A delicious and easy one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, orzo pasta, and a bright lemon garlic sauce. Perfect for a quick and comforting dinner.
Author:Amina Bako
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:40 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Main Dish
Method:One-Pot
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup orzo pasta
3 cups chicken broth
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
Add chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Stir in the orzo pasta, chicken broth, lemon juice, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a boil.
Return the browned chicken to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
For a creamier sauce, stir in 2 tablespoons of butter or cream cheese at the end of cooking.
Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers along with the onion.
Ensure all the orzo is submerged in liquid before covering to cook evenly.