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–+ servings

Chicken Orzo with Peas

This comforting chicken orzo dish combines tender, crispy-skinned chicken thighs with creamy, al dente orzo and sweet peas. It’s cooked all in one pan, infusing the ingredients with bright lemon and fresh herbs, resulting in a warm, inviting meal with a cozy, rustic appearance. The final dish has a velvety texture with pops of green and golden brown from the chicken, making it perfect for a quick yet satisfying weeknight dinner.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: 420kcal
Author: Austin Carter
Servings: 4

Equipment

Ingredients

  • Chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on – 2 pieces
  • Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
  • Garlic minced – 1 clove
  • Orzo – 1 cup
  • Chicken broth warm – 2 cups
  • Frozen or fresh peas – 1 cup
  • Lemon juice freshly squeezed – 1/2 lemon
  • Fresh parsley chopped – 2 tablespoons
  • Salt – to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper – to taste

Instructions

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat
  • Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper
  • Add chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear for 6–7 minutes until golden and crispy
  • Flip chicken thighs and cook for another 6–7 minutes until fully cooked
  • Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside
  • In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant
  • Add orzo and stir to coat with the garlic and oil
  • Pour in warm chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer
  • Add peas and cook for 10–12 minutes until the orzo is tender and the broth is absorbed
  • Return chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the orzo, and simmer for an additional 5 minutes
  • Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish and sprinkle with chopped parsley
  • Serve warm

Notes

For extra flavor, add a touch of grated lemon zest or chopped fresh dill. Using thighs keeps the chicken juicy and forgiving, but breasts can be substituted if preferred.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 110mg | Sodium: 600mg | Potassium: 460mg | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 2mg