One-Skillet Crispy Chicken with Buttery Lemony Mushroom Orzo
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
30 mins
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Cook Time
45 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 15 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
901 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
One-Skillet Crispy Chicken with Buttery Lemony Mushroom Orzo
Description
One-Skillet Crispy Chicken with Buttery Lemony Mushroom Orzo features bone-in, skin-on chicken legs and thighs seasoned and seared to develop a crisp, golden skin. Wild or white button mushrooms and leeks are sautéed with garlic and thyme, then combined with orzo rice toasted briefly before deglazing with dry sherry. Chicken broth is added to cook the orzo partially before nestling the chicken back into the skillet to finish cooking in the oven. The dish is brightened with lemon juice and zest and includes baby spinach stirred in near the end. The result is a hearty, well-rounded plate combining juicy, crispy chicken with tender orzo and sautéed vegetables, all infused with buttery and lemony notes.
This all-in-one skillet meal balances textures—crispy chicken skin contrasts with the creamy, buttery orzo and tender vegetables. The lemon juice and zest add freshness, lifting the earthy mushrooms and savory broth base. It suits dinner occasions where a rich, comforting plate is desired without multiple cooking vessels.
Ingredients
- 2 lb chicken legs 4 large pieces) (or 8 separate smaller pieces), skin-on, bone-in
- 2 lb chicken thighs 4 large pieces) (or 8 separate smaller pieces), skin-on, bone-in
- salt to taste, Kosher salt and freshly ground
- black pepper to taste, Kosher salt and freshly ground
- 3 tablespoons butter divided, unsalted
- 3/4 pound wild mushrooms sliced, or white button
- 2 leek 3/4 lb, 340g, white and pale green parts only, chopped (or a large yellow onion, medium
- 3 garlic minced, cloves
- 3 teaspoons thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried, fresh leaves
- 2 cups orzo
- 1/2 cup dry sherry (or substitute white wine)
- 3 1/2 cups chicken broth divided, low-sodium
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon finely grated (from 1 large lemon, zest
- 3 oz baby spinach
- 1 lemon cut into wedges, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Dry chicken well and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large cast-iron or other ovenproof skillet set over medium-high. Add chicken, skin side down, in a single layer. To get an even sear, place another heavy skillet on top of chicken, pressing it down. Cook until skin is crisp and deep golden brown, 10-12 minutes. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside. It will not yet be fully cooked at this point.
- Add mushrooms and leeks and cook, scraping up any brown bits from the pan and stirring occasionally, until leeks are wilted and mushrooms are light brown, about 7 minutes. Add garlic and thyme, season with salt and pepper and cook until garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in orzo and cook until toasty smelling, about 3 minutes. Pour in sherry and stir, until liquid is evaporated, about 1 minute. Add 3 cups broth, bring to a simmer and cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes.
- Nestle chicken back in pan, skin side up and transfer skillet to oven; bake, uncovered, until chicken is cooked through (it should register 165ºF on a thermometer) and orzo is tender, about 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and transfer chicken to a platter. Stir orzo and, if dry, stir in the last 1/2 cup broth. Stir in lemon juice, zest and remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Fold in baby spinach, a handful at a time, until wilted. Taste orzo for seasoning. Serve with lemon wedges.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 901 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 901kcal | 45% |
| Carbohydrates | 74g | 25% |
| Protein | 50g | 100% |
| Fat | 44g | 68% |
| Saturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 211mg | 70% |
| Sodium | 249mg | 10% |
| Potassium | 1311mg | 28% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 3331IU | 67% |
| Vitamin C | 38mg | 42% |
| Calcium | 122mg | 12% |
| Iron | 6mg | 33% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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