Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Orzo

This lemon chicken orzo skillet is bright, refreshing and bursting with flavor!

Mediterranean and Greek cuisine is known for its emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients and simple cooking techniques. From tangy feta cheese and lemon to fragrant olive oil and aromatic herbs, Greek dishes are simple, flavorful and wholesome. My Lemon Chicken Orzo is true to the essence of Mediterranean cooking dishing out juicy chicken thighs nestled in a bed of creamy orzo.

What is Orzo?

Orzo is a type of pasta that's shaped like a grain of rice. It's often used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines and is known for its small, rice-like shape and slightly chewy, starchy texture when cooked. It's commonly used in soups, salads, pilafs and adds a unique texture and flavor this dish.

Nutritional Benefits of Orzo:

1. Calories: Orzo and rice are both sources of carbohydrates, but orzo tends to be slightly higher in calories and carbs compared to rice.
2. Protein and Fiber: Orzo typically contains more protein and fiber than white rice, although brown rice generally has more fiber than orzo.
3. Gluten Content: Orzo is made from wheat flour and contains gluten. Rice, on the other hand, is naturally gluten-free.

How to Make Lemon Chicken Orzo:

Ingredients:

• 4-5 chicken thighs (bone-in preferred but can also use boneless thighs)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Juice of ½ a lime

For Orzo:

• 2-3 tablespoon oil (or use the reserved oil from searing the chicken)
• 8-10 mushrooms
• ½ of a yellow onion chopped
• 2-3 garlic cloves grated
• 1 teaspoon red chilli flakes
• 2 teaspoon dry Italian seasoning
• Fresh thyme sprigs
• 2 cups orzo
• 4 cups water
• 1 cube chicken bouillon
• Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Instructions:

Begin by seasoning chicken thighs with a blend of spices and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Sear them in a hot pan until golden brown, then set aside. In the same pan, sauté mushrooms, onions, and garlic until aromatic. Add orzo, water, and chicken bouillon, allowing the ingredients to meld together. Nestle the seared chicken thighs into the orzo mixture, covering them gently as they simmer to perfection.

To add the finishing touches, sprinkle Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs over the Lemon Chicken Orzo. Serve alongside a garlic sauce; it's perfect sauce to go with this dish.

Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Orzo

Izzah Khan

This Lemon Chicken Orzo is true to the essence of Mediterranean cooking with juicy flavorful chicken thighs simmered in a bed of creamy orzo.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 5 people

Ingredients

  

• 4-5 chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Juice of ½ a lime
• 2-3 tablespoon oil
• 8-10 mushrooms
• ½ of a yellow onion chopped
• 2-3 garlic cloves grated
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 2 teaspoon dry Italian seasoning
• Fresh thyme sprigs
• 2 cups orzo
• 4 cups water
• 1 cube chicken bouillon
• Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions

 

• Rub the spices and lemon juice onto the chicken thighs and sear in a hot pan for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown. Set aside.
• In the same pan, sauté mushrooms in the leftover oil for a minute, then add onions and garlic. Cook until fragrant.
• Add chili flakes, Italian seasoning, and thyme. Then, stir in the orzo, water, and chicken bouillon cube. Adjust seasoning if needed.
• Once the liquid comes to a boil, add the seared chicken thighs and cook covered for 15 minutes on low to medium heat. Then, cover the lid with a towel and let it cook on very low heat for an additional 5-10 minutes.
• Sprinkle Parmesan and fresh herbs before serving. Enjoy with garlic sauce on the side.