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Creamy One-Pot Chicken Orzo

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A quick and easy creamy one-pot chicken orzo comfort meal that comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. This dish features tender chicken thighs, orzo pasta, and a luscious creamy sauce with fresh herbs and lemon zest.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup orzo pasta (170g)
  • 4 cups chicken broth (950ml), low-sodium preferred
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (50g)
  • ¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional, 60ml)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley or thyme), chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. (5 minutes)
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add chicken thighs and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from pan and set aside. (10 minutes)
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion to the same pan and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. (5 minutes)
  4. Stir in the orzo pasta and toast lightly for about 2 minutes. (2 minutes)
  5. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine. Return the browned chicken thighs to the pan, nestling them into the orzo and broth. Bring to a simmer. (2 minutes)
  6. Cover the skillet and simmer gently until orzo is tender and chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), about 15 minutes. Stir once halfway through to prevent sticking. (15 minutes)
  7. Remove lid and stir in grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and fresh herbs. If using, add heavy cream or half-and-half and stir until creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. (3 minutes)
  8. Let the dish rest off heat for 1-2 minutes to thicken and allow flavors to meld before serving. (2 minutes)

Notes

Do not rush browning the chicken to build flavor and texture. Pour broth gradually and stir gently to prevent orzo from clumping or breaking. Let the dish rest off heat before serving to thicken the sauce. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and creaminess. If orzo is too thick before serving, add a splash of broth or water; if too thin, cook uncovered for a few minutes to reduce.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot meal, chicken orzo, creamy chicken pasta, quick dinner, comfort food, easy recipe, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/creamy-one-pot-chicken-orzo-recipe-easy-comfort-meal-in-30-minutes/