Lemon Chicken and Orzo

When lunchtime rolls around during the week, I always crave something quick, easy, and satisfying—something that doesn’t require a ton of prep. This lemony chicken and orzo dish is a game-changer! It’s bright, flavorful, and comes together in just about 20 minutes. Perfect for two servings, but you can easily scale it up if needed.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound chicken thighs, cut into smaller pieces

• Lemon Garlic Seasoning (If you can’t find it, mix your own: sea salt, garlic, black pepper, oregano, basil, and a dash of lemon juice)

• Olive oil

• A pinch of salt (I like mine a little extra salty!)

For the Orzo:

• 1/2 cup orzo

• 1 cup water (or chicken stock)

• Knob of butter

• 1/2 lemon, plus zest

• 1/8–1/4 cup frozen peas

• Fresh basil (for garnish)

• Black pepper

• Grated parmesan

For the Side:

• A handful of spinach, dressed with lemon juice and olive oil

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken:
   Preheat your oven to 425°F (roast setting). In a roasting pan or baking sheet with an elevated rack, toss the chicken thighs with olive oil, lemon garlic seasoning, and salt. Roast for 15–20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the cuts. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

2. Cook the Orzo:
   While the chicken is roasting, heat a knob of butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the orzo and sauté until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Pour in 1 cup of water (or chicken stock) and a pinch of salt. Let it simmer for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The orzo is mean to be eaten immediately after cooking. If you are making ahead of time I would recommend to rinse the orzo so it doesn’t stick together.

3. Finish the Orzo:
   At the 7-minute mark, add the frozen peas, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir for another 2–3 minutes until the orzo is fully cooked and creamy. Remove from heat and finish with black pepper, grated parmesan, and fresh basil.

4. Assemble the Plate:
   Start with the spinach on the bottom, followed by the orzo, and top it off with the roasted chicken. Garnish with a little extra parmesan and basil if you’re feeling fancy.

This dish is so simple, yet it feels like something special—perfect for a quick weekday lunch that doesn’t skimp on flavor. You’ll want to make it again and again!

With Love,

Cristina