Ina Garten Crispy Chicken with Lemon Orzo Recipe

Ina Garten Crispy Chicken with Lemon Orzo Recipe is warm, bright and full of great flavor. The chicken turns very crispy outside and stays juicy inside.

The lemon orzo tastes fresh, soft and very comforting. This dish feels fancy but is very easy to make at home. You only need simple tools and easy ingredients.

If you love light meals, you will enjoy this one. It tastes bright from the lemon and rich from the chicken. You can serve this dish for dinner, lunch or even a small family gathering.

In this guide, I will show you how to make Ina Garten Crispy Chicken with Lemon Orzo in simple steps. I will also share tips, mistakes to avoid and helpful ideas. This will make your cooking easy and fun.

My Experience With This Recipe

I made this recipe many times because my family loves it. The chicken always comes out crispy and golden. The orzo tastes soft, bright and full of lemon flavor.

I enjoy this recipe because it feels comforting but still fresh and light. It does not take much time. It also looks beautiful on the plate, so it feels special. This dish is perfect when you want something simple that still feels fancy.

Recipe Card info

• Recipe Name: Ina Garten Crispy Chicken with Lemon Orzo
• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 35 mins
• Total Time: 50 mins
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American
• Calories: 520 kcal per serving

Equipment List

• Large skillet
• Medium pot
• Mixing bowl
• Zester or grater
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Wooden spoon
• Tongs

Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Crispy Chicken with Lemon Orzo (with Quantity)

• 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• 1 ½ cups orzo
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Season the Chicken

Rub chicken with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Make sure the skin is dry so it gets crispy.

2. Heat the Skillet

Add oil to a hot skillet. Let the oil warm until it starts to shimmer slightly.

3. Crisp the Chicken

Place chicken skin-side down. Cook until skin becomes golden, crisp and very firm to the touch.

4. Flip the Chicken

Turn the chicken over. Cook the other side until it becomes brown and fully cooked inside.

5. Sauté the Onion

Remove chicken. Add chopped onion into the skillet. Cook until soft, sweet and lightly golden.

6. Add Garlic

Stir in garlic. Cook for one minute until you smell a strong, warm aroma rising.

7. Add Orzo

Add orzo into the skillet. Stir well so each piece gets a light coating of oil.

8. Add Broth

Pour chicken broth into the skillet. Mix gently and let the orzo soak up the liquid.

9. Add Lemon

Add lemon zest and lemon juice. Stir so the flavors spread evenly through the orzo.

10. Add Butter

Drop in butter. Let it melt slowly to give the orzo a rich and silky taste.

11. Cook the Orzo

Simmer mixture. Let the orzo become soft, fluffy and full of lemon flavor.

12. Add Chicken Back

Place crispy chicken on top of cooked orzo. Let flavors mix for a few more minutes.

13. Add Parsley

Sprinkle fresh parsley for color, freshness and a bright green touch.

14. Rest the Dish

Turn off heat. Let everything sit for two minutes so flavors combine deeply.

15. Serve Warm

Serve chicken on top of lemon orzo. Make sure each plate has plenty of sauce.

Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Crispy Chicken with Lemon Orzo

• Dry the chicken skin before cooking for best crispiness.
• Use fresh lemon for strong and bright flavor.
• Do not rush cooking the orzo. It needs slow simmering.
• Taste the orzo and add salt if needed.
• Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast for juicier meat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Do not cook chicken on low heat or it will not crisp.
• Do not add too much lemon or the dish becomes sour.
• Do not leave orzo unattended because it sticks easily.
• Do not skip butter because it adds smooth texture.

Serving Suggestions

This dish tastes amazing with many sides. You can serve it with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli. It also pairs well with garlic bread or warm dinner rolls.

A cold lemonade or iced tea makes the meal feel bright and refreshing. You can serve this dish for a family dinner, weekend meal or even a small gathering with friends.

Variations You Can Try

• Use chicken breasts instead of thighs.
• Add spinach to the orzo for more greens.
• Add Parmesan cheese for a creamy taste.
• Use basil instead of parsley for a sweeter flavor.
• Add red pepper flakes for a spicy touch.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight box for three days.
• Reheat in a pan for best texture.
• Add a splash of broth while reheating.
• Do not microwave for too long or chicken dries.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	520 kcal
Protein	32 g
Fat	28 g
Carbs	40 g

Health Benefits

This dish has a good balance of protein, carbs and healthy fats. Chicken gives strong protein that helps your muscles. Lemon adds vitamin C for better immunity.

Orzo gives energy and keeps you full. Olive oil adds healthy fats that support your heart. This meal feels comforting but still gives you fresh and light nutrition.

FAQs about Ina Garten Crispy Chicken with Lemon Orzo

1. Can I make this recipe without chicken skin?
Yes, but the chicken will not be crispy. The skin helps create a golden layer. Without it, the flavor stays good but the texture changes a lot.

2. Can I use rice instead of orzo?
Yes, you can use rice. But you must change the cooking time because rice needs more liquid and longer simmering to soften well.

3. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, but freeze the chicken and orzo separately. Orzo becomes mushy if frozen with liquid. Separate containers keep texture better for reheating.

4. Can I add vegetables to the orzo?
Yes, you can add spinach, peas, or zucchini. Add them in the last few minutes so they stay fresh, bright, and full of flavor.

5. Can I use bone-less chicken?
Yes, but bone-in chicken stays juicier. Boneless chicken cooks faster and may become dry if you overcook it.

Final Thoughts

Ina Garten Crispy Chicken with Lemon Orzo Recipe is simple, bright and very satisfying. It feels fresh because of the lemon and rich because of the chicken. You can make it on busy days or special nights.

The steps are easy, and the results taste amazing. Try this recipe once and it will become one of your favorite meals. Let this dish bring warm comfort and fresh flavor to your kitchen.