Looking for a one-pan dinner that delivers both elegance and comfort? Ina Garten’s Crispy Chicken with Lemon Orzo is the perfect solution. With crispy-skinned, bone-in chicken roasted over a bed of lemony orzo, this dish blends rustic charm with gourmet flavor. It’s a beautiful example of Ina’s signature approach—simple, high-quality ingredients cooked with care.

What Is Ina Garten’s Crispy Chicken with Lemon Orzo?

This recipe combines pan-seared bone-in chicken thighs with orzo pasta cooked in chicken stock, lemon zest, and fresh herbs. Everything is finished in the oven, where the chicken juices flavor the pasta, creating a one-pan dish that’s full of depth, texture, and zesty brightness.

Ina Garten Crispy Chicken with Lemon Orzo — Ina Garten’s Crispy Chicken with Lemon Orzo

Other Ina Garten Recipes

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Crispy Chicken with Lemon Orzo

One-pan magic – Chicken and pasta cook together
Crispy, golden chicken – With tender, juicy meat
Bright lemon flavor – Balanced with savory herbs
Perfect for weeknights or guests – Elegant yet simple
Minimal cleanup – All in one skillet
Kid- and crowd-friendly – Comforting and familiar
Great for leftovers – Holds up well the next day

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Crispy Chicken with Lemon Orzo

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

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten’s Crispy Chicken with Lemon Orzo

Step 1: Preheat and Season

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken dry and season generously on both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron or enameled works best), heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken, skin-side down, and sear for 5–6 minutes until deeply golden. Flip and cook for 2 minutes more. Remove to a plate.

Step 3: Prepare the Orzo Base

Pour off most of the fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan. Add orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add chicken stock, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir and bring to a simmer.

Step 4: Roast the Chicken and Orzo Together

Nestle the seared chicken thighs skin-side up into the orzo. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake, uncovered, for 20–25 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked (165°F internal temp) and the orzo has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove from oven. Stir in the butter and chopped herbs into the orzo. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra herbs and lemon wedges if desired.

What to Serve With Crispy Chicken and Lemon Orzo

Simple green salad with vinaigrette – Refreshing side
Garlicky sautéed spinach or kale – Earthy balance
Steamed asparagus or green beans – Bright, crisp vegetables
Toasted garlic bread or focaccia – For extra comfort
Chilled white wine – Like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
Greek-style cucumber salad – For a Mediterranean feel
Roasted cherry tomatoes – Sweet and juicy contrast

Expert Tips for Mastering the Recipe

Pat chicken dry – Ensures maximum crispiness
Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs – Best flavor and texture
Toast the orzo first – Adds nutty depth
Use fresh lemon juice and zest – Bottled won’t give the same brightness
Let the dish rest before serving – Orzo finishes absorbing flavor
Add fresh herbs at the end – Preserves their color and taste
Don’t overcrowd the pan – Use a wide skillet for best results

Variations of the Recipe

Use chicken breasts instead of thighs – Adjust cooking time
Add peas or spinach to the orzo – For extra color and nutrients
Swap orzo for couscous or rice – If preferred
Add garlic or shallots – Sauté with the orzo for more flavor
Top with crumbled feta – For a Greek twist
Use vegetable broth for a lighter version
Add white wine to the orzo – For depth and aroma

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerate in an airtight container – Good for 3 days
Reheat gently in the oven or stovetop – Add a splash of stock
Avoid microwave if possible – It can soften the crispy skin
Freeze in individual portions – Use within 2 months
Label and date freezer containers – Easy for meal prep
Store chicken and orzo together or separately – Both work
Add fresh herbs after reheating – For brightness

How Do I Reuse Leftover Chicken and Orzo?

Turn into a lemon chicken soup – Add broth and vegetables
Toss orzo with extra veggies for a salad – Great cold
Shred chicken for wraps or pitas – With tzatziki or hummus
Mix into a baked casserole – Top with breadcrumbs and bake
Serve with eggs for breakfast – Crispy chicken and orzo hash
Stuff into bell peppers or tomatoes – Bake for a new meal
Serve cold as a pasta salad base – Add vinaigrette and greens

Nutritional Value (per serving, based on 4 servings)

Calories: 540
Protein: 35g
Fat: 24g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 620mg
Sugar: 2g

FAQs

What kind of chicken is best for Ina Garten’s lemon orzo dish?

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are ideal. They stay juicy and deliver flavor to the orzo as they roast, while the skin crisps up beautifully.

How do I keep the orzo from getting mushy?

Toast the orzo briefly before adding the liquid, and bake uncovered. This helps it absorb liquid gradually and develop texture without becoming soggy.

Can I make crispy chicken with lemon orzo ahead of time?

You can sear the chicken and prep the orzo in advance, then assemble and roast before serving. Leftovers also reheat well with a splash of stock.

What herbs work best in lemon orzo?

Fresh parsley, dill, or mint complements the lemon flavor well. Add them after baking to preserve their color and freshness.

Final Words

Ina Garten’s Crispy Chicken with Lemon Orzo is everything a home-cooked dinner should be—simple, bright, satisfying, and effortlessly elegant. It’s a dish you can make on a weeknight or serve to guests, and either way, it feels special. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this one-skillet favorite deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.