Lemon Herb Chicken Orzo Skillet (Printable Version)
Simple skillet with juicy chicken, fresh herbs, creamy orzo, bright lemon, and vegetables for easy Mediterranean-style dinner.
# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.3 pounds)
02 - 1 teaspoon salt
03 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
04 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
05 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
06 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
→ Vegetables
07 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
08 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
10 - 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
→ Orzo & Liquids
11 - 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
12 - 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
13 - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
14 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
→ Finishing & Garnish
15 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
16 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
17 - Lemon wedges, for serving
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Generously season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, oregano, and thyme.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to a plate.
03 - Reduce the heat slightly and add chopped onion to the same skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
04 - Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to release their juices.
05 - Pour in the orzo, stirring to coat with oil and vegetables. Add chicken broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir to combine and bring mixture to a simmer.
06 - Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes until the orzo is tender and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
07 - Remove the chicken and set aside. Stir in unsalted butter and baby spinach until the spinach wilts. If desired, incorporate grated Parmesan cheese at this stage.
08 - Slice the chicken breasts and return to the skillet or serve arranged over the creamy orzo. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
# Additional Tips::
01 -
- Uses just one pan making cleanup a breeze
- Ready in under an hour but tastes like you cooked all day
- Bright with lemon and packed with fresh herbs for a restaurant-quality flavor
- Crowd-pleaser for adults and kids alike
- Great for meal prep or make ahead
02 -
- Packed with protein and fiber for satiety
- Everything cooks in one skillet for fewer dishes
- Orzo absorbs all the tangy and herby flavors to create a creamy almost risotto-like base
- Freezes beautifully in individual containers
03 -
- Always zest your lemon before cutting it saves so much time and mess
- Tasting the orzo a minute early prevents overcooking this keeps its bite just right
- A good sear on the chicken locks in flavor and color do not rush this step