Lemon Herb Chicken Orzo Skillet (Printable)

Tender chicken and orzo simmer with green peas in zesty lemon sauce for a bright, comforting one-pan meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 1.1 lbs), cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Pasta & Grains

02 - 1 cup (6.3 oz) orzo pasta

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 cup (5 oz) frozen green peas
04 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon

→ Liquids

07 - 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

→ Herbs & Seasonings

08 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
09 - 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
10 - 1 tsp dried oregano
11 - 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
12 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Fats

13 - 2 tbsp olive oil

# Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, add to skillet, and sauté for 5–6 minutes until lightly golden. Transfer chicken to a plate, leaving drippings in the pan.
02 - Add chopped onion to the same skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add orzo pasta to the skillet, stirring constantly to coat in the oil and aromatics for 1–2 minutes until lightly toasted.
04 - Pour in chicken broth and add oregano, lemon zest, and half of the parsley and dill. Bring to a gentle simmer.
05 - Return chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
06 - Stir in frozen green peas and lemon juice. Continue cooking uncovered for 5–8 minutes, stirring frequently, until orzo is al dente and most liquid has been absorbed. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
07 - Remove from heat. Sprinkle with remaining fresh parsley and dill. Serve warm while the flavors are vibrant.

# Chef’s Tips:

01 -
  • Effortless One-Pan Cooking: Everything cooks together in a single skillet, making preparation and cleanup incredibly easy.
  • Zesty Flavor Profile: The combination of fresh lemon juice, zest, and dill creates a bright, aromatic sauce.
  • Nutritious and Balanced: A complete meal with high-quality protein, grains, and vegetables.
02 -
  • Toast the Pasta: Letting the orzo sauté for a minute with the onions and garlic adds a deeper, nuttier flavor to the dish.
  • Fresh vs Dried Herbs: While dried oregano works well for the simmering phase, always use fresh parsley and dill for the garnish to provide a burst of freshness.
  • Control the Liquid: If the orzo is tender but there is still too much liquid, simply cook uncovered for an extra minute or two while stirring.
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