One-Pot Lemon-Herb Chicken and Orzo
Creamy orzo simmered with tender chicken and bright lemon herb flavors in a single pot. This mediterranean-inspired one pot ready in about 30 minutes pairs boneless and skinless chicken thighs, orzo pasta, chicken broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz, boneless and skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1, zested and juiced lemon
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh thyme
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then brown for 4 minutes per side until golden. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 2: Add garlic to pot and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in orzo and cook for 1 minute.
- Step 3: Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring to a simmer, then add chicken back to pot. Cover and cook for 12 minutes until orzo is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Step 4: Stir in thyme, heavy cream, and remaining lemon zest. Cook uncovered for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Discard thyme stems before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Lemon-Herb Chicken and Orzo take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Lemon-Herb Chicken and Orzo?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep orzo pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Lemon-Herb Chicken and Orzo?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Lemon-Herb Chicken and Orzo for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with One-Pot Lemon-Herb Chicken and Orzo?
Mediterranean one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This was so easy and delicious! My husband and I had it for dinner and he asked for seconds.
- ★★★★★
Absolutely perfect for a summer dinner. The lemon really brightened up the dish.
- ★★★★☆
Loved the lemon-herb combo! My kids even ate it. Only thing: I wish the chicken was a bit more tender.
