The Best One-Pan Moroccan Lemon Chicken with Orzo Recipe Ever

Moroccan lemon chicken elevates ordinary weeknight dinners into vibrant culinary adventures.

Aromatic spices dance across succulent meat, creating a symphony of flavors that whispers tales of distant markets.

Mediterranean ingredients mingle effortlessly, infusing each bite with warmth and complexity.

Bright citrus notes cut through rich, tender proteins, balancing the dish’s intense character.

orzo provides a delightful textural companion, absorbing the incredible pan juices and spice blends.

Home cooks can easily craft this restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques or endless cleanup.

The recipe promises a quick, satisfying experience that transports you to North African kitchens.

Why This Moroccan Lemon Chicken Is a One-Pan Wonder

• Effortless One-Pan Wonder: This recipe simplifies cooking by using a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and making weeknight dinners a breeze.
• Burst of Moroccan Flavors: Warm spices like garlic and exotic seasonings create a vibrant, aromatic dish that transports your taste buds to North African cuisine.
• Perfectly Balanced Texture: Crispy-skinned chicken thighs sit atop creamy, tender orzo, offering a delightful contrast of textures in every single bite.
• Quick Weeknight Meal Magic: From start to finish, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy families craving a delicious and satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

What Makes This Orzo Dish So Special

• Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs provide rich flavor and stay juicy during cooking. Dark meat offers more tenderness compared to white meat.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide deep, savory base for the dish. Fresh garlic adds robust aroma and complexity.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Bright, citrusy notes that balance the rich chicken and add zesty freshness.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds vibrant color and light, clean flavor to finish the dish.

• Olive Oil: Creates golden sear on chicken and prevents sticking to the pan.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid base for cooking orzo and infusing additional flavor.
• Orzo: Small pasta that absorbs flavors and creates creamy, comforting texture.
• Olives: Salty, briny element that adds Mediterranean character.
• Slivered Almonds: Optional crunchy topping for texture contrast.
• Moroccan Spices (such as cumin, paprika, coriander): Warm, complex seasoning blend that defines the dish's regional character.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing overall flavor profile.

A Guide to Cooking One-Pan Moroccan Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Thighs

Sprinkle salt and pepper generously on both sides of the chicken thighs, ensuring even coverage.

Step 2: Sear Chicken

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until surface looks glossy. Place chicken thighs smooth side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook opposite side for 3-4 minutes. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

• Onions
• Garlic

Sauté until fragrant and softened, approximately 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle spices and stir until onions are completely coated.

Step 4: Toast Orzo

Add orzo to skillet and stir, coating thoroughly with spice mixture.

Step 5: Simmer and Cook

• Orzo reaches al dente texture
• Chicken internal temperature hits 165 degrees Fahrenheit

Step 6: Final Touches

• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Olives

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh parsley and slivered almonds if desired. Serve hot directly from skillet.

Tips for Juicy Chicken and Tender Orzo

• Sear with Confidence: Get a golden-brown crust on chicken thighs by ensuring the skillet is hot and not overcrowding the pan, which helps develop deep flavor.
• Spice Layering Trick: Toast spices with onions and garlic to release their essential oils, intensifying the Moroccan-inspired aromatics throughout the dish.
• Liquid Balance Technique: Stir orzo occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even absorption of chicken broth for perfectly tender pasta.
• Zesty Finish Strategy: Add lemon juice and zest at the end of cooking to preserve bright citrus notes and prevent bitter undertones.
• Textural Contrast Hack: Sprinkle toasted slivered almonds just before serving to add a delightful crunch that complements the tender chicken and creamy orzo.

How to Keep One-Pan Meals Fresh Longer

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled chicken and orzo to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Microwave: Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Stovetop: Gently warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.

What to Pair with Moroccan Lemon Chicken

• Pair with Vibrant Moroccan Rosé: Complement the dish's zesty lemon and warm spices with a chilled Moroccan rosé wine, highlighting the Mediterranean flavors and cutting through the richness of the chicken.
• Serve with Herbal Mint Tea: Balance the savory chicken and orzo with a traditional Moroccan mint tea, offering a refreshing contrast and cleansing the palate between bites.
• Add Crisp Mediterranean Salad: Create a light side of cucumber, tomato, and red onion dressed with olive oil and lemon, echoing the bright citrus notes in the main dish and providing a fresh, crunchy texture.
• Match with Spiced Yogurt Sauce: Prepare a quick yogurt sauce with garlic, mint, and a touch of cumin to drizzle over the chicken, adding a cool, creamy element that complements the warm Moroccan spices.

Flavor Swaps for This One-Pan Favorite

• Mediterranean Seafood Swap: Replace chicken thighs with succulent white fish like cod or halibut, adjusting cooking time to prevent overcooking while maintaining the same aromatic Moroccan spice blend.
• Vegetarian Protein Boost: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, ensuring careful browning and using vegetable broth to keep the dish packed with flavor and protein.
• Spicy Harissa Version: Add a tablespoon of harissa paste during spice coating for an extra kick of heat, creating a more intense and vibrant flavor profile that complements the zesty lemon notes.
• Quick Quinoa Alternative: Swap orzo with quinoa for a gluten-free option, reducing liquid slightly and monitoring cooking time to achieve perfect texture while maintaining the dish's original Mediterranean essence.

One Pan Moroccan Lemon Chicken with Orzo Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Moroccan lemon chicken with orzo brings Mediterranean spices and zesty flavors together in a single skillet feast. Fragrant herbs, tender chicken, and lemony orzo create a quick, delicious meal that whisks you straight to North African cuisine.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 2 pounds / 907 grams)

Spices and Seasonings:

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
• ¼ teaspoon saffron, crushed
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Other Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• ½ onion, chopped
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• ⅔ cup orzo
• 1 ⅓ cup chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
• ½ cup mixed pitted olives, sliced
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, for topping

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Instructions

1. Season chicken thighs thoroughly with salt and pepper on both surfaces.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature until surface appears glossy and hot.
3. Carefully position chicken thighs skin-side down, allowing them to develop a golden-brown crust for 4-5 minutes without moving.
4. Rotate chicken pieces and cook opposite side for an additional 3-4 minutes until exterior is evenly colored.
5. Transfer partially cooked chicken to a temporary plate.
6. Reduce skillet heat to medium and introduce diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until aromatics become fragrant and slightly translucent.
7. Sprinkle moroccan spices over onion mixture, stirring to ensure even coating and releasing deep, complex flavors.
8. Add orzo to the skillet, gently tossing to absorb spice blend and prevent sticking.
9. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, allowing liquid to reach a gentle simmer.
10. Nestle chicken thighs back into the orzo, ensuring they are partially submerged in the cooking liquid.
11. Simmer uncovered, occasionally stirring, until orzo reaches tender consistency and chicken internal temperature reaches 165 degrees fahrenheit.
12. Remove from heat and brighten dish with fresh lemon juice, delicate lemon zest, and briny olives.
13. Garnish with chopped parsley and toasted slivered almonds for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Get all ingredients prepped and measured before starting to cook for smooth, stress-free meal preparation.
• Select bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness during cooking.
• Use a digital meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exact 165°F internal temperature for safe consumption.
• Toast spices briefly in the pan to enhance their aromatic qualities and develop deeper, richer flavor profiles.
• Fresh lemon zest and juice brighten the entire dish, adding vibrant Mediterranean-inspired taste complexity.
• Cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet works best for even heat distribution and developing delicious golden-brown chicken crust.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg