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Crispy Sheet Pan Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe with Easy Roasted Orzo

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A quick and easy Greek-inspired sheet pan meal featuring crispy lemon-herb chicken thighs and roasted orzo that soaks up all the savory pan drippings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • Juice and zest of 2 large lemons
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, oregano, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken thighs in this mixture until well-coated. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
  2. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium sauté pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the orzo and toast, stirring frequently, for about 2-3 minutes until lightly golden.
  4. Transfer the toasted orzo and onions to a large rimmed sheet pan. Pour in the chicken broth and scatter cherry tomatoes over the top. Nestle the marinated chicken thighs skin-side up on top of the orzo mixture.
  5. Roast in the oven for 30-35 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crisp and golden. The orzo should absorb most of the broth but remain tender with a slight bite.
  6. Remove from oven and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the chicken and orzo. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken thighs dry before marinating to ensure crispy skin. Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end if skin isn’t crispy enough. Toasting the orzo adds nuttiness but can be skipped if short on time. For gluten-free, substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta or quinoa. For dairy-free, omit feta or use plant-based cheese. Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek chicken, sheet pan dinner, lemon chicken, roasted orzo, easy weeknight meal, crispy chicken, Mediterranean recipe

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/crispy-sheet-pan-greek-lemon-chicken-recipe-with-easy-roasted-orzo/