Easy Skillet Lemon Chicken and Orzo on a plate

Quick Dinner & One-Pan · Easy

Easy Skillet Lemon Chicken and Orzo

This easy skillet meal combines juicy lemon chicken with tender orzo pasta, all cooked together in one pan for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

10Prep min
25Cook min
35Total min
  • 1.5 lbsboneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • to tastesalt and black pepper
  • 2 tablespoonsolive oil
  • 3 clovesgarlic, minced
  • 1.5 cupsorzo pasta, uncooked
  • 2.5 cupschicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons juice, 1 teaspoon zestlemon juice and zest
  • 2 cupsbaby spinach
  • 1/2 cupgrated Parmesan cheese
  1. 1Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  2. 2In the same skillet, add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. 3Stir in the orzo, chicken broth, and lemon juice and zest. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
  4. 4Stir in the spinach until wilted, then fold in the Parmesan cheese.
  5. 5Slice the chicken and return it to the skillet, nestling it into the orzo.
  6. 6Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Make it yours

  • Add sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
  • Use chicken breast instead of thighs.
  • Stir in artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean twist.

Good with

  • A simple green salad
  • Crusty bread
  • Extra lemon wedges

Good questions, answered.

Can I use a different pasta?

Small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells can work as substitutes for orzo.

Can I make this ahead?

It's best fresh, but leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth to loosen the orzo.