Creamy Chicken And Orzo Skillet
User Reviews
4.8
Creamy Chicken And Orzo Skillet
Description
Creamy Chicken And Orzo Skillet features boneless chicken thighs seasoned with paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder, then browned until well-seared. After removing the chicken, the pan sautés onion and garlic to add aromatics before adding orzo pasta and vegetable broth to capture the pan's flavorful browned bits. The chicken returns to nestle into the simmering orzo mixture, absorbing the savory broth as it cooks. The combination finishes with butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese to create a velvety, creamy sauce that coats both chicken and pasta.
The dish offers tender chicken with a flavorful herb crust alongside orzo that is creamy from the butter and cheese, providing comforting texture and mild herbaceous notes. Cooking everything in one skillet allows flavors to meld while keeping preparation straightforward.
This recipe pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Its rich components make it suited for cooler days or when seeking a filling, combined entrée.
For alternatives to orzo, quick-cooking pasta like ditalini or pearl couscous can be used; rice requires adjustments in cooking time and liquid.Vegetable broth is used to avoid overpowering the dish, but water or chicken broth can substitute.Adjust broth quantity for a thinner sauce by adding up to an extra 1/2 cup broth.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp paprika $0.10
- 1 tsp oregano $0.10, dried
- 1 tsp thyme $0.10, dried
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder $0.05
- 1/2 tsp onion powder $0.05
- 1/2 tsp salt $0.02
- 1/4 tsp black pepper $0.02
- 1.25 lbs chicken thigh $4.35, boneless, 4-5 thighs
- 2 Tbsp neutral cooking oil $0.08, generic cooking oil
- 1 yellow onion $0.70, diced
- 2 cloves garlic $0.08, minced
- 1 1/2 cups orzo $0.81
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth $0.34
- 1/2 cup heavy cream $0.84
- 2 Tbsp butter $0.25, salted
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese $1.56
Instructions
- Add the paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to a small bowl***. Mix until combined.
- Blot the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel, then season both sides liberally with the seasoning blend.
- Heat a large deep skillet over medium and add the cooking oil. Add the seasoned chicken thighs and cook undisturbed until well browned, about 5 minutes. Flip and repeat on the other side. Remove the chicken from the pan.
- Turn the heat down to low, and add the onion and garlic. Saute until the onions are translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add the orzo and vegetable broth to the skillet and stir well to help dissolve the crispy browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Return the chicken to the pan and nestle it down into the orzo.
- Place a lid on the skillet, turn the heat up to medium-high, and let the broth come to a full boil. Then turn the heat down to low. Let the skillet simmer for about 15 minutes or until most of the broth is absorbed.
- After about 15 minutes, the orzo should be tender and most of the broth absorbed, but there will still be a little sauce in the skillet. Remove the chicken from the skillet.
- Add the cream and the butter to the skillet. Stir and heat over low until the butter melts and the cream is hot.
- Add the Parmesan and stir to combine.
- Finally, return the chicken to the skillet. If desired, garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Substitute orzo with similar small, quick-cooking pasta such as ditalini or pearl couscous; use rice with adjusted liquid and cooking times.
- Vegetable broth works well for cooking orzo without overwhelming flavor; alternatively, use water or chicken broth.
- For a looser, saucier consistency, add an additional 1/2 cup broth when cooking.
- The seasoning blend can be homemade as outlined or replaced with a tablespoon of your preferred generic seasoning, avoiding very salty blends.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 779 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 779kcal | 39% |
| Carbohydrates | 49g | 16% |
| Protein | 34g | 68% |
| Fat | 50g | 77% |
| Sodium | 911mg | 38% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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