One Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo Recipe

Give it up, my sweet friend! You cannot resist the temptation of this One Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo. It’s a hug in a bowl that does all the dishes for you. Come to Mama! If you love this style of cooking, you must try my One Pot Chicken Orzo for another simple, flavor-packed dinner.

I’m talking about creamy orzo, juicy chicken, and a lemon broth so bright it’ll make you smile. It’s my ultimate weeknight hero. I make it when I need a big, cozy win.

This dish is pure magic. Everything cooks together in one pot. The orzo soaks up all that amazing flavor. You get a dreamy, risotto-like texture without any of the fuss.

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: Greek-inspired
• Category: One Pot Meal
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 people

Do You Love This Recipe Too?

I am completely obsessed. This recipe saved me during a crazy rainy week. I was tired and just wanted comfort.

I threw it all in my trusty pot. The smell of lemon and garlic filled my kitchen. It was instant happiness.

Now, it’s my go-to for impressing friends with zero stress. They always ask for the recipe. I just smile and say, “It’s all in the pot!”

My Shopping List for This Recipe

Gathering these bits is half the fun! The fresh herbs and lemon are non-negotiable for that vibrant Greek flavor.

They make the whole dish sing. Here’s exactly what you’ll need to grab.

Let’s Get Your Ingredients Ready

Measure everything out before you start. It makes the cooking process so smooth and fun. No frantic searching!

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup dry orzo pasta
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth
• Juice of 2 lemons (about ⅓ cup)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
• 4 cups fresh baby spinach
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Bringing This Recipe to Life (Step-by-Step)

Alright, let’s fire it up! This is where the magic happens. Follow these steps and you’ll have a masterpiece.

1. Pat your chicken thighs dry. Season them really well on both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side until beautifully golden. Remove to a plate.
3. In the same pot, add the diced onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the dry orzo. Let it toast for just a minute. This gives it a wonderful nutty flavor.
5. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and dried oregano. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. That’s pure flavor gold!
6. Bring the broth to a simmer. Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the pot, along with any juices.
7. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it cook for 15 minutes. The orzo will drink up most of the broth.
8. Remove the lid. Stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach. Let the spinach wilt into the creamy orzo.
9. Turn off the heat. Crumble the feta cheese and sprinkle the fresh dill over everything. Give it one gentle stir.
10. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This lets the sauce thicken up perfectly. The wait is totally worth it.

Fun Variations to Try Next Time

Got some veggies to use up? Want to mix it up? Go for it! This recipe is your playground.

Swap the spinach for chopped kale or sun-dried tomatoes. Use shrimp instead of chicken for a speedy seafood version, like my Creamy Shrimp Scampi Orzo.

For a dairy-free twist, use full-fat coconut milk instead of cream. It’s just as creamy and adds a lovely hint of sweetness.

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat

This makes fantastic leftovers! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

The orzo will keep absorbing liquid. Reheat it in a pan with a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.

You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Add a fresh squeeze of lemon when you serve it to brighten it up.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

• Calories: ~520
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g

A Quick Q&A on This Recipe

Can I use chicken breasts instead?

You can, but listen closely! Thighs stay juicier in this cooking method. If you use breasts, cut them into smaller pieces so they don’t dry out.

Trust me on the thighs. They are flavor powerhouses.

My orzo is soaking up all the liquid! Help!

Don’t panic! Orzo is thirsty. Just add an extra ¼ to ½ cup of warm broth or water when you stir in the cream.

It will loosen right up into that perfect, creamy consistency.

What should I serve with this?

It’s a full meal in a pot! All I add is a simple green salad or some crusty bread for dipping.

A dry white wine is also a perfect friend for these lemony, Greek flavors.

There you have it! My absolute favorite pot of cozy joy. It’s simple, stunning, and so darn satisfying. For another quick and comforting one-pot meal, my Quick Chicken Taco Soup is always a crowd-pleaser.

I make this at least twice a month. It never lets me down. I know it’s going to become a star in your kitchen too.

I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Please leave a comment and a rating below to let me know what you think!