Ina Garten Crispy Chicken With Lemon Orzo Recipe

This Ina Garten Crispy Chicken with Lemon Orzo is a flavorful and elegant recipe, which includes bone-in chicken thighs and lemony orzo pasta. It’s a restaurant-quality dish, ready in just 50 minutes.

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Ina Garten Crispy Chicken With Lemon Orzo Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Orzo:

• 1½ cups orzo pasta
• 2½ cups low-sodium chicken stock
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill or mint
• Optional garnish: extra lemon wedges and fresh herbs

How To Make Ina Garten Crispy Chicken With Lemon Orzo

1. Preheat and season: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Pat the chicken thighs dry and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Sear the chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Place chicken skin-side down and sear for 5–6 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for 2 more minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate.
3. Toast the orzo: Pour off excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the skillet. Add orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. Add broth and lemon: Stir in chicken stock, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer.
5. Bake together: Nestle the seared chicken thighs skin-side up into the orzo. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and orzo has absorbed most of the liquid.
6. Finish and serve: Remove from oven and stir in butter and fresh herbs. Let sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with extra herbs and lemon wedges if desired.

Recipe Tips

• How to get extra crispy skin: Pat the chicken completely dry and don’t move it while searing.
• Can I use boneless thighs? Yes, but reduce oven time slightly since boneless cooks faster.
• Best skillet to use: A cast iron or enameled skillet works best to go from stovetop to oven.
• Can I substitute rice for orzo? Orzo works best for texture and cooking time; rice may require adjustments.
• What herbs go well with lemon orzo? Dill, parsley, and mint all pair beautifully with lemon flavors.

What To Serve With Crispy Chicken And Orzo

This one-pan dish pairs well with simple, fresh sides like:

• Steamed green beans or asparagus
• A crisp arugula or Greek salad
• Roasted zucchini or cherry tomatoes
• Garlic bread or lemon focaccia

How To Store Crispy Chicken With Lemon Orzo

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave with a splash of broth to loosen the orzo.

Freeze: Not recommended, as orzo can become mushy upon thawing.

Crispy Chicken With Lemon Orzo Nutrition Facts

• Calories: ~480
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 420mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but you’ll need to reduce the cooking time and check for doneness sooner.

How do I keep orzo from getting mushy?
Avoid overbaking and make sure not to add too much liquid.

Can I prep this ahead of time?
You can sear the chicken and toast the orzo in advance, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.

What’s a good wine pairing?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the lemon and herbs.

Try More Recipes:

• Ina Garten Sliders Recipe
• Ina Garten Seafood Lasagna Recipe
• Barefoot Contessa Chicken Scarpariello Recipe