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A black skillet with five pieces of Lemon Chicken Broccoli Orzo Skillet.

Lemon Chicken Broccoli Orzo Skillet

Chef Jenn
This Lemon Chicken Broccoli Orzo Skillet is a vibrant, one-pan meal packed with fresh flavors. Tender chicken, bright lemon, and perfectly cooked orzo come together with crisp-tender broccoli for a wholesome and satisfying dish. Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor—this is a perfect weeknight dinner!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Mediterranean
Servings 4 servings
Calories 792 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 pounds chicken thighs 5-6 thighs
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup dried orzo
  • 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • ⅔ cup tomato seeded and diced

Instructions
 

  • Mix the salt, black pepper, thyme, and garlic powder. Evenly coat the chicken thighs with this seasoning blend.
  • Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  • Add the orzo and stir for about a minute until lightly toasted, enhancing its flavor.
  • Pour in the chicken broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the liquid to a boil.
  • Reduce the heat to low, return the chicken to the skillet, and place the broccoli and lemon slices on top. Cover and let simmer for about 15 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked to 165-F and the broccoli is tender.
  • Sprinkle diced tomatoes over the dish before serving for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Chef Jenn's Tips

  • Fresh lemon juice and zest make a big difference—avoid bottled alternatives.
  • Allow the chicken to brown properly to deepen the dish’s flavor.
  • Stir the orzo occasionally to keep it from sticking, and add a bit of water if it starts sticking.
  • Swap broccoli for asparagus or snap peas for variety.

Nutrition

Serving: 1thigh and orzoCalories: 792kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 47gFat: 51gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 9gMonounsaturated Fat: 19gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 252mgSodium: 616mgPotassium: 1000mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1308IUVitamin C: 92mgCalcium: 84mgIron: 3mg

A Note on Nutritional Information

Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.

Keyword broccoli orzo, lemon chicken, Lemon Chicken Broccoli Orzo Skillet, skillet meal
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