Zesty One Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo Recipe Everyone Will Love

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet delectable solutions that pack serious flavor.

This easy one pot lemon chicken orzo recipe delivers a zesty Mediterranean-inspired meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Tender chicken pieces nestle among soft, creamy orzo, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Bright citrus notes dance through each bite, complemented by herbs that whisper of sunny coastal landscapes.

Aromatic garlic and fresh parsley add depth and complexity to this comforting dish.

The entire meal cooks in a single pan, minimizing cleanup and maximizing convenience.

Steps To Cook Southern Style Shrimp And Grits

• Chicken Prep

Brown seasoned chicken thighs in a Dutch oven with melted butter, cooking until golden and fully cooked. Set chicken aside once done.

• Flavor Foundation

Sauté shallots until soft, then add garlic and herbs to create a fragrant base in the same pot. The aromatic blend will infuse deep flavors into the dish.

• Liquid Magic

Dust flour over the aromatics, then slowly pour chicken stock and Dijon mustard. Scrape the delicious browned bits from the pot’s bottom to build rich flavor layers.

• Pasta Paradise

Add orzo to the liquid, allowing it to simmer and absorb all the delicious flavors. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

• Green and Creamy Finale

Fold in kale, Parmesan, heavy cream, lemon juice, and zest until greens wilt. Return chicken to the pot to warm through and blend all ingredients.

• Serving Sensation

Plate the one-pot wonder immediately, with an optional sprinkle of extra Parmesan for those craving more cheesy goodness.

Helpful Tips For Southern Style Shrimp And Grits

• Perfect Chicken Prep: Pat chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in delicious flavor and creates an irresistible texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish up to 2 days in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Gently reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken stock to restore moisture and prevent drying.
• Gluten-Free Twist: Swap regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe celiac-friendly. Use gluten-free orzo or replace with quinoa for a similar texture that keeps the dish's comforting essence intact.
• Protein Power Swap: Replace chicken thighs with skinless salmon, turkey breast, or plant-based chicken alternatives for a versatile meal that adapts to different dietary preferences and nutritional needs.
• Veggie Lover's Version: Transform this into a vegetarian delight by substituting chicken with roasted mushrooms, white beans, or cubed extra-firm tofu. Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor that complements the lemon and herbs beautifully.

Serving Southern Style Shrimp And Grits With Charm

• Comfort Family Feast: Gather loved ones around this hearty one-pot meal, creating warm memories while enjoying delicious flavors together.
• Bright Lunch Upgrade: Pack leftovers in a sealed container for a zesty midday meal that transforms your typical work lunch into a gourmet experience.
• Weekend Meal Prep Champion: Make this dish in advance and portion into containers for quick, delectable weeknight dinners that save time and satisfy hunger.
• Restaurant-Style Plating: Serve in wide, shallow bowls with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and an extra lemon wedge to elevate the dining presentation and add a professional touch.

Storage Tips For Southern Style Shrimp And Grits

• Quick Refrigeration Tactics: Store leftovers in airtight containers within two hours of cooking, keeping the meal fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to maintain flavor and prevent moisture absorption.
• Freezing Strategy: Carefully transfer cooled chicken orzo into freezer-safe containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to one month, ensuring optimal taste and texture when reheated.
• Smart Reheating Method: Gently warm the dish in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent bottom scorching and distribute heat evenly, bringing the meal back to its original delicious state.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the chicken and orzo mixture ahead of time, storing components separately. Keep chicken and pasta in different containers to maintain individual textures, combining just before serving for a fresh-tasting meal that saves time during busy weekdays.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 3

All Ingredients For Southern Style Shrimp And Grits

• Chicken Thighs: Succulent meat that provides rich flavor and tender texture, choose boneless for easier preparation and look for organic or free-range options for best taste.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds deep umami and nutty notes, select freshly grated for maximum flavor complexity and smooth melting.

• Shallots: Delicate onion-like base that brings subtle sweetness, pick firm and smooth shallots without blemishes.
• Garlic: Intense flavor enhancer that adds depth, choose fresh cloves with tight, unbroken skin.
• Thyme: Earthy herb that complements chicken beautifully, fresh sprigs provide more vibrant taste than dried.
• Rosemary: Fragrant herb with pine-like essence, select bright green sprigs with strong aroma.

• Butter: Creates rich foundation and helps develop golden color, use unsalted for better flavor control.
• Chicken Stock: Builds deep savory base, homemade or low-sodium options offer best taste profile.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious smoothness and rounds out flavors, organic cream provides richer taste.
• Dijon Mustard: Introduces tangy complexity and helps thicken sauce, choose smooth, high-quality variety.
• Flour: Serves as thickening agent, all-purpose works perfectly for creating silky consistency.

• Lemon: Provides zesty freshness and balances rich elements, select firm, bright yellow fruits with smooth skin.
• Kale: Adds nutritious green element and textural contrast, choose crisp, deeply colored leaves.

Tools To Make Southern Style Shrimp And Grits

• Dutch Oven: A heavy-bottomed pot perfect for searing chicken and cooking the entire dish in one vessel.
• Wooden Spoon: Essential for stirring ingredients and scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
• Chef's Knife: Needed for dicing shallots, mincing garlic, and chopping herbs with precision.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients before cooking.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure salt, pepper, and other seasonings.
• Measuring Cup: Useful for pouring chicken stock and measuring liquid ingredients.
• Grater: Helps zest the lemon and grate Parmesan cheese for finishing the dish.
• Tongs: Great for flipping and removing chicken from the pot during cooking.

Tangy One Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo Recipe

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4.9 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired one pot lemon chicken orzo brings zesty comfort to weeknight dinners. Savory chicken, tender orzo, and bright citrus create a simple yet satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large shallots, diced
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 3 cups chicken stock
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 bunch kale, stems removed and leaves torn into bite-sized pieces
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1.5 tsps Dijon mustard
• 2 tsps chopped fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Seasoning: Generously coat chicken thighs with salt and pepper, ensuring comprehensive flavor distribution.
2. Searing: Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown chicken thighs until a golden, caramelized exterior develops, cooking thoroughly. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Aromatics: In the same pot, sauté shallots until translucent. Add garlic, thyme, and rosemary, releasing their fragrant essence. Sprinkle flour and stir to create a roux-like base.
4. Liquid Integration: Pour chicken stock and Dijon mustard, scraping the pot’s bottom to incorporate flavorful browned bits. Introduce orzo pasta, stirring to coat with the liquid mixture.
5. Simmering: Reduce heat and allow orzo to cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. When pasta is nearly tender, fold in kale and watch it gently wilt into the creamy base.
6. Finishing Touches: Stir in Parmesan, heavy cream, lemon juice, and zest, creating a vibrant, luxurious sauce. Return chicken to the pot, warming it through and allowing flavors to meld.
7. Serving: Plate the one-pot dish, optionally garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese for extra richness.

Notes

• Master Chicken Searing: Pat chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust and enhance caramelization without steaming the meat.
• Prevent Orzo Sticking: Stir pasta frequently and maintain gentle heat to avoid clumping, ensuring each grain cooks evenly and absorbs the luxurious sauce without becoming gummy.
• Customize Greens Wisely: Substitute kale with spinach or Swiss chard for varied nutrition and texture, adding leafy greens in the final cooking minutes to preserve vibrant color and nutritional integrity.
• Adapt for Dietary Needs: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, swap chicken for plant-based protein like tofu, or use gluten-free orzo to accommodate different dietary restrictions while maintaining the dish’s rich, comforting essence.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg