Name: Chicken In A Pot with Lemon and Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: Whole Chicken: 1 whole chicken (about 3.5 to 4 lbs) Olive Oil Mixture: 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Aromatics: 1 medium onion (finely chopped), 3 garlic cloves (minced), 1 lemon (thinly sliced, seeds removed), 1 teaspoon dried oregano Liquid and Pasta: 4 cups chicken broth, 1 cup orzo pasta, 1 tablespoon lemon juice Garnish: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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If there’s one dish that embodies cozy evenings and Mediterranean flair in every bite, it’s Chicken In A Pot with Lemon and Orzo. Imagine a golden, juicy chicken nestled in a pot with sunshiny lemon, aromatic oregano, and tender orzo pasta — all simmered together until their flavors melt into one irresistible meal. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into pure comfort with just one pot and a little bit of patience, making it ideal for family gatherings or lazy Sundays when you want something hearty but don’t want a pile of dishes.

Chicken In A Pot with Lemon and Orzo Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chicken In A Pot with Lemon and Orzo is how a handful of everyday ingredients come together to create something truly special. Every component brings its own pop of flavor, texture, or color, and the end result feels like you’ve been transported to a sunny kitchen on the Mediterranean coast.

Whole chicken (3.5 to 4 lbs): Ensures the juiciest meat and deep, rich flavor as it cooks and perfumes the broth.
Olive oil: Searing in extra virgin olive oil gives the chicken delicious golden skin and starts your base with that signature Mediterranean aroma.
Salt and black pepper: Simple, essential seasonings that wake up every element in the pot.
Onion (medium, finely chopped): Releases sweetness to balance the lemon and lend warmth and depth to the broth.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds aromatic punch and rounds out the dish with gentle heat.
Lemon (thinly sliced, seeds removed): Slices infuse the chicken and orzo with bright, citrusy notes all the way through.
Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): A hint of earthiness that gives Chicken In A Pot with Lemon and Orzo a classic Mediterranean twist.
Chicken broth (4 cups): The foundation for a flavor-packed, comforting sauce that the orzo will drink up.
Orzo pasta (1 cup): Small, rice-shaped pasta that soaks up all those incredible juices and turns this into a true one-pot feast.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): A splash stirred in at the end keeps everything deliciously zesty and fresh.
Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, optional): Chopped parsley adds beautiful color and a burst of green, herbal brightness on top.

How to Make Chicken In A Pot with Lemon and Orzo

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start by carefully patting your whole chicken dry with paper towels — this step is key for achieving that gorgeous golden sear. Season it generously with salt and black pepper all over, making sure to get into every nook and cranny. This simple base layer lets all the flavors soak deep into the meat as it cooks.

Step 2: Sear for Flavor

Heat up your olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the chicken and let each side sizzle until beautifully browned and crisp — about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Don’t rush this step; the caramelization adds a world of flavor to the finished Chicken In A Pot with Lemon and Orzo. When evenly seared, transfer the chicken out of the pot and set it aside for later.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, toss in your finely chopped onion, scraping up any caramelized bits left behind. Sauté the onion for about 3 to 4 minutes, just until softened and translucent. Add in the minced garlic and cook for one more fragrant minute, making sure it doesn’t burn. This forms the aromatic base that will carry the dish.

Step 4: Simmer Chicken with Lemon and Herbs

Return the chicken to the pot, arranging it atop the bed of onions and garlic. Layer lemon slices over and around the chicken, then sprinkle everything with dried oregano. Gently pour in the chicken broth, letting it just about cover the bird. Bring everything up to a gentle simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Let it all bubble away for 45 minutes: the chicken will become incredibly tender and the broth flavorful.

Step 5: Cook the Orzo to Perfection

Once the chicken is fully cooked and practically falling off the bone, carefully lift it out of the pot and let it rest on a plate. Now, into that golden, lemony broth, stir in your orzo. Simmer uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the orzo drinks up all that sunshine and flavor without sticking to the pan.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

While the orzo is cooking, shred or carve the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Slide the chicken back into the pot, stir in a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, and take a moment to taste and adjust the seasoning. The Chicken In A Pot with Lemon and Orzo is ready to serve! Finish with a scatter of fresh parsley if you like, and bring this hearty, fragrant meal right to your table.

How to Serve Chicken In A Pot with Lemon and Orzo

Garnishes

A shower of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a bright pop of color but brings a herbaceous lift to your bowl. Extra lemon zest or a quick grind of black pepper over the top can wake up the flavors even more, while a drizzle of good olive oil makes the whole dish feel luxurious. Chicken In A Pot with Lemon and Orzo truly loves a little fresh flourish!

Side Dishes

Since this dish comes brimming with chicken, pasta, and broth, you hardly need anything else. But if you want to round out your table, serve with a crisp Greek salad, some warm crusty bread for soaking up all that lemony broth, or roasted vegetables on the side. A glass of chilled white wine is the perfect companion.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun family-style meal, bring the whole pot to the table and let everyone scoop their own serving, enjoying the aroma as the lid lifts. Or, dish the Chicken In A Pot with Lemon and Orzo into wide, shallow bowls and top with extra lemon slices and a generous sprinkle of parsley — it’ll look just as inviting as it tastes. You can also serve it over wilted spinach or sautéed greens for an added splash of color and nutrition.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Chicken In A Pot with Lemon and Orzo cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. Stored well, it’ll be delicious for up to 3 days. The orzo will soak up some of the broth, so add a splash of water or chicken stock when reheating to loosen it back up.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze portions, let them cool completely before packing into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. This dish freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Just know the orzo will soften a little more once thawed, but the flavor remains vibrant and comforting.

Reheating

Warm refrigerated or thawed Chicken In A Pot with Lemon and Orzo gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a bit of extra broth or water as needed. Stir often, and simmer only until heated through to avoid drying out the chicken. It also microwaves well in a covered dish, making lunch the next day a breeze.

FAQs

Can I substitute boneless chicken pieces instead of a whole chicken?

Absolutely! Boneless thighs or even breast pieces will work, and they’ll save you a bit of cooking time. Just be sure not to overcook, so the meat stays juicy. The skin and bones from a whole chicken add depth to the broth, but either way, you’ll end up with a delicious Chicken In A Pot with Lemon and Orzo.

What if I don’t have orzo pasta?

No worries! Small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even broken spaghetti make great stand-ins for orzo. The key is to use a pasta that will cook evenly and soak up all those wonderful juices.

Is this dish gluten-free?

As written, Chicken In A Pot with Lemon and Orzo contains wheat-based orzo, so it’s not gluten-free. For a gluten-free version, simply swap in a gluten-free orzo or small pasta, or even brown rice (adjusting cook time as needed).

How can I make the flavor even more lemony?

For extra punch, add a bit of fresh lemon zest along with the lemon slices, or squeeze additional lemon juice over each serving. You could even serve with lemon wedges on the side so everyone can add as much brightness as they like.

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Yes! For an ultra-quick version, skip the searing step and add torn rotisserie chicken after the orzo has cooked. Simmer just until heated through and finish as directed. The end result is slightly less rich, but still wonderfully tasty — great for busy nights when you’re craving Chicken In A Pot with Lemon and Orzo.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about the aroma and flavor that fills your kitchen when you make Chicken In A Pot with Lemon and Orzo. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, this one-pot wonder never fails to bring smiles to the table. I hope you give it a try, play with the garnishes, and make it your own signature comfort food!

Chicken In A Pot with Lemon and Orzo Recipe

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4.9 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This flavorful Chicken In A Pot with Lemon and Orzo is a comforting one-pot meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. Tender chicken, fragrant lemon, and hearty orzo come together in a delicious Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Ingredients

Whole Chicken:

1 whole chicken (about 3.5 to 4 lbs)

Olive Oil Mixture:

1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Aromatics:

1 medium onion (finely chopped), 3 garlic cloves (minced), 1 lemon (thinly sliced, seeds removed), 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Liquid and Pasta:

4 cups chicken broth, 1 cup orzo pasta, 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Garnish:

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry, season with salt and pepper.
Sear the Chicken: Brown the chicken in a pot, then set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: Cook onion, garlic, then return chicken to the pot with lemon slices, oregano, and broth.
Simmer: Cover and cook for 45 minutes.
Cook Orzo: Add orzo, cook until tender.
Finish and Serve: Shred chicken, return to pot, add lemon juice, adjust seasoning, garnish, and serve.