One-Skillet Chicken With Buttery Orzo
This one-skillet recipe features tender chicken and buttery orzo pasta, offering a comforting and convenient meal perfect for a weeknight dinner. It's simple to prepare and packed with savory flavors.
Equipment
- Large, oven-safe skillet
- Lid for skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups chicken broth or water
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Optional Seasonings and Garnishes
- ½ teaspoon Garlic powder, onion powder each
- ½ teaspoon Dried herbs (oregano or thyme)
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped for garnish
- Lemon wedge for serving
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, and optional garlic and onion powder.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken in a single layer for 3-4 minutes per side until golden.
Cooking
- Remove the chicken and set aside, then reduce the heat to medium.
- Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil if needed, and toast the orzo in the skillet for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden.
- Pour in the chicken broth or water, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, then return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the orzo.
- Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Cook until the orzo is al dente, most liquid is absorbed, and the chicken is cooked through to 165°F (74°C).
Finishing and Serving
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the butter and optional dried herbs until melted.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, and serve with an optional lemon wedge or Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Ensure chicken is mostly submerged in the liquid during simmering to cook evenly. Stir occasionally to prevent orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pan.