Roasted Greek Lemon Chicken with Orzo

Name: Roasted Greek Lemon Chicken with Orzo
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs; 3 tbsp olive oil; 1 lemon; 3 cloves garlic; 1 tsp dried oregano; Salt and pepper; 1 cup orzo; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup baby spinach; 1 lemon; Fresh rosemary; Olive oil spray; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp red wine vinegar; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; Salt and pepper

A Mediterranean Inspired Main Course

A succulent roasted chicken dish infused with citrusy lemon and earthy herbs, perfectly complemented by a savory orzo base.

1 h 45 min
4
Easy

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

4 chicken thighs

skin-on, bone-in

3 tbsp olive oil

1 lemon

juiced and zested

3 cloves garlic

minced

1 tsp dried oregano

Salt and pepper

to taste

For the Orzo

1 cup orzo

2 tbsp olive oil

1 small onion

finely chopped

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup baby spinach

roughly chopped

For the Roasting

1 lemon

sliced into rounds

Fresh rosemary

sprigs for garnish

Olive oil spray

For the Dressing

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp red wine vinegar

1 tsp Dijon mustard

Salt and pepper

to taste

Preparation

Marinating the Chicken

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Coat Chicken

Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they’re fully coated.

Refrigerate

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.

Preparing the Orzo

Heat Oil

In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.

Sauté Onion

Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.

Toast Orzo

Stir in the orzo and toast slightly before adding chicken broth.

Cooking Process

Roast Chicken

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange marinated chicken in a roasting pan, top with lemon slices and rosemary. Roast for 35-40 minutes.

⚠ Ensure the chicken is at room temperature before roasting to promote even cooking. 💡 Add a few smashed garlic cloves around the chicken for extra flavor.

Cook Orzo

Once the broth is absorbed, stir in the chopped spinach until wilted. Keep warm.

Prepare Dressing

Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

Plating & Serving