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–+ servings
Horizontal view of lemon chicken in a cast iron skillet with fresh lemons and parsley.
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One Skillet Mediterranean Lemon Chicken and Orzo

Whip up a quick and easy Mediterranean Lemon Chicken and Orzo skillet meal for busy weeknights. Bright, citrusy flavor in one delicious dish!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 282kcal
Author: Stephanie Wilson

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound 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 ½ 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.
    Top view of seasoned chicken cooking on the stovetop in a black cast iron skillet.
  • 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.
    Top view of Lemon Chicken in a large cast iron skillet ready for baking.
  • 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

Calories: 282kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 74mg | Sodium: 456mg | Potassium: 514mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 676IU | Vitamin C: 62mg | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 2mg