Description
A vibrant and comforting Lemon Chicken with Orzo recipe featuring tender chicken thighs simmered with preserved lemon, cherry tomatoes, and fragrant thyme, served over a creamy orzo base and topped with parmesan and fresh parsley. This quick and flavorful skillet meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner and offers a beautiful balance of tangy citrus and savory richness.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 preserved lemon, diced, seeds removed
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
Orzo and Vegetables
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
Toppings
- 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
Instructions
- Heat Butter: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and sizzling, preparing the pan for searing the chicken.
- Season Chicken: Sprinkle half of the kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs to enhance their flavor before cooking.
- Sear Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs into the hot skillet and brown them on both sides, about 2 minutes per side, to develop a flavorful crust.
- Add Ingredients to Skillet: Remove the chicken temporarily from the skillet. Add diced preserved lemon, cherry tomatoes, chicken stock, uncooked orzo, the remaining salt and pepper, and chopped fresh thyme to the skillet. Stir everything to combine evenly.
- Simmer Chicken with Orzo: Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the orzo mixture. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Cover and Cook: Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the orzo to absorb the flavors.
- Finish Cooking: Remove the lid and check the chicken’s internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer, ensuring it reaches 165°F. Continue cooking uncovered if necessary until the proper temperature is achieved.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Sprinkle shredded parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley over the chicken and orzo mixture. Serve immediately for a delicious and comforting meal.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring they are properly covered to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Preserved lemon adds a unique citrus flavor; if unavailable, substitute with zest of 1 lemon and a teaspoon of lemon juice.
- Bone-in chicken thighs can be used but will require longer cooking time.
- Use low-sodium chicken stock to control salt levels if desired.
- For a creamier orzo, stir in an additional tablespoon of butter or cream at the end of cooking.
- Leftovers reheat well in a covered skillet over low heat or in the microwave.
