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One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs With Orzo Recipe

This delicious one-pan dish features succulent chicken thighs marinated in lemon and garlic, cooked alongside tender orzo pasta. It's a comforting meal that's perfect for weeknights, easy to prepare, and packs a punch of flavor, all in one pan.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4 People
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large skillet or sauté pan with a lid
  • 1 measuring cups and spoons
  • 1 wooden spoon or spatula
  • 4 serving plates

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on About 1.5 pounds.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 piece lemon, juiced and zested
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • to taste chopped parsley, for garnish Optional.

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Rub the mixture all over the chicken thighs and let them marinate for at least 10 minutes.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken and sear for another 5 minutes on the other side.
  • Remove the chicken thighs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add the orzo and stir for about 1 minute.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nesting them in the orzo.
  • Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 20-25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the orzo is tender, stirring occasionally.
  • In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the fresh spinach until wilted.
  • Once everything is cooked, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Notes

For added flavor, consider adding cherry tomatoes or olives alongside the spinach.
You can substitute chicken thighs for boneless, skinless chicken breasts if preferred, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
This dish can be made ahead of time and reheats well, making it great for meal prep!