This Lemon Chicken with Orzo Pasta will make you want to take all of your family meals up a notch. Tender chicken thighs are baked over orzo pasta in this easy one-pot recipe, while each bite features divine flavors of lemon, mustard, and tarragon. Ready in 30 minutes!
Prep Time5 minutesmins
Cook Time35 minutesmins
Total Time40 minutesmins
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Keyword: 30 minute meal, chicken, easy, easy dinner, easy meal, mediterranean, one sheet pan meal, pasta
Pat dry the chicken thighs with a paper towel. Season with salt on both sides. Add olive oil and chicken thighs skin side down to the pan.
Sear until the skin is crispy, about 5 minutes.
While the chicken is cooking, chop the shallots and add to the chicken once you flip it. Cook for an additional 5 minutes on medium heat. Carefully mix the shallots around.
Add sliced lemons and orzo under the chicken. Top the chicken with mustard and spread it on the skin. Add chopped tarragon.
Add the chicken stock.
Cover with a lid and put into the oven for 15-20 minutes. Uncover and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the orzo is cooked and stock is absorbed.
Gently fluff the orzo. Top with extra tarragon and serve.
Notes
If you’re low on time, cook the orzo pasta with shallots and lemon on the stovetop and then add shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken.
Heat: to reheat, just add some chicken stock to rehydrate the dish on low in a pan or pop in the microwave to reheat for a few minutes, stir every 30 seconds.
Store: Store in an airtight container for upto 3-4 days.
Gluten free: You can try to find gluten free orzo. Alternatively, you can replace the orzo with rice. Keep in mind that rice will take longer to cook, and you might need a little extra chicken stock.
Other vegetables: You can add spinach, kale, tomatoes with other vegetables, or add more veggies to the dish. Try adding artichoke hearts, olives, diced peppers, or zucchini.
Vegetarian: You can replace the chicken with chickpeas, butter beans or a vegetarian chicken substitute.