Pin It The first time I made this skillet, I was recovering from a chaotic week and needed something that felt like a hug without demanding hours of my time. My kitchen smelled like lemon and fresh herbs within minutes, and somehow that alone started to unwind the tension in my shoulders. I've since made it for friends who swore they didn't cook, watching them relax as everything came together in one pan. There's something deeply satisfying about a meal that looks elegant but requires basically zero cleanup.
Last spring, my sister came over feeling overwhelmed by life, and I put this on the stove while we caught up at the kitchen island. She watched the broth bubble away, absently stirring when I handed her the wooden spoon, and by the time we sat down to eat, she'd forgotten whatever was stressing her out. Now she asks for it whenever she visits, claiming it's her therapy meal.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs: Boneless thighs stay juicy and tender, unlike breasts which can dry out during the simmer
- Orzo pasta: This rice shaped pasta absorbs the lemon sauce beautifully while maintaining a pleasant chew
- Frozen green peas: They add pops of sweetness and color without any prep work required
- Lemon: Both the zest and juice are essential for that bright Mediterranean flavor profile
- Fresh herbs: Parsley and dill make everything taste fresh and springlike
- Chicken broth: Low sodium lets you control the seasoning while building flavor in the orzo
Instructions
- Sear the chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium high heat, add seasoned chicken pieces, and cook until golden on all sides
- Build the base:
- Cook the onion until soft and fragrant, then add garlic for just a minute so it doesn't turn bitter
- Toast the orzo:
- Stir the pasta into the aromatics and let it cook briefly to enhance its nutty flavor
- Simmer together:
- Pour in the broth with herbs and lemon zest, then return the chicken to the pan and cover
- Finish bright:
- Uncover, add peas and lemon juice, and cook until the orzo is tender and the sauce has thickened
Pin It This recipe became my go to when my neighbor had her second baby and I was dropping off dinner for her family. Her husband texted me later that night saying it was the first meal their toddler had actually asked for seconds of, which felt like the highest compliment possible.
Making It Your Own
Sometimes I add baby spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for extra greens. Other times I've thrown in asparagus pieces when they're in season, adjusting the cooking time so they don't get mushy. The beauty of this skillet is how forgiving it is with substitutions.
Worth The Splurge
Good quality chicken broth makes a noticeable difference here. I keep homemade stock in my freezer, but when I run out I buy the best organic low sodium option available. Fresh herbs also matter more than you might expect for that vibrant finish.
Serving Suggestions
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness while complementing the lemon notes. I like serving this with a simple arugula salad dressed in olive oil and nothing more. The bitterness balances the sweet peas and tender pasta perfectly.
- Grate extra Parmesan over the top if you want a salty savory finish
- Crusty bread for sopping up the saucy orzo is never a bad idea
- This reheats beautifully for lunch the next day
Pin It Somehow this skillet manages to feel both comforting and light at the same time. I hope it brings the same easy joy to your table as it has to mine.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well as a leaner alternative. Cut them into similar bite-sized pieces and monitor cooking time, as breasts may cook slightly faster than thighs.
- → How do I achieve perfectly al dente orzo?
Stir the pasta occasionally while simmering and taste it around the 15-minute mark. The pasta should be tender but still have a slight firmness when bitten. The liquid will gradually absorb as it cooks.
- → What vegetables can I add to this dish?
Baby spinach, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or sun-dried tomatoes complement this beautifully. Add heartier vegetables during simmering and delicate greens in the final minutes to preserve their texture and color.
- → Is this suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. This dish stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to restore moisture, as orzo absorbs liquid over time.
- → What wine pairs best with this meal?
Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the lemon brightness perfectly. The acidity in these wines echoes the citrus notes in the dish and cuts through the richness of the olive oil.
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the orzo with gluten-free pasta varieties. Use certified gluten-free chicken broth and verify all seasonings are free from cross-contamination. The cooking time may vary slightly with alternative pasta.