One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Orzo Bake: A Weeknight Dinner Delight

Are you searching for a simple, satisfying, and incredibly flavorful weeknight dinner that requires minimal cleanup? Look no further! This One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Orzo Bake is a game-changer. It combines tender, juicy chicken with perfectly cooked orzo pasta, infused with bright lemon and fragrant herbs, all in a single pan. This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to customize to your liking. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this effortless yet impressive dish!

## Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Orzo Bake

* **One-Pan Wonder:** Minimal dishes mean less time cleaning up and more time enjoying your meal.
* **Effortless Flavor:** Simple ingredients come together to create a complex and delicious taste.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the herbs, vegetables, and protein to your preferences.
* **Perfect for Weeknights:** Quick to prepare and bake, ideal for busy schedules.
* **Family-Friendly:** A crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will enjoy.
* **Versatile:** Can be served as a main course or a side dish.
* **Healthy:** Packed with protein, vegetables, and whole grains (if using whole wheat orzo).

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather these simple ingredients:

* **Chicken:** 1.5-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (thighs are more forgiving if overcooked).
* **Orzo Pasta:** 1 cup (8 ounces) orzo pasta.
* **Chicken Broth:** 3 cups chicken broth (low-sodium is recommended).
* **Lemon:** 1 large lemon, zested and juiced.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil.
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves garlic, minced.
* **Onion:** 1 medium yellow onion, chopped.
* **Fresh Herbs:** 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, rosemary, oregano, or a combination).
* **Dried Herbs:** 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Optional Vegetables:** 1 cup chopped vegetables (such as bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli florets, or spinach).
* **Grated Parmesan Cheese:** For topping (optional).
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** For a touch of heat (optional).

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your own delicious chicken and orzo bake:

**1. Prepare the Chicken:**

* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
* If using chicken breasts, you can slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets. This will help them cook more evenly and quickly. You can also pound them to an even thickness.
* In a bowl, drizzle the chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and half of the chopped fresh herbs (or 1 teaspoon of dried herbs). Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.

**2. Sauté the Aromatics and Optional Vegetables:**

* In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
* If using vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli, add them to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes until slightly tender.

**3. Add the Orzo and Chicken Broth:**

* Stir in the orzo pasta and toast it for about 1 minute. This will help to enhance its nutty flavor.
* Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

**4. Arrange the Chicken and Bake:**

* Nestle the seasoned chicken pieces into the orzo mixture, ensuring they are partially submerged in the liquid.
* Bring the mixture back to a simmer, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
* Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C) and the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. If the chicken is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the skillet with foil.

**5. Rest and Garnish:**

* Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This will allow the orzo to fully absorb any remaining liquid and the flavors to meld together.
* Stir in the remaining fresh herbs.
* If desired, sprinkle the bake with grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes before serving.

## Tips for Success

* **Use an Oven-Safe Skillet:** Make sure your skillet or Dutch oven is oven-safe. Cast iron skillets work great, as do many stainless-steel skillets.
* **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through but not dry. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
* **Adjust the Liquid:** If the orzo is absorbing the liquid too quickly and the chicken is not yet cooked, add a little more chicken broth. If there is too much liquid at the end, you can remove the chicken and simmer the orzo on the stovetop until the liquid is absorbed.
* **Customize the Herbs:** Feel free to experiment with different herb combinations. Rosemary and thyme are particularly delicious with chicken and lemon.
* **Add Vegetables:** Incorporate your favorite vegetables to make this dish even more nutritious and flavorful. Spinach, asparagus, and peas are all great options.
* **Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken:** For even more flavor, you can use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. Increase the baking time accordingly, and consider broiling the chicken for the last few minutes to crisp up the skin.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Omit the chicken and add more vegetables or chickpeas for a vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.

## Variations and Add-Ins

This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be easily adapted to your taste. Here are a few variations and add-ins to try:

* **Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta:** Add sun-dried tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.
* **Mushroom and Parmesan:** Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onion and garlic, and add a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese.
* **Pesto and Pine Nuts:** Stir in a spoonful of pesto and toasted pine nuts after baking.
* **Lemon-Garlic Shrimp:** Substitute the chicken with shrimp for a lighter, seafood-based version. Add the shrimp during the last 10 minutes of baking.
* **Spinach and Artichoke:** Add chopped spinach and artichoke hearts for a creamy and flavorful bake.
* **Creamy Version:** Stir in a splash of heavy cream or crème fraîche after baking for a richer and creamier dish.
* **Spicy Chorizo:** Replace the chicken with diced chorizo for a spicy and flavorful twist.

## Serving Suggestions

This One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Orzo Bake is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with:

* **A simple green salad:** The freshness of a salad complements the richness of the bake.
* **Roasted vegetables:** Asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts are all great choices.
* **Crusty bread:** Perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **A glass of white wine:** A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio would be a lovely pairing.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

This dish can be prepared ahead of time for even easier weeknight dinners.

* **Assemble Ahead:** You can assemble the entire dish (up to the baking step) and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to cook it.
* **Cooked and Stored:** You can also bake the dish completely and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving. Add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to prevent the orzo from drying out.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Freezer:** While not ideal, you can freeze leftovers. Be aware that the orzo may become slightly mushy after thawing. Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?**
A: Yes, you can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or acini di pepe. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of pasta you use.

**Q: Can I use bone-in chicken?**
A: Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks. Increase the baking time accordingly, and make sure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

**Q: Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?**
A: Yes, you can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of this dish.

**Q: My orzo is sticking to the bottom of the pan. What am I doing wrong?**
A: Make sure to use a good quality oven-safe skillet with a non-stick surface. Also, stir the orzo occasionally during the baking process to prevent it from sticking.

**Q: Can I add cheese to this dish?**
A: Absolutely! Grated Parmesan cheese, feta cheese, or mozzarella cheese would all be delicious additions.

**Q: Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?**
A: While it’s possible, the results may not be as good as baking it in the oven. The orzo may become mushy in the slow cooker. If you do try it, use less liquid and cook on low for 2-3 hours.

**Q: What if my chicken is cooked but the orzo is still not tender?**
A: Remove the chicken from the skillet and cover it with foil to keep it warm. Add a little more chicken broth to the orzo and continue baking until the orzo is tender.

**Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?**
A: Yes, simply use gluten-free orzo pasta.

## Recipe Card

**One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Orzo Bake**

A simple and delicious weeknight dinner that combines tender chicken with perfectly cooked orzo, infused with lemon and herbs.

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 25 minutes
**Total Time:** 40 minutes
**Servings:** 4-6

**Ingredients:**

* 1.5-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
* 1 cup orzo pasta
* 3 cups chicken broth
* 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary, oregano)
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: 1 cup chopped vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli)
* Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Season chicken with 1 tablespoon olive oil, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and half of the herbs.
2. In an oven-safe skillet, heat remaining olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add optional vegetables and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in orzo and toast for 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, bring to a simmer.
4. Nestle chicken into orzo mixture. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and orzo is tender.
5. Let rest for 5-10 minutes. Stir in remaining herbs. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if desired.

## Conclusion

This One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Orzo Bake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that simplifies weeknight dinners without sacrificing flavor. With its customizable ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and stress-free meal! Enjoy!