Zesty Barefoot Contessa’s Crispy Chicken With Lemon Orzo Recipe

Tender, juicy chicken meets zesty Mediterranean flavors in this irresistible Barefoot Contessa crispy chicken with lemon orzo recipe that will transport you straight to a sun-drenched coastal kitchen.

Golden-brown chicken skin crackles with seasoned perfection, promising a delightful crunch in every bite.

Bright lemon notes dance through the creamy orzo, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

The dish comes together effortlessly, making weeknight dinner feel like a gourmet experience.

Fresh herbs sprinkled on top add a vibrant finishing touch that awakens the senses.

Comfort and elegance merge seamlessly on your plate, inviting you to savor each delectable forkful.

This recipe guarantees a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 620 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Barefoot Contessa Crispy Chicken With Lemon Orzo

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates a crispy, golden exterior that locks in chicken's juiciness; choose unbleached flour for best texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and helps tenderize the meat; use kosher salt for more consistent seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Adds warm, subtle heat and depth to the chicken's coating; freshly ground provides more intense flavor.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein base of the dish; select bone-in, skin-on breasts for maximum flavor and moisture retention.
• Canola Oil, Butter: Provides rich, golden browning and nutty undertones; use high-quality unsalted butter for controlled seasoning.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright, herbaceous finish and visual appeal; choose vibrant green leaves without wilting.

• Orzo Pasta: Unique rice-shaped pasta that creates creamy, comforting base; select high-quality pasta for best texture.
• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Introduces bright, citrusy notes that cut through richness; use fresh lemons for most intense flavor.
• Feta Cheese: Provides tangy, salty counterpoint to chicken; opt for authentic Greek feta for authentic taste.
• Fresh Dill: Adds delicate, aromatic herb flavor; choose bright green, fragrant sprigs.
• Olive Oil: Brings smooth, fruity undertones and helps blend ingredients; select extra virgin for best quality.

Tools for Preparing Barefoot Contessa Crispy Chicken With Lemon Orzo

• Cast-iron skillet: Large 30cm heavy pan perfect for stovetop and oven cooking.
• Large saucepan: Essential for boiling orzo pasta.
• Shallow bowl: Used for dredging chicken in flour mixture.
• Sharp knife: Needed for chopping parsley and zesting lemon.
• Cutting board: Surface for chopping herbs and preparing ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps stirring and mixing orzo.
• Colander: Used for draining cooked orzo.
• Measuring spoons: Precise for measuring salt and pepper.
• Measuring cups: Helpful for measuring ingredients accurately.

Instructions for Barefoot Contessa Crispy Chicken With Lemon Orzo

• Chicken Preparation

Heat a cast-iron skillet with oil and butter. Coat chicken in seasoned flour, ensuring a light, even coverage that will create a delectable crispy exterior.

• Stovetop Searing

Place chicken skin-side down in the hot skillet. Allow the skin to develop a gorgeous golden-brown color without disturbing the meat, creating a crunchy texture.

• Oven Roasting

Transfer skillet to a blazing hot oven. The intense heat will help the chicken cook evenly and develop a beautiful caramelized surface.

• Butter Finishing

Return skillet to the stovetop. Flip chicken and add remaining butter, which will brown and create a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the entire dish.

• Orzo Creation

Boil orzo until perfectly tender. Toss with bright lemon zest, tangy feta, fragrant dill, and a drizzle of olive oil to create a zesty, refreshing side dish.

• Serving

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the crispy chicken. Place the herb-infused orzo alongside and serve immediately to enjoy maximum flavor and texture.

Tips & Mix-ins for Barefoot Contessa Crispy Chicken With Lemon Orzo

• Achieve ultra-crispy skin by thoroughly patting the chicken dry before dredging and ensuring the skillet is hot before adding the meat.
• Watch the butter carefully when browning – it should turn a golden nutty color without burning, adding rich, complex flavor to the chicken.
• Swap dill for fresh basil or mint in the orzo, or add toasted pine nuts for extra texture and a Mediterranean twist.
• Use a meat thermometer to precisely check chicken doneness, aiming for 165°F (74°C) to ensure safe and juicy results while avoiding overcooking.
• Prepare the orzo mixture ahead of time and store in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and making dinnertime faster and easier.

Serving Styles for Barefoot Contessa Crispy Chicken With Lemon Orzo

• Pair with Fresh Salad: Toss a light, crisp green salad with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette to complement the rich, buttery chicken and creamy orzo.
• Elevate with Wine Pairing: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the lemony notes and cut through the chicken's richness, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Create a Mediterranean Spread: Serve alongside warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a small plate of olives to transform the meal into a vibrant, Greek-inspired feast that celebrates fresh flavors and textures.
• Garnish with Extra Herbs: Sprinkle additional fresh dill or parsley over the orzo and chicken just before serving to add brightness, aroma, and a pop of color to the dish.

How to Store Barefoot Contessa Crispy Chicken With Lemon Orzo

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover chicken and orzo separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. The chicken stays fresh for 3-4 days, while the orzo maintains its texture for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheat Carefully: Warm chicken gently in a 165°C oven for 10-15 minutes to maintain its crispy skin. Microwave orzo with a splash of water to restore moisture, stirring halfway through heating.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap cooled chicken and orzo individually in freezer-safe containers. Chicken freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, while orzo remains good for 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Prevent Sogginess: Keep chicken and orzo separate until serving to maintain the crisp texture. If mixing, add feta and herbs just before eating to preserve the fresh flavors and prevent ingredients from becoming waterlogged.

Succulent Barefoot Contessa Crispy Chicken With Lemon Orzo Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

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

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Description

Ina Garten’s crispy chicken with lemon orzo brings Mediterranean warmth to dinner tables. Juicy chicken and tangy orzo combine for a simple yet elegant meal you’ll crave repeatedly.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skin-on chicken breasts (about 0.5 lbs or 225 g each)
• 85 g (3 oz) all-purpose flour
• 200 g (7 oz) orzo
• 130 g (4.6 oz) good European-style unsalted butter, divided
• 100 g (3.5 oz) small-diced feta, preferably Greek
• 60 ml (¼ cup) canola oil
• 30 ml (2 tbsps) good olive oil
• 30 g (1 oz) minced fresh parsley
• 15 g (0.5 oz) minced fresh dill
• 2 tsps grated lemon zest
• 30 ml (2 tbsps) freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 lemon, cut into 8 wedges
• kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheating: Set oven to 230°C (450°F) for optimal crispy chicken preparation.
2. Flour Coating: Dredge chicken pieces in seasoned flour mixture, ensuring even, light coverage by gently shaking off excess.
3. Searing Technique: Melt oil and butter in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat, positioning chicken skin-side down. Cook undisturbed for 12 minutes to develop a golden, crispy exterior.
4. Oven Roasting: Transfer skillet directly into preheated oven, roasting for 10 minutes to guarantee uniform cooking and enhanced texture.
5. Finishing Touches: Return skillet to stovetop, flip chicken with skin facing upward, and add remaining butter. Cook for 3-5 minutes until butter caramelizes and chicken reaches 55-60°C (131-140°F) internal temperature.
6. Herbal Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over chicken for a vibrant, aromatic enhancement.
7. Orzo Preparation: Boil water, add salt and orzo pasta. Simmer 9-11 minutes until perfectly al dente, then drain thoroughly.
8. Lemon Orzo Assembly: Combine orzo with lemon zest, juice, olive oil, dill, salt, pepper, and crumbled feta. Toss gently to create a bright, zesty pasta accompaniment.

Notes

• Preheating Precision: Set oven at exactly 230°C to guarantee perfect crispy chicken exterior with golden-brown results.
• Flour Coating Technique: Shake off excess flour to prevent heavy, clumpy layers and ensure a light, crisp breading that adheres perfectly.
• Skillet Selection Matters: Use a cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution and superior browning, creating restaurant-quality chicken with consistent crispiness.
• Temperature Control: Monitor chicken’s internal temperature closely, aiming for 55-60°C to maintain juicy meat while achieving a perfectly crisp exterior.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 620
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg