Go Back
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup orzo pasta - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved Chicken serves as the star of this dish. I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook quickly and stay juicy. The orzo pasta adds a fun texture. It absorbs flavors well, making it a great choice. The onion adds sweetness, while the cherry tomatoes bring freshness. - 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper Olive oil is my go-to for cooking. It adds rich flavor and helps brown the chicken. Garlic gives a lovely aroma and a punch of taste. Dried oregano enhances the dish with an earthy note. Salt and pepper are key to bringing out the flavors in all the ingredients. - Zest and juice of 1 lemon - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish Lemon brightens the dish with its zest and juice. It adds acidity, balancing the rich flavors. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. It also provides a nice contrast to the warm meal. Together, these garnishes elevate the dish's look and taste. - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. - Add 1 pound of chicken pieces and season with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. - Sauté the chicken for 5-7 minutes. It should be golden brown and fully cooked. - Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. - Lower the heat slightly. In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. - Add 1 medium onion, finely chopped, and sauté for 3-4 minutes. Stir until the onion is soft and translucent. - Add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant. - Mix in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes soften. - Stir in 1 cup of orzo pasta. Ensure the orzo is well coated in the oil and mixture for about 1 minute. - Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth, along with the juice and zest of 1 lemon. Stir everything together. - Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. - Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for about 10 minutes. - Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking. The orzo should be tender, and most of the liquid should be absorbed. - Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir gently to combine and heat through. - Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper, if necessary. - Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish for a vibrant finish. To avoid sticking orzo, stir it often while cooking. This keeps the pasta loose and helps it absorb flavors. Use a large skillet; this gives orzo room to move. Make sure the chicken is thoroughly cooked. Cook it until it reaches 165°F inside. This ensures your meal is safe and tasty. You can check with a meat thermometer for the best results. For more citrus, add extra lemon juice or zest. It brightens the dish and adds freshness. You can even use lime for a twist! Incorporating herbs like thyme or basil can add depth. Fresh herbs give a burst of flavor. Add them just before serving for the best taste. Use wide, shallow bowls for serving. This shows off the colorful ingredients well. It makes the dish look inviting and fun. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of parsley. A lemon wedge on the side adds a pop of color. This not only looks great but also hints at the fresh flavors inside. {{image_4}} You can switch the chicken for shrimp. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice flavor. Just sauté the shrimp until pink, about 3-4 minutes. This gives a fresh twist to the dish. For a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or tofu. Both add protein and texture. Use the same method and cook until heated through. You can enjoy a tasty meal while keeping it meat-free. Orzo is great, but you can use other pasta shapes. Try penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose. If you need a gluten-free option, use rice or gluten-free pasta. Both work well and stay delicious. Follow the same steps to keep the flavors balanced. Adding spices can make the dish more exciting. Try red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a kick. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can change the taste too. Incorporating seasonal vegetables brightens the dish. Think zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers. Add them with the tomatoes for a colorful and healthy meal. After enjoying your Lemon Garlic Chicken Orzo Skillet, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If it lasts that long, you’re doing better than I usually do! You can freeze this dish for up to three months. Just place it in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. This dish may lose some texture when frozen but will still taste great. To reheat, use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Heat on low, stirring often. In the microwave, cover it with a damp paper towel. This keeps the moisture in and makes it warm without drying out. Enjoy every bite! This dish takes about 30 minutes to cook. The prep time is only 10 minutes. So, you can have a warm meal on the table fast! Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the chicken and orzo as instructed. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. You can heat it up later. Just add a splash of broth to keep it moist. You can pair this dish with a simple green salad. A side of steamed veggies works well too. Garlic bread is a tasty option to soak up the flavors! Yes, this recipe is quite healthy. It includes lean chicken, fresh veggies, and whole grains. The lemon adds vitamin C, while garlic has many health benefits. Overall, it’s a balanced dish for any meal! This Lemon Garlic Chicken Orzo Skillet offers a tasty meal filled with flavor. You learned about key ingredients like chicken, orzo, and spices, plus how to cook them. I shared tips for making it better and variations for different diets. Remember, you can store, freeze, or reheat leftovers with ease. With simple steps and fresh flavors, this dish is sure to please everyone. Enjoy your cooking adventure and make this dish your own!

Lemon Garlic Chicken Orzo Skillet

Savor the flavors of Lemon Garlic Chicken Orzo Skillet, a delightful one-pan meal that’s easy to make and bursting with fresh ingredients. Featuring tender chicken, zesty lemon, and juicy cherry tomatoes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights. In just 30 minutes, you can create a colorful and satisfying dinner that the whole family will love. Click to explore the full recipe and bring this delicious meal to your table!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup orzo pasta

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

4 cups chicken broth

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and season them with salt and black pepper. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

    Lower the heat slightly, and in the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Introduce the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and soft.

      Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another 30 seconds, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and begins to lightly brown.

        Incorporate the halved cherry tomatoes and dried oregano into the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices.

          Add the orzo pasta to the skillet, stirring well to coat it in the oil, garlic, and tomato mixture for about a minute.

            Pour in the chicken broth, along with the lemon juice and lemon zest, stirring everything together. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a vigorous boil.

              Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

                Carefully return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring gently to combine and heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

                  Remove the skillet from the heat, and before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a vibrant finish.

                    Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the dish in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the colorful ingredients, and garnish with an extra sprinkle of parsley and a lemon wedge for a pop of color and freshness.