Merken This Lemon Herb Chicken Orzo Skillet is a bright and comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, orzo pasta, green peas, and fresh herbs, all simmered in a zesty lemon sauce—perfect for a light spring dinner. This Mediterranean-inspired dish is as simple to prepare as it is flavorful, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
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Whether you are serving a family or prepping meals for the week, this dish offers a sophisticated taste with very little effort. The orzo absorbs the savory chicken broth and lemon juice, creating a silky texture that pairs perfectly with the golden-brown chicken thighs.
Ingredients
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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 500 g), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup (180 g) orzo pasta
- 1 cup (140 g) frozen green peas
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
- 2 1/2 cups (600 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Step 2
- Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5–6 minutes until lightly golden. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Step 3
- In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4
- Stir in orzo, coating it in the oil and aromatics for 1–2 minutes.
- Step 5
- Pour in chicken broth and add oregano, lemon zest, and half the parsley and dill. Bring to a simmer.
- Step 6
- Return chicken (and any juices) to the skillet. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 7
- Add peas and lemon juice. Continue to cook uncovered for 5–8 minutes, stirring, until orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Step 8
- Remove from heat. Adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with remaining herbs. Serve warm.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
While chicken thighs are recommended for their juiciness, you can easily substitute chicken breasts if preferred. Just be careful not to overcook them to maintain a tender texture.
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Varianten und Anpassungen
For extra vegetables and nutrition, stir in a handful of baby spinach at the very end until wilted, or add chopped asparagus during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
Serviervorschläge
This bright, herbaceous skillet pairs exceptionally well with a crisp white wine, such as a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to complement the citrus notes.
Merken This easy nut-free dinner is a reliable addition to your rotation. With its balance of protein, starch, and greens, it provides a satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy. Enjoy your Mediterranean-inspired feast!