One Pot Lemon Chicken and Thyme Orzo
This One Pot Lemon Chicken and Thyme Orzo is made using very few ingredients, it is super quick to make and it is a dish that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Oil
- 8 Chicken Thighs and Drumstick mixed skinless
- Salt and Pepper
- 2 tablespoon Butter
- 1 Lemon Sliced
- 4 - 6 cloves Garlic crushed
- 200 grams Orzo
- 750 ml Chicken Stock
- 1 Lemon Zest and Juice of
- Pinch Chilli Flakes
- 2 Sprigs Thyme Leaves removed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200 degrees C/Gas Mark 6.
- Heat the oil in a large oven proof pot (I use a cast iron pan).
- Season the chicken and add to the oil. Sear for 3 - 5 minutes per side. Remove from the pot and set aside.
- Add the butter to the pan, once melted add lemon slices to the same pot and sear for 1 minute each side. Remove and set aside.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for a minute before adding the orzo. Pour in the chicken stock and lemon juice and zest after 2 minutes.
- Bring to a boil over high heat and slowly add the chicken, lemon slices, chilli flakes and thyme to the pot.
- Pop the pot into the oven for 20 - 25 minutes. Check if the orzo and chicken are cooked and remove from the oven.
Notes
recipe variations
- Add your favourite Veggies such as Corn, Mushrooms, Asparagus, Peppers.
- Add greens such as Spinach, Kale or Chard.
- Use your favourite Meats or Prawns instead.
- Add Seasoning of your choice.
can it be made in advance?
It is best to eat this as soon as it is made but you can make it 3 days ahead and reheat gently on the hob or in the microwave.storage
This Chicken Orzo keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.how to reheat
To reheat in the Microwave, reheat in bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between. You may find that it is easier to heat with a splash of water or milk. To reheat on the hob, add a splash of water or milk and reheat gently over a low heat for a few minutes.can it be frozen?
Yes it can be frozen in an airtight container for up to a month.TIPS AND FAQ's
- I like to use chicken thighs and drumsticks in one pot recipes because they retain more moisture than chicken breasts. I do sometimes use breast but change cooking times accordingly.
- I always sear the chicken thighs first. Searing them until there’s a little brown on the outside of the chicken helps to seal in moisture and add flavour.
- I pre make a big batch of stock and use that as and when I need it straight from the freezer. You can also use stock cubes.
- I sometimes use whole wheat orzo but regular orzo is fine too.
Nutrition
Calories: 663kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 40gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 203mgSodium: 364mgPotassium: 673mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 295IUVitamin C: 21mgCalcium: 47mgIron: 2mg
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