Description
This Lemon Chicken and Orzo features tender chicken thighs, zesty lemon, and toasted orzo, making it a simple yet flavorful meal for a quick dinner or healthy family gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/3 onion, chopped
- 1 small fennel bulb diced, about 1/3 cup
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon italian seasoning
- 2 lemons, 1 sliced for garnish, 1 zested and juiced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 2 1/3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- chopped parsley for garnish
- fresh lemon zest and juice for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400º.
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Add the chicken to the hot pan and sear on both sides until golden, about 2–4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet.
- Add the butter, chopped onion, fennel, and lemon slices to the skillet. Sear the lemon slices lightly until golden on each side, about 1 minute. Remove the lemon slices and set them aside with the chicken for garnish.
- Add the garlic and orzo to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the orzo is lightly toasted.
- Add the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
- Add the chicken broth and lemon juice. Bring to a boil and stir well.
- Return the chicken to the skillet along with any juices from the plate and place the lemon slices on top.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast uncovered for 12–15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Before serving, sprinkle with fresh thyme, parsley, and additional lemon zest and juice.
Notes
For added flavor, allow the chicken to marinate in the seasonings for 30 minutes before cooking.
Feel free to substitute chicken breasts if desired, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg