Fresh & Lively Ina Garten’s Crispy Chicken With Lemon Orzo Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand something special that doesn’t compromise on flavor or simplicity.

This Ina Garten crispy chicken with lemon orzo recipe delivers a knockout meal that sings with Mediterranean brightness and textures.

Golden-brown chicken thighs rest atop a bed of zesty orzo, creating a dish that feels both elegant and comforting.

The combination of tender chicken and creamy pasta promises a delightful culinary experience.

Fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon brighten every single bite, making this recipe a true standout.

Each forkful brings a perfect balance of crispy, tangy, and satisfying flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Get ready to add a new favorite to your cooking repertoire.

Prep Tools for Ina Garten’s Crispy Chicken Delight

• Large cast-iron skillet: Heavy-duty pan essential for perfect crispy chicken.
• Shallow bowl: For mixing flour and seasoning coating.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements for flour, oil, and butter.
• Sharp knife: For slicing chicken and mincing parsley.
• Cutting board: Provides surface for preparation.
• Tongs: Helpful for flipping and handling chicken safely.
• Instant-read meat thermometer: Ensures chicken is perfectly cooked.
• Spatula: Assists in moving and handling chicken in skillet.

Cooking Instructions for Ina Garten’s Lemon Orzo Chicken

Crispy Chicken With Lemon Orzo

• Kitchen Setup Warm your cooking space and gather all necessary equipment for a culinary adventure.
• Chicken Preparation Select plump chicken breasts and gently remove the tender sections for even cooking.
• Flour Coating Create a delectable seasoned layer by dredging chicken in a simple flour blend with salt and pepper.
• Skillet Magic Heat a combination of oil and butter in a cast-iron skillet, transforming the chicken with a golden, crispy exterior.
• Oven Transformation Transfer the skillet to a hot oven, allowing the chicken to develop a rich, deep flavor and perfect texture.
• Butter Finale Return the skillet to the stovetop, allowing butter to caramelize and create a luxurious sauce that elevates the chicken.
• Elegant Presentation Slice the chicken, drizzle with nutty brown butter, and garnish with fresh herbs and bright lemon wedges for a restaurant-quality meal that delights the senses.

Variations & Flavor Hacks for Ina’s Chicken Dish

• Experiment with different herb blends in the flour mixture for unique flavor profiles.
• Replace chicken breasts with thighs or boneless cuts, adjusting cooking times accordingly to maintain moisture.
• Ensure skillet is scorching hot before adding chicken to achieve that gorgeous golden-brown crispy skin without sticking.
• Leftover chicken stays delicious when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, best reheated gently in a low-temperature oven to preserve crispiness.
• Create a quick pan sauce by deglazing the skillet with white wine or chicken stock after removing the chicken, scraping up those delicious browned bits for extra depth of flavor.

How to Serve Ina Garten’s Lemony Chicken Plate

• Elevate Your Plate with Fresh Sides: Pair the crispy chicken with a vibrant Greek salad featuring cucumber, tomatoes, and crumbled feta for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• Create a Zesty Flavor Boost: Drizzle extra lemon juice over the chicken and orzo just before serving to enhance the bright, citrusy notes and add a fresh tang.
• Make It a Complete Dinner: Complement the dish with a light arugula salad dressed in olive oil and lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the crispy chicken and brown butter sauce.
• Garnish with Herbal Freshness: Sprinkle additional chopped fresh parsley or fresh dill over the chicken and orzo to add color, aroma, and a burst of herbaceous flavor.

Make-Ahead Strategy for Crispy Chicken & Orzo

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Separate the chicken from the orzo to maintain its crispy texture and prevent sogginess.
• Reheat Carefully: Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat to revive its crispiness. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make the skin rubbery and tough.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Prep Ahead: Marinate chicken in the flour mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Keep covered in the refrigerator to enhance flavor and save time during cooking.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 680 kcal

Servings: 4

All the Ingredients in Ina Garten’s Crispy Chicken with Lemon Orzo

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates a crispy golden exterior that seals in the chicken's juicy goodness, with smooth texture for even coating.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances flavor and helps draw moisture from the chicken's surface for perfect browning.
• Black Pepper: Adds warm, spicy undertones and complements the chicken's richness.

• Canola Oil: High smoke point ensures even heating and prevents burning during high-temperature cooking.
• Butter: Provides rich, nutty flavor and helps create beautiful golden-brown caramelization.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright, fresh herbaceous notes and vibrant green color to the dish.
• Lemon: Provides zesty acidity to cut through the richness and enhance the chicken's flavor.
• Feta Cheese: Offers tangy, creamy contrast to the crispy chicken.

Elegant Ina Garten Crispy Chicken With Lemon Orzo Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s crispy chicken with lemon orzo offers a delightful Mediterranean-inspired meal combining golden roasted chicken and zesty pasta. Herb-infused seasonings and tangy citrus notes create a memorable dinner experience for home cooks seeking restaurant-quality comfort.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless chicken breasts, skin-on (225g / 8 oz)
• 160g / ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
• 60ml / ¼ cup canola oil
• 125g / 9 tbsps unsalted butter, divided
• 2 tbsps minced fresh parsley
• 1 lemon, cut into 8 wedges
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 230°C / 450°F, establishing an optimal cooking environment for crispy chicken.
2. Seasoning: Whisk flour, kosher salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish, creating a flavorful coating for the chicken breasts. Remove the tender strips from beneath the breasts to ensure uniform cooking.
3. Searing: Melt canola oil and butter in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Thoroughly dredge chicken breasts in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Carefully place chicken skin-side down, allowing a golden crust to develop for 12 minutes without moving.
4. Roasting: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven, maintaining the skin-side down position, and roast for 10 minutes to guarantee even cooking. Return the skillet to the stovetop, flip the chicken skin-side up, and add remaining butter.
5. Finishing: Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, watching the butter caramelize to a rich, nutty brown. Verify chicken’s doneness by checking the internal temperature reaches 54-60°C / 130-140°F.
6. Serving: Remove from heat, sprinkle finely chopped parsley over the chicken. Slice breasts crosswise and plate with Lemon Orzo with Feta. Drizzle the aromatic brown butter and garnish with fresh lemon wedges for a vibrant, citrusy touch.

Notes

• Maximize Crispiness: Ensure chicken skin is completely dry before flouring to achieve an ultra-crisp golden exterior that’s restaurant-quality.
• Temperature Precision: Use an instant-read meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken without overcooking, maintaining juicy tenderness.
• Butter Brown Magic: Watch butter closely during final cooking stage; nutty brown color develops quickly and adds incredible depth of flavor to the dish.
• Skillet Selection: Cast-iron skillet is crucial for even heat distribution and creating that signature crispy chicken crust – no substitutions recommended.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 680
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 45g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 23g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 150mg