4.8 from 51 votes
Za'atar Lemon Chicken Orzo
Our Za'atar Lemon Chicken Orzo is hearty and satisfying dish with savory zaatar seasoning and bright lemon.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 587 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Greek
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons za'atar seasoning
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup diced onion diced
- 8 garlic cloves roughly chopped
- 1 cups orzo
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 bunch medium asparagus
- 2 lemons juiced and zested
- sea salt
- freshly ground pepper
For serving
- 1 tablespoons chopped dill
- Lemon wedges
- chili flakes
Instructions
- Season the chicken thighs with two tablespoons of za'atar and a tablespoon of olive oil.Dice the onion and garlic. Cut off the white hard ends from the asparagus and then cut them into two or three pieces.
- Place a large pot or Dutch oven over high heat. When the pot is hot, lower heat to medium high.Add the olive oil and the chicken. Sear chicken on both sides for about 4 minutes per side. Avoid to move the chicken around too much. Allow it to get a nice color on both sides.Transfer chicken pieces to a plate.
- Add the onion and garlic in the same pot. Stir and scrap the bottom with a wooden spoon to lift the fond (caramelized chicken and fat pieces stuck at the bottom of the pot full of flavor). Cook until they are softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the orzo and toast it with the onion and garlic for one minute.
- Add the broth, juice from one lemon and the asparagus tips.Return the chicken and all the accumulated juices to the pot, cover, and cook for about 20 minutes.
- Add more lemon juice if you like and season with sea salt and pepper to taste.Serve in bowls with chopped dill, chili flakes, and lemon zest on top. Add bowls with lemon wedges around the table.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Nutritional Info – Please remember that the nutritional information provided is only estimated and can vary based on the products used.
- For this orzo recipe, you can use chicken breasts, ground chicken, or turkey.
- You can substitute orzo with other type of short cut pasta.
Nutrition Information
Calories
587kcal
(29%)
Carbohydrates
46g
(15%)
Protein
29g
(58%)
Fat
34g
(52%)
Saturated Fat
7g
(35%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
6g
Monounsaturated Fat
18g
Trans Fat
0.1g
Cholesterol
115mg
(38%)
Sodium
759mg
(32%)
Potassium
759mg
(22%)
Fiber
7g
(28%)
Sugar
7g
(14%)
Vitamin A
1188IU
(24%)
Vitamin C
41mg
(46%)
Calcium
125mg
(13%)
Iron
7mg
(39%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 587
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 587kcal | 29% |
| Carbohydrates | 46g | 15% |
| Protein | 29g | 58% |
| Fat | 34g | 52% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6g | 35% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 18g | 90% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 115mg | 38% |
| Sodium | 759mg | 32% |
| Potassium | 759mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 7g | 28% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 1188IU | 24% |
| Vitamin C | 41mg | 46% |
| Calcium | 125mg | 13% |
| Iron | 7mg | 39% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.