Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs with Creamy Parmesan Orzo
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This Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs with Creamy Parmesan Orzo is an easy one-pan dinner made with juicy chicken thighs, tender orzo pasta, garlic, lemon, and parmesan cheese. A simple pantry-friendly recipe perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
6-8 bone-in or boneless chicken thighs
1 cup orzo
3–4 garlic cloves (or garlic powder)
2 cups chicken broth
½ cup parmesan cheese
2 tbsp butter or olive oil
Lemon juice
Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning
Directions
Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Sear in a large skillet until golden. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, sauté garlic in butter.
Add orzo and toast for 1 minute.
Pour in chicken broth and return chicken to the pan.
Cover and simmer about 12–15 minutes until orzo is tender.
Stir in parmesan and a squeeze of lemon.
Optional add-ins
Spinach
Roasted broccoli
Sun-dried tomatoes
FAQ’s
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work perfectly in this recipe and will cook a little faster. If using boneless thighs, simmer them with the orzo for about 10–12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the orzo is tender.
Can I substitute chicken breasts?
You can, but chicken thighs tend to stay juicier in skillet meals like this. If using chicken breasts, consider slicing them in half lengthwise so they cook evenly and don’t dry out.
What if I don’t have fresh garlic?
No problem. Substitute ½ teaspoon garlic powder for each clove of garlic. Add it when you pour in the broth so it distributes evenly throughout the dish.
Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, but cooking times may vary. Small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or acini di pepe work best. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly depending on the pasta.
What cheeses work best in this recipe?
Parmesan adds a nice salty, nutty flavor, but other cheeses can work too. Try:
Pecorino Romano
Shredded mozzarella for extra creaminess
Asiago for a deeper flavor
How do I keep the orzo from sticking to the pan?
Make sure to stir the orzo once or twice while it simmers. Keeping the heat at a gentle simmer rather than a hard boil also helps the pasta cook evenly.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely. This recipe is very flexible. Good additions include:
Spinach (stir in at the end)
Mushrooms (sauté with the garlic)
Broccoli or peas (add during the last few minutes of cooking)
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the orzo since it will continue to absorb liquid as it sits.
Can this recipe be made in advance?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can sear the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to cook dinner, simply finish the recipe by simmering the orzo and chicken together.
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Hi, I’m Regina of The Faithful Feast. I'm also a writer and catering business owner. I live in the Buckeye State with my wonderful family, where our weekends are often filled with football games and faith-filled conversations. I’m passionate about encouraging women to notice God’s goodness in everyday life, especially over a cozy cup of tea. Whether I’m sharing a soul-warming recipe or writing words that encourage you, my heart is to inspire you to find joy and purpose right where you are.
