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DINNER

Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken and Orzo Skillet

Bring the bright, sun-drenched flavors of the Mediterranean to your kitchen with this delightful one-pan meal. Succulent chicken, perfectly cooked orzo, and a vibrant lemon-herb infusion come together for a simple yet incredibly satisfying dinner. It's a complete meal, all prepared in a single skillet, making weeknight cooking a breeze.

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HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

01

Pat chicken pieces dry and season generously with salt and black pepper.

02

Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

03

Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the orzo pasta and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until lightly golden.

04

Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, along with the halved cherry tomatoes.

05

Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

06

Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley, fresh oregano, lemon zest, and crumbled feta cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

07

Serve immediately directly from the skillet, garnished with extra fresh herbs if desired.

About This Recipe

Bring the bright, sun-drenched flavors of the Mediterranean to your kitchen with this delightful one-pan meal. Succulent chicken, perfectly cooked orzo, and a vibrant lemon-herb infusion come together for a simple yet incredibly satisfying dinner. It's a complete meal, all prepared in a single skillet, making weeknight cooking a breeze.
Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken and Orzo Skillet
Simple ingredients.
Big flavor.
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Chef's Tips

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a little lemon juice and oregano for 15-30 minutes before cooking. Ensure the orzo is stirred occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking to the bottom of the skillet. If the orzo absorbs liquid too quickly, add a splash more broth or water.
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Easy Substitutions

Chicken breast can be used instead of thighs, but adjust cooking time to prevent drying out. Spinach or kale can be added with the cherry tomatoes for extra greens. Dairy-free feta alternatives can be used for dietary restrictions.
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Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain moisture, or in the microwave.
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