One Skillet Lemon Butter Chicken and Orzo Recipe- Hearty Food Ideas

When it comes to mealtime, the goal is often to keep it simple, satisfying, and memorable. That’s where this One Skillet Lemon Butter Chicken and Orzo Recipe comes into play. 

Imagine a dish that combines delightful flavors with ease of preparation. And guess what? It’s all cooked in a single skillet. Let’s dive into this culinary escapade, starting with some brilliant pairings for this dish.

What to Pair with This Dish

1. Crispy Garlic Bread – Homemade or store-bought, it’s perfect for mopping up the delicious buttery sauce.

2. Vibrant Green Salad – A fresh side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette can provide a nice contrast to the richness of the chicken.

3. Sautéed Vegetables – Think broccoli, mushrooms, or green beans lightly sautéed in olive oil. These add color, texture, and health benefits.

With these accompaniments, your meal will truly shine. Now, let’s get to the exciting part!

What is One Skillet Lemon Butter Chicken and Orzo Recipe?

Let’s break it down! This recipe features tender chicken thighs or breasts cooked to perfection, swimming in a luscious lemon butter sauce. 

The orzo, often mistaken for rice, is tiny pasta that blends seamlessly with the chicken and vegetables. Each bite is a little piece of heaven. The chicken absorbs all those citrusy flavors, while the orzo strikes the right balance with its chewy texture. 

It’s served right from the skillet, adding to the casual yet elegant nature of the dish.

Why This Recipe Works

Easy and Quick Preparation – Everything cooks in one skillet. No fuss, no mess. Just pop everything in, and let it simmer. It’s a relief when you’re short on time.

Flavorful and Zesty – The mix of lemon, garlic, and rosemary infuses the chicken with bright flavors. This vibrant profile makes a regular weeknight dinner feel special.

Versatile Ingredients – You can customize it based on what you have on hand. Don’t have orzo? Farro or quinoa work well too. Have extra vegetables? Toss them in!

Healthy and Nourishing – With lean chicken, fresh veggies, and whole grains, it packs a nutritional punch without compromising on taste. You’ll feel good about serving this to your family.

Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Dish

Here’s what you’ll need to gather before diving in. Trust me, it’s worth it!

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced into rounds
  
• 3 tablespoons unsalted or lightly salted butter
  
• 3 tablespoons high-quality extra virgin olive oil
  
• 2 tablespoons smooth Dijon mustard
  
• 2 small shallots, finely minced
  
• 1½ cups dry orzo pasta
  
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth or stock
  
• 2 cups chopped curly kale (or lacinato kale)
  
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, finely chopped
  
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped rosemary leaves
  
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika powder
  
• Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  
• 1 tablespoon chopped sun-dried tomatoes (for depth)
  
• Chopped fresh dill, for garnish
  

For the Creamy Feta Sauce:

• 4–6 ounces crumbled feta cheese
  
• Juice of 1 fresh lemon
  
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
  
• 1 clove garlic, finely grated
  
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
  
• Optional: A dash of honey or maple syrup to mellow the tang
  

How To Make This One Skillet Lemon Butter Chicken and Orzo Recipe

Ready to cook? Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Here’s a step-by-step guide to create this delicious dish.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken thighs or breasts with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. This not only flavors the meat but also gives it a beautiful color as it cooks.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken. Sear on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.

 Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Trust me, this first step enhances the flavor dramatically!

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly. Add butter, then toss in minced shallots and garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes. The aroma will fill your kitchen, promising a remarkable meal.

Step 4: Create the Base

Now, add the chopped rosemary, smoked paprika, and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir everything together and cook for another minute to allow the flavors to mingle.

Step 5: Add Orzo and Broth

Pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then stir in the orzo. Add the lemon zest and toss to combine, making sure all the orzo gets soaked.

Step 6: Return the Chicken to the Skillet

Nestle the browned chicken back into the skillet. Simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. It should be a little al dente.

Step 7: Incorporate the Kale

In the last couple of minutes, fold in the chopped kale. It will wilt beautifully, adding a pop of color and nutrition to the dish.

Step 8: Make the Creamy Feta Sauce (Optional)

While everything simmers, whisk together the feta cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, grated garlic, and smoked paprika in a bowl until smooth and creamy. This additional sauce elevates the dish, adding a tangy finish every bite craves.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

Once everything is cooked, serve the lemon butter chicken and orzo right from the skillet. Drizzle the creamy feta sauce on top and sprinkle with fresh dill. It’s time to eat!

Tips & Tricks

Skillet Size Matters – Use a large skillet to prevent overcrowding, ensuring the chicken cooks evenly. A cramped skillet can lead to steaming instead of browning.

Let It Rest – Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after browning. This helps keep it juicy while finishing the cooking process in the sauce.

Customize – Feel free to swap out orzo for farro, quinoa, or even rice. These work well and add different textures to the dish.

Herb Mix – Experiment with other fresh herbs like thyme or parsley if rosemary isn’t your favorite. Each will provide a unique flavor twist.

Give It Time – If in doubt, let the orzo cook a bit longer to absorb more broth. It’ll create a creamy texture that’s divine.

Nutrition Information

Here’s a quick nutrition summary for one serving (around 1/4 of the recipe without the sauce):

• Calories: 450
  
• Protein: 35g
  
• Fat: 19g
  
• Carbohydrates: 40g
  
• Fiber: 3g
  
• Sugar: 2g
  

Keep in mind that variations in serving and added ingredients can change these values.

How Do You Store The Leftovers?

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), let them cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture.

What Sides Would Complement One Skillet Lemon Butter Chicken and Orzo Recipe?

Here are three delightful side dish suggestions that go hand-in-hand with your main event:

Garlic Roasted Asparagus – Just toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and minced garlic, then roast until tender. It brings a crunch that balances the soft textures of the chicken and orzo.

Crisp Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar with crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, and a creamy dressing will add a refreshing crunch to your meal.

Herbed Quinoa – Light and fluffy quinoa mixed with fresh herbs and lemon juice will enhance the meal. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a gluten-free option.

What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients if They Are Not Present in Your Kitchen?

Don’t let missing ingredients ruin your culinary vision! Here are some handy swaps:

Chicken Thighs/Breasts – Use boneless, skinless turkey cutlets if chicken isn’t available. They cook similarly and absorb flavors wonderfully.

Orzo – If you don’t have orzo, small pasta like ditalini, rice, or even couscous could work well in this recipe. Each brings a unique texture but still fits the dish.

Kale – Spinach or Swiss chard can stand in for kale. They wilt beautifully and complement the chicken’s flavors.

Fresh Herbs – Dried herbs can be a suitable substitute in a pinch. Use a tablespoon of dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh.

Conclusion

And there you have it! A bright and flavorful, simple dish that will grace your dinner table, delight your taste buds, and impress your family or guests.

 The One Skillet Lemon Butter Chicken and Orzo Recipe isn’t just about feeding hungry bellies, but creating an experience worth relishing. With so many versatile elements and simple ingredients, it’s an adaptable recipe to keep in your culinary repertoire. 

Give this masterpiece a try, and you may just find yourself with a new favorite go-to recipe!

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