black pepper take it over the top!
Side Dishes
Honestly, One Pot Lemon Pepper Chicken with Orzo is a meal all on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the table, a crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette or some roasted green beans make excellent partners. Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling fancy, serve each chicken thigh atop a creamy scoop of orzo on individual plates, or present the whole skillet straight to the table for a cozy family-style meal. You can also spoon the orzo into shallow bowls, perch a chicken thigh on top, and finish with feta and parsley for a bistro-worthy look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One Pot Lemon Pepper Chicken with Orzo keeps like a dream: let the dish cool, then store portions in airtight containers in the fridge. The orzo may soak up more broth over time, but the flavors will continue to develop in the best possible way.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. Just note: the texture of the orzo may soften a bit upon thawing, but it’ll still be absolutely delicious.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen things up, then warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Give it a stir and sprinkle on some fresh parsley or a crumble of feta to revive that just-cooked feel.
FAQs
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Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or even chicken breasts) work well—just keep in mind they’ll cook through faster, so start checking for doneness after browning and while simmering, and reduce simmering time as needed.
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Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely—try stirring in baby spinach, peas, asparagus, or diced bell peppers when you add the orzo and broth for extra nutrition and gorgeous color in your One Pot Lemon Pepper Chicken with Orzo.
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What if I don’t have orzo—can I substitute another pasta?
Yes! While orzo gives the creamiest texture, you can substitute another small pasta like ditalini or small shells—just keep an eye on the liquid and add more broth if needed as different shapes absorb liquid differently.
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How do I keep the chicken skin crispy?
Get that skin good and brown before simmering, and be sure to place the chicken skin side up for the final simmer—this helps it retain texture even as everything melds together in the One Pot Lemon Pepper Chicken with Orzo.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how easy and flavor-packed it is, I hope One Pot Lemon Pepper Chicken with Orzo becomes your next go-to comfort meal. Give it a try soon—your future self (and anyone you share it with) will thank you for such a bright, hearty, and joyful dinner!
Print
One Pot Lemon Pepper Chicken with Orzo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
Description
This One Pot Lemon Pepper Chicken with Orzo is a flavorful and easy dish that combines tender chicken thighs with orzo pasta, seasoned with zesty lemon pepper and garnished with crumbled feta and fresh parsley.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 Tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
For the Orzo:
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1.5 cups orzo
- 2 oz. feta, crumbled
Instructions
- Season and Brown the Chicken: Blot the chicken thighs dry and season with lemon pepper. Brown the chicken in a skillet.
- Prepare the Orzo: Saute garlic, add chicken broth, orzo, and parsley to the skillet. Return chicken to the skillet.
- Simmer: Cover and simmer until orzo is tender and most of the broth is absorbed.
- Finish and Serve: Fluff the orzo, top with parsley and feta, then serve.
Notes
- I used bone-in chicken thighs with skin, but you could use boneless and skinless if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh with orzo
- Calories: Approximately 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
