One Skillet Mediterranean Lemon Chicken and Orzo
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Mediterranean Lemon Chicken and Orzo is a quick and easy chicken and broccoli recipe made in one skillet. It is filled with bright, citrusy flavor and is a wholesome meal for busy weeknights!
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Lemon Chicken Overview
This is a quick and easy Mediterranean Diet skillet meal with simple ingredients and delicious flavor. The recipe cooks in one skillet on the stovetop and is finished in the oven, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Recipe Time: About 35 minutes (15 minutes prep, 15-20 minutes cooking)
- Kitchen Tools: Oven-proof skillet (like a cast iron skillet)
- Servings: Depending on the size of your chicken, it will make from 4-6 servings
What I Love About This Chicken and Broccoli Meal
I will also have a love affair with chicken and broccoli. One of my favorite meals contains this delicious and healthy cruciferous vegetable. But when you add lemon to the equation, it’s just simply irresistible!
Regardless of the season, fresh bright flavors are always welcome. Especially when the chicken is sauteed in a simple but yummy spice rub.
And let’s not forget the orzo! Chicken and orzo will always belong together. One of my favorite springtime meals is Greek Roasted Chicken with Lemon Orzo. This dish is slightly similar but is quicker and easier for weeknight dinners.
If you’re in the mood to try asparagus, you may also like the Mediterranean Greek Chicken and Orzo Skillet or maybe even 15 Minute Chicken and Broccoli.
Here’s to another delicious chicken and broccoli combination for quick and healthy meals!
Lemon Chicken Skillet Ingredients
Here is a list of the few ingredients you will need to make this delicious Mediterranean Diet friendly meal. Ingredient measurements are in the recipe card below.
- Olive oil for sauteing the chicken
- Chicken: While I’m using boneless, skinless chicken thighs, small breast cutlets will also work.
- Dry Rub seasoning: dried oregano, sweet paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Lemons: I love to look for seedless lemons to save myself a step, but if using lemons with seeds, be sure to remove them before add to the skillet.
- Broccoli florets: You could also use cauliflower, asparagus, or even zucchini in this dish too.
- Orzo: The dry pasta will cook in the skillet
- Chicken broth for cooking liquid
How to Make Skillet Lemon Chicken
Here is a quick look at how to make this easy skillet meal. The recipe card at the bottom of this post provides more detailed instructions.
Begin by preheating the oven to 400℉.
This recipe is cooked both on the stovetop and in the oven. The chicken is rubbed with seasoning before being sauteed in an oven-proof skillet. Lemons and broccoli are also sauteed in the same skillet before the orzo and liquid are added. The dish then finishes cooking in the oven.
Season and saute chicken
Heat oil in an oven proof skillet, then season the chicken and saute until golden, about 3-5 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a plate.
Saute lemon slices
Decrease heat and saute lemon slices for about 1 minute. Transfer to the plate with the chicken.
Saute broccoli and orzo
Add the broccoli, orzo, and scallions to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is lightly toasted and the broccoli is bright green; about 5 minutes.
Add remaining ingredients and bake
Deglaze the skillet with some of the chicken broth, stirring to release browned bits. Then add the remaining broth, lemon slices and chicken to the skillet. Bake uncovered in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the orzo is soft.
Lemon Chicken Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Boneless chicken breasts or cutlets will work just fine in this recipe. However, keep in mind that chicken breasts tend to cook faster than thighs, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking them.
While marinating chicken always enhances its flavor, it’s not necessary for this quick recipe. If you have the time, marinating for at least 30 minutes will add an extra layer of flavor.
While this dish is best served fresh, you can certainly make it ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen it up if needed.
This One Skillet Mediterranean Lemon Chicken and Orzo with Broccoli is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a simple side salad, crusty bread, or additional roasted vegetables for an extra boost of nutrition and flavor. Enjoy!
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One Skillet Mediterranean Lemon Chicken and Orzo
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breast cutlets
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- salt and pepper
- 1 lemon thinly sliced and seeds removed
- 12 ounces broccoli florets or broccoli rabe (about 4 cups)
- 4-5 green onions chopped
- 1 ¼ cup dried orzo
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400℉.
- Season the chicken with oregano, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Then, heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet (like a 12-inch cast iron skillet). When the oil is shimmering, add the chicken. Sear on both sides until golden, about 3-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Decrease the heat to medium, add lemon slices, and cook until the lemons release their juices and begin to brown for about 1 minute. Transfer the lemon to the plate with the chicken.
- Add the broccoli, orzo, and scallions to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is lightly toasted and the broccoli is bright green.
- Deglaze the skillet with a bit of the chicken broth and continue to cook for another minutes, scraping up the browned bits. Then add the remaining broth and lemon slices to the skillet. Top with the chicken and nestle them into the liquid.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and cook, uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the orzo is soft.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.