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One‑Pot Lemon Chicken and Thyme Orzo

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This One Pot Lemon Chicken and Thyme Orzo is a flavorful, comforting dish made with tender chicken thighs, zesty lemon, aromatic thyme, and creamy orzo—all cooked together in one pan for an easy and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 onion, finely diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 250g orzo pasta
  • 500ml chicken stock
  • 2 tbsp crème fraîche (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs skin-side down for 4–5 minutes until golden, then flip and cook for another 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
  4. Add garlic and thyme, and cook for another minute.
  5. Stir in the orzo and cook for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast it.
  6. Add lemon zest and juice, then pour in the chicken stock. Stir to combine.
  7. Return the chicken to the pan, skin-side up. Cover and simmer on low for 15–18 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
  8. If using, stir in crème fraîche for creaminess.
  9. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, marinate chicken in lemon and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
  • Use boneless thighs or chicken breasts if preferred, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • Add spinach or peas at the end for more vegetables.
  • Can be made dairy-free by omitting crème fraîche.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumfamilyrecipes.com/one%e2%80%91pot-lemon-chicken-and-thyme-orzo/