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Busy weeknights call for quick, delicious, and wholesome meals that don’t leave a mountain of dishes behind. That’s where this One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs with Orzo steps in as the ultimate dinner hero. Packed with bold citrusy flavors, savory garlic notes, and comforting orzo, this recipe brings gourmet taste straight to your table without the hassle of complicated steps or multiple pans.

The golden sear on bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs gives you the crispiness you crave, while the orzo simmers in the same pan, soaking up all the flavorful juices. A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish, and baby spinach adds freshness and a pop of color. Finished with parmesan and parsley, it’s a complete meal—protein, carbs, and veggies—all cooked in one skillet.

Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing a romantic dinner for two, this dish is elegant enough for entertaining but simple enough for a regular Tuesday night. With just one pan and minimal prep, you can serve up something that tastes like it took hours. And the best part? Fewer dishes mean more time to enjoy the meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One Pan Simplicity – No need to juggle pots and pans. Everything cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
Flavorful and Balanced – Savory garlic, bright lemon, and buttery orzo come together in a flavor-packed dish.
Complete Meal – Protein, starch, and veggies all in one recipe—no need to make additional sides.
Perfect for Meal Prep – It stores and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Family-Friendly – A comforting and satisfying dish that both kids and adults will enjoy.

Ingredients

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Olive oil
Lemon (sliced into rounds)
Butter
Garlic (minced)
Dried orzo
Low-sodium chicken broth
Freshly squeezed lemon juice
Baby spinach
Parmesan cheese (freshly shredded)
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Fresh parsley

Variations

Boneless Chicken – Swap bone-in thighs for boneless ones to reduce cook time.
Add Veggies – Include cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or zucchini for more texture and nutrients.
Spicy Kick – Add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for heat.
Herb Swap – Replace parsley with fresh basil or dill for a different flavor profile.
Creamy Version – Stir in a bit of heavy cream or cream cheese for a richer orzo base.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry and season generously with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken skin-side down and sear until golden and crispy, about 5–6 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Reduce the heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet along with the minced garlic (reserving 1 clove for later). Stir for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Toast the Orzo

Add the dried orzo to the pan, stirring to coat it in the butter and garlic. Toast for 1–2 minutes for a nutty flavor.

Step 4: Add Broth and Lemon

Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.

Step 5: Return Chicken to the Pan

Nestle the chicken thighs back into the pan, skin-side up. Add lemon slices over the top. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and orzo is tender.

Step 6: Finish the Dish

Stir in the spinach, reserved garlic, remaining butter, and parmesan cheese. Let it melt and combine fully. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Dry the chicken skin before searing for the crispiest texture.
Don’t skip toasting the orzo—it adds depth and a slightly nutty flavor.
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best bright citrus taste.
Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. The parmesan adds saltiness, so go light on added salt at first.
Cover the pan while simmering to trap steam and cook the orzo evenly.

How to Serve

Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic family-style dinner.
Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for extra greens.
Add a glass of white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, for a classy touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool completely before storing. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked dish for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to keep the orzo moist.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs?

Yes, they cook faster and work well, though you may lose some flavor from the bones.

2. What is orzo, and can I substitute it?

Orzo is a rice-shaped pasta. You can substitute with small pasta like couscous or even rice (adjust liquid accordingly).

3. Can I use chicken breasts instead?

Yes, but they tend to dry out more easily. Monitor cook time closely.

4. Is this dish gluten-free?

No, orzo contains gluten. Use gluten-free pasta or rice as a substitute.

5. Can I make this dairy-free?

Omit the butter and parmesan or use dairy-free alternatives.

6. What if I don’t have fresh spinach?

You can use frozen spinach (thawed and drained) or substitute with kale or arugula.

7. How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.

8. Can I make this in the oven?

Yes, after adding the broth and orzo, you can transfer the pan to a 375°F (190°C) oven and bake until done.

9. Will this work with other meats?

Yes, bone-in chicken drumsticks or even pork chops can be used with slight modifications.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Use a larger skillet or Dutch oven and double all ingredients accordingly.

Conclusion

One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs with Orzo is a perfect combination of convenience and elegance. With layers of flavor, a comforting texture, and a bright lemony finish, this recipe proves that you don’t need a dozen ingredients or hours in the kitchen to make something extraordinary. Whether it’s a busy weekday or a cozy weekend meal, this dish is sure to become a staple in your rotation. Make it once, and you’ll come back to it again and again.