Zesty One Pan Moroccan Lemon Chicken with Orzo Recipe

Sizzling spices and bright citrus merge in this sensational one pan Moroccan lemon chicken with orzo that promises an unforgettable culinary adventure.

Mediterranean flavors dance across your plate with incredible depth and complexity.

Tender chicken pieces nestled in perfectly cooked orzo create a meal that transports you straight to the bustling markets of marrakech.

Aromatic herbs and zesty lemon infuse every single bite with warmth and excitement.

This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience that feels both comforting and exotic.

The single pan method means minimal cleanup and maximum enjoyment.

Dive into this vibrant dish and let your taste buds embark on a remarkable journey through Moroccan cuisine.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 460 kcal

Servings: 5

All the Ingredients for One Pan Moroccan Lemon Chicken with Orzo

• Chicken Thighs: Rich, tender cut that provides deep flavor and succulent texture, perfect for absorbing spices and staying juicy during cooking. Choose bone-in, skin-on thighs for maximum richness and easier cooking.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that create a robust flavor base and add depth to the Moroccan-inspired dish. Select fresh, firm onions and plump garlic cloves for maximum taste impact.
• Parsley: Bright, fresh herb that adds vibrant color and a clean, crisp finish to the dish. Choose crisp, deeply green leaves without wilting.
• Lemon: Brings zesty, tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of the chicken. Pick firm, heavy lemons with smooth, bright skin for maximum juice and zest.

• Orzo: Small, rice-shaped pasta that creates a creamy, comforting base absorbing all the delicious pan juices. Select high-quality pasta for best texture.
• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and additional savory depth to the cooking liquid. Use low-sodium broth for better control of seasoning.
• Olives: Adds Mediterranean authenticity with briny, salty punch. Choose firm, plump olives without bruising.
• Slivered Almonds: Introduces delightful crunch and nutty undertone. Select fresh, golden almonds without any rancid smell.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for bringing out natural flavors and creating balanced seasoning. Use freshly ground black pepper for maximum aroma.
• Olive Oil: Creates perfect cooking medium and adds rich, smooth undertone. Select extra virgin olive oil for best flavor.

Essential Tools for One Pan Moroccan Lemon Chicken with Orzo

• Large nonstick skillet: Perfect for creating a one-pan meal with even cooking.
• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately portioning orzo and broth.
• Measuring spoons: Helps balance the blend of spices precisely.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and coating ingredients.
• Plate: Used for temporarily holding cooked chicken thighs.
• Knife: Needed for zesting and juicing lemon, chopping parsley and onions.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for ingredient preparation.

Cooking Instructions for One Pan Moroccan Lemon Chicken with Orzo

• Chicken Seasoning

Thoroughly coat chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor absorption.

• Initial Searing

Create a hot skillet with oil, allowing it to reach a perfect shimmer. Carefully place chicken thighs skin-side down, developing a beautiful golden-brown crust over 4-5 minutes. Flip and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until perfectly seared.

• Aromatic Base

Reduce heat and introduce onions and garlic, releasing their rich fragrance. Sprinkle in warming spices, coating the vegetables to build deep, complex flavors.

• Orzo Integration

Fold orzo into the spiced mixture, ensuring each grain becomes infused with the delicious seasonings.

• Liquid and Cooking

Pour chicken broth into the skillet, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Nestle seared chicken thighs back into the orzo, allowing everything to cook together harmoniously for 8-10 minutes.

• Final Touches

Brighten the dish with fresh lemon juice and zest, adding vibrant olives for a Mediterranean twist. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and toasted almonds for texture and visual appeal.

Kitchen Notes & Variations for One Pan Moroccan Lemon Chicken with Orzo

• Replace chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts, salmon fillets, or lamb for a different flavor profile and protein variety.
• Experiment with additional Moroccan spices like ground coriander, cumin, or ras el hanout to boost the dish's aromatic complexity.
• Substitute chicken with roasted chickpeas or firm tofu, adjusting cooking time to prevent overcooking and maintain texture.
• Toss in diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking to increase nutritional value and color.
• Adjust chicken broth amount based on preferred orzo texture – less liquid for a drier dish, more for a saucier result.

Delicious Ways to Serve One Pan Moroccan Lemon Chicken with Orzo

• Festive Family Dinner Night: Gather loved ones around the table and enjoy this vibrant Moroccan-inspired dish that brings warmth and excitement to your evening meal.
• Mediterranean Picnic Plate: Pack individual portions in containers for a delightful outdoor lunch, perfect for park outings or beach adventures with fresh flavors that travel well.
• Gourmet Weeknight Comfort: Transform an ordinary dinner into a culinary experience by plating this one-pan wonder with a crisp side salad and crusty bread to soak up the delicious pan juices.
• Weekend Meal Prep Champion: Portion leftovers into meal prep containers for a quick, delicious lunch during the workweek, ensuring you have a tasty and nutritious meal ready in minutes.

Make-Ahead Tips for One Pan Moroccan Lemon Chicken with Orzo

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep leftover chicken and orzo in airtight containers, separating them to maintain texture. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking for optimal freshness.
• Chilled Meal Lifespan: Enjoy refrigerated portions within 3-4 days. The dish retains best flavor and quality when consumed quickly after preparation.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual servings in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Freeze up to 2 months for convenient future meals. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Magic: Warm gently in microwave with a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir halfway through heating to distribute warmth evenly. Avoid overheating to prevent dry chicken and mushy orzo.

Sizzling Moroccan Lemon Chicken with Orzo

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent one pan Moroccan lemon chicken with orzo combines North African spices and Mediterranean ingredients for a quick, flavorful meal. Diners will appreciate its complex layers of zesty citrus, aromatic herbs, and tender chicken that come together effortlessly in a single skillet.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs (2 pounds / 907 grams)
• 2 tbsps vegetable oil
• ½ onion, chopped
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• ⅔ cup orzo
• 1 ⅓ cup chicken stock
• ½ cup mixed pitted olives, sliced
• 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, for topping
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground turmeric
• ¼ tsp saffron, crushed
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Thoroughly coat chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
2. Searing Technique: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until surface shimmers, then carefully place chicken skin-side down to develop a rich, golden-brown crust for 4-5 minutes without disturbance.
3. Chicken Browning: Flip chicken pieces and cook opposite side for 3-4 minutes, creating an even, caramelized exterior before removing to a temporary plate.
4. Aromatic Base: Reduce skillet heat to medium, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, releasing their subtle sweetness.
5. Spice Infusion: Sprinkle Moroccan spices over the onion mixture, stirring to distribute evenly and unlock their complex, warm flavor profile.
6. Orzo Integration: Introduce orzo to the skillet, gently tossing to coat with spices and prevent clumping, creating a flavorful foundation.
7. Liquid Incorporation: Pour chicken broth into the skillet, bringing to a gentle simmer and allowing orzo to absorb the aromatic liquid.
8. One-Pan Assembly: Carefully nestle chicken thighs back into the orzo, partially submerging them in the cooking liquid for even heat distribution.
9. Final Cooking Stage: Simmer uncovered, occasionally stirring, until orzo becomes tender and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees fahrenheit.
10. Flavor Enhancement: Remove from heat and brighten the dish with fresh lemon juice, delicate lemon zest, and briny olives for a burst of Mediterranean-inspired complexity.
11. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley and toasted slivered almonds over the dish, adding visual appeal and a delightful textural contrast.

Notes

• Skin Crispiness Technique: Ensure chicken remains undisturbed during initial searing to achieve perfectly golden, crispy skin that locks in juicy flavors.
• Spice Distribution Trick: Toast moroccan spices with onions to unleash deeper, more complex aromatic notes and prevent raw spice bitterness.
• Liquid Balance Check: Maintain just enough broth to cook orzo without drowning the dish, creating a creamy, not soupy, final texture.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exact 165°F internal temperature for safe, tender results without overcooking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Moroccan

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg