Table of Contents

• Reasons to Love This One-Pan Chicken with Orzo
• Key Ingredients for Your Skillet Dinner
• How to Master One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken with Orzo
• Recipe Tips and Delicious Variations
• What to Serve with Your Chicken and Orzo
• Storing and Reheating Leftovers
• More Incredible One-Pan Chicken Recipes
• Printable One-Pan Chicken with Orzo Recipe

Reasons to Love This One-Pan Chicken with Orzo

There’s a reason one-pan meals have become so popular – they simplify life without compromising on flavor. This Lemon Herb Chicken with Orzo perfectly encapsulates why they’re a household favorite:

• Effortless Clean-Up: The number one benefit of any one-pan dinner is the minimal washing afterward! This skillet chicken with orzo, much like my popular lemon chicken skillet, means less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your evening. With only one skillet to tackle, post-dinner cleanup is an absolute breeze, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want to maximize relaxation.
• Maximum Flavor Development: The beauty of cooking everything in a single pan is how the flavors meld and intensify. As the chicken sears, the onions sauté, and the orzo simmers in rich broth, each component contributes to a complex, delicious taste profile. You get the savory depth of perfectly seared chicken, the aromatic notes of fresh garlic and herbs like thyme, oregano, and parsley, all brightened by zesty lemon. Every spoonful is packed with a harmonious blend of tastes, truly creating a gourmet experience in a home kitchen.
• Fantastic for Meal Prepping: This recipe is a meal prep superstar! Its fresh, robust flavors hold up incredibly well, making it ideal for preparing ahead. The orzo absorbs the delicious sauce, and the chicken remains tender. Portion it into airtight containers, and you’ll have quick, delicious, and healthy lunches or dinners ready to go throughout the week. It’s a smart way to ensure you always have a wholesome, homemade option at your fingertips, saving you time and money.
• Quick and Convenient: From start to finish, this meal comes together in about 35 minutes. It’s faster than takeout and much more satisfying. The simple steps mean even novice cooks can achieve fantastic results, proving that delicious home cooking doesn’t have to be complicated.

Key Ingredients for Your Skillet Dinner

Crafting this easy and flavorful chicken recipe requires a selection of readily available ingredients that hit all the right notes: savory, aromatic, and zesty. The combination of onions, garlic, herbs, and lemon, paired with satisfying orzo pasta, forms the foundation of this incredible one-pan meal. Here are some detailed notes to help you gather everything you need and understand their role in the dish. For the precise printable list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions, please scroll down to the recipe card.

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a lean and quick-cooking option for this dish, providing a tender protein. For an even richer flavor and juicier texture, you can absolutely substitute with boneless, skinless chicken thighs. If you opt for bone-in chicken or thighs, remember they will generally require a slightly longer cooking time to reach the proper internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Herbs: The recipe calls for dried oregano and thyme, seasoned generously with salt and pepper. These classic herbs infuse the chicken and orzo with a warm, earthy, and slightly peppery aroma. Feel free to swap dried herbs for fresh ones; a good rule of thumb is to use three times the amount of fresh herbs for every measure of dried herbs (e.g., 1.5 teaspoons fresh oregano and thyme). Alternatively, a pre-made herb blend like Italian seasoning works wonderfully and simplifies preparation even further.
• Olive Oil and Butter: A harmonious combination of olive oil and butter is used for sautéing and searing. Olive oil is excellent for achieving a beautiful golden-brown sear on the chicken, contributing to a crispy exterior and locking in flavorful juices. Butter, added later, lends a rich, creamy texture and depth of flavor to the orzo, enhancing its luxurious feel. While you can use all of one or the other, the blend truly creates the best outcome.
• Onion: Sweet or yellow onion, finely chopped, forms an aromatic base for the orzo. When sautéed until soft and translucent, it releases natural sugars and savory notes that build the essential flavor foundation of the dish.
• Orzo: Don’t let its rice-like appearance fool you! Orzo is a small, short-cut pasta made from semolina flour. It cooks relatively quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully, expanding to a tender, comforting bite, making it an ideal companion for the chicken. You’ll typically find it in the pasta aisle of your grocery store.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is absolutely essential for its pungent, aromatic kick that permeates the entire dish. If you’re short on fresh garlic, you can substitute with about ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove. However, fresh always provides the most vibrant and authentic flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth or stock is recommended as the primary cooking liquid for the orzo. Using low-sodium allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish, seasoning to your exact preference. Vegetable stock is also a suitable alternative for those looking for a plant-based option or a slightly different flavor profile.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is paramount for that bright, zesty finish that cuts through the richness of the chicken and pasta. Its acidity awakens the other flavors and adds an irresistible tang. While bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch due to the small quantity, fresh lemon provides an incomparable burst of aroma and flavor that truly elevates the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley is used as a vibrant garnish, adding a beautiful pop of color and a fresh, slightly peppery, herbaceous note that beautifully complements the lemon and other savory herbs. Don’t skip this final touch, as it provides both visual appeal and a burst of freshness.

How to Master One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken with Orzo

Creating this delicious weeknight chicken dinner is incredibly straightforward, thanks to its one-pan nature. Each step is designed for maximum flavor and efficiency, ensuring a mouthwatering meal with minimal fuss. You’ll find the complete, printable recipe, including exact measurements and precise cooking times, in the recipe card located further down the page.

Recipe Tips and Delicious Variations

Elevate your one-pan lemon herb chicken with orzo experience with these helpful tips and creative variations. Tailor the dish to your taste and make it uniquely yours!

• Always Rest the Chicken: This is a golden rule for juicy chicken! After searing, transferring the chicken to a plate and tenting it with foil for at least 5-10 minutes allows the internal juices to redistribute throughout the meat. This results in incredibly tender and moist chicken when you slice into it, rather than dry and tough. Patience here is key to perfect poultry.
• Avoid Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken continues to cook even after it’s removed from the heat (this is known as carryover cooking). Since you’ll be adding the chicken back to the pan at the end to warm through, it’s perfectly fine if it’s slightly undercooked when you first remove it from the skillet. Aim for an internal temperature of around 160ºF (71°C) after the initial sear; it will safely reach the required 165ºF (74°C) when gently reheated with the orzo. Always use a reliable meat thermometer for accuracy to ensure juicy results every time.
• Boost with Veggies: This dish is incredibly versatile for adding extra vegetables, turning it into an even more complete meal.
  • Heartier Veggies: Sauté chopped broccoli florets, sliced carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms in the pan after the onions and before adding the orzo. Cook them until they’re tender-crisp.
  • Quicker-Cooking Veggies: For options like cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, or asparagus spears, add them towards the end of the orzo cooking, alongside the chicken, to prevent them from becoming overcooked and mushy. Simply sauté until just tender, then remove to a plate and stir back in with the chicken at the final step.
• Smart Use of Leftovers (Cooked Ingredients): This recipe is a fantastic vehicle for using up pre-cooked ingredients you might have in your fridge. If you have leftover air fryer chicken breasts or roasted vegetables like roasted butternut squash or roasted Brussels sprouts, incorporate them! Simply add them to the orzo at the very end, at the same time you’d typically add the seared chicken back to the pan. This allows everything to gently heat through without overcooking any component.
• Orzo Substitutions: While orzo is excellent here, you can easily swap it for other grains or pastas if you wish.
  • For a “Chicken and Rice” Meal: Opt for a medium-grain rice like Arborio or even a long-grain variety for a different texture. Keep in mind that cooking times and liquid ratios will need adjustment depending on the type of grain you choose.
  • Other Small Pastas: Small pasta shapes such as ditalini, acini di pepe, or even broken vermicelli would also work well, cooking similarly to orzo.
• Flavor Profile Twists: Get creative and customize the flavor profile to suit your cravings!
  • **Mediterranean Twist:** Stir in a handful of pitted Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained), and crumbled feta cheese at the very end for a delicious Greek-inspired flavor.
  • **Spicy Kick:** For those who enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end.
  • **Creamier Finish:** For an extra luxurious and decadent texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese along with the final tablespoon of butter.
  • **Different Fresh Herbs:** Experiment with other fresh herbs like chopped dill or rosemary for different aromatic notes. Remember to add fresh tender herbs towards the end of cooking to preserve their flavor and color.

What to Serve with Your Chicken and Orzo

The beauty of this one-pan lemon herb chicken and orzo is its completeness – it’s a meal unto itself! Served hot and fresh directly from the skillet, perhaps with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, it’s truly satisfying and fulfilling. However, if you’re looking to enhance the dining experience or expand the meal for a larger gathering, here are some delightful pairing suggestions that complement its bright, savory flavors:

• Fresh Salads: A light, crisp salad provides a wonderful textural and flavorful contrast to the rich and creamy orzo. A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette dressing, or a vibrant tomato mozzarella salad, would be excellent choices. The fresh acidity of a salad helps to cleanse the palate and adds a refreshing element.
• Additional Roasted or Steamed Vegetables: While you can easily incorporate vegetables directly into the skillet (as noted in the variations above), serving them on the side offers a different texture and allows for more variety. Consider perfectly seasoned roasted green beans with sesame and garlic, tender steamed asparagus, or a colorful medley of seasonal roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips.
• Warm, Crusty Bread: There’s nothing quite like fresh, warm bread to soak up all the delicious, lemony juices and creamy sauce from the skillet. A crusty baguette, this comforting cheesy quick bread, or even copycat Olive Garden breadsticks are fantastic options to round out the meal and ensure no drop of flavor goes to waste.
• Dessert Pairing: To complete your culinary journey on a bright and sweet note, follow this savory meal with a refreshing dessert. Light and zesty options like these lemon sugar cookies, a simple fruit tart, or a scoop of homemade lemon sorbet would be absolutely divine and perfectly balanced.
• Beverage Pairings: For wine lovers, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or a light-bodied Chardonnay would complement the lemon and herb flavors beautifully. Non-alcoholic options like sparkling lemonade, unsweetened iced tea, or a refreshing cucumber-mint infused water would also be wonderfully invigorating.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

This one-pan chicken and orzo recipe is not only delicious freshly made but also fantastic for enjoying later! It’s a superb choice for meal prep, ensuring you have wholesome, flavorful meals on hand throughout the week without additional cooking.

• Refrigeration: To keep your leftovers fresh and safe, transfer any remaining chicken and orzo into an airtight container as soon as it has cooled to room temperature (within two hours of cooking). Stored properly, this chicken dinner will maintain its quality and vibrant flavor in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s perfect for portioning into individual servings for quick, grab-and-go lunches that are far superior to store-bought alternatives.
• Reheating: When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, you have a couple of convenient options to restore its deliciousness. For speed, warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through, stirring halfway to ensure even temperature distribution. If you prefer reheating on the stovetop, transfer the chicken and orzo back into a skillet over medium-low heat. Orzo tends to absorb liquid and can dry out a bit when stored, so I highly recommend adding a splash (1-2 tablespoons per serving) of extra chicken broth or water to the pan while reheating. This gentle addition helps to re-moisten the orzo, restoring its creamy texture and preventing it from sticking or becoming gummy. Cover the skillet to help steam and heat evenly for the best results.
• Freezing: This dish also freezes beautifully for longer-term storage, making it an excellent freezer-friendly meal. Allow the cooked chicken and orzo to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw the frozen meal in the refrigerator overnight before reheating using either the stovetop or microwave method, again remembering to add a bit of liquid to revitalize the orzo and achieve that perfect consistency.

More Incredible One-Pan Chicken Recipes

If you loved the ease and delightful flavors of this one-pan lemon herb chicken with orzo, you’re in for a treat! Exploring more one-pan wonders can truly revolutionize your weeknight cooking, offering maximum flavor with minimal effort and cleanup. Here are some other fantastic chicken recipes from my collection that deliver big on taste and convenience, all prepared in a single pan or skillet:

• Creamy Tuscan Chicken: A rich and intensely flavorful dish featuring sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a decadent creamy sauce, all made in one pan.
• Classic Chicken Marsala: Indulge in a restaurant-quality meal right at home, boasting tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and a luscious Marsala wine sauce, all cooked in a single skillet.
• Simple One-Pan Garlic Chicken: Perfect for garlic lovers, this incredibly easy recipe is packed with aromatic flavor and comes together effortlessly.
• Zesty Salsa Verde Chicken Skillet: A vibrant and subtly spicy option for a quick Tex-Mex inspired dinner that’s bursting with fresh flavors.
• Hearty One-Pan Southwest Chicken Skillet: Loaded with bold, zesty flavors and colorful vegetables like corn and black beans for a truly satisfying and wholesome meal.