Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal! This One Pot Garlic Butter Orzo Chicken recipe delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. Imagine tender, juicy chicken thighs nestled in creamy, garlic-infused orzo pasta, all cooked in a single pan. It’s truly a dream come true for busy parents and beginner cooks alike, promising a delicious dinner without the mountain of dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Orzo Chicken Recipe
This orzo chicken dish is a must-try for many reasons:
- Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in one pot, saving you precious time on dish duty.
- Quick & Easy: From prep to plate, this meal is ready in under an hour.
- Rich, Buttery Flavor: Garlic and butter create an irresistible savory base that coats every bite.
- Tender Chicken & Orzo: The chicken stays juicy, and the orzo cooks to a perfect al dente texture.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a comforting, satisfying meal that even picky eaters will adore.
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful orzo chicken meal. You’ll need simple, fresh items to bring out the best flavors. These components combine to create a deeply satisfying, savory dish.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 pound uncooked orzo
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 32 ounces chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Chopped fresh parsley, for topping
- Parmesan cheese, for topping
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Feel free to experiment with these simple swaps.
- Protein: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can replace thighs. Simply adjust cooking time as needed. Cooked sausage also works wonderfully.
- Fat: Use dairy-free butter or olive oil for searing the chicken and toasting the orzo if preferred.
- Stock: Vegetable stock or a chicken bouillon cube dissolved in water makes a fine substitute for chicken stock.
- Herbs: Fresh chives or basil can be used instead of parsley for a different flavor profile.
- Cheese: Grated Pecorino Romano or a sharp cheddar would also be delicious as a topping.
Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen tools for this one-pot wonder. Having the right equipment makes the process even smoother.
- Large cast iron or ceramic skillet (10-12 inch)
- Tongs
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Meat thermometer
Instructions
Let’s make this amazing orzo chicken dish! Follow these straightforward steps for a delicious meal with minimal fuss. Your family will love this simple yet flavorful dinner.
Heat the 3 tablespoons of butter in a large cast iron or ceramic skillet over medium heat. Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Season the chicken generously all over with salt and pepper.
Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet. Cook on both sides until deeply golden, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Once both sides are beautifully browned, transfer the chicken to a plate.
There should be a bit of butter or chicken grease left in the skillet. If not, add an extra tablespoon of butter or olive oil. Add the uncooked orzo to the skillet and stir, ensuring it’s all coated in the fat. Stir in the minced garlic. Cook, stirring often, so the orzo toasts and turns a bit golden. It will also become very fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Pour the chicken stock into the skillet with the toasted orzo. Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the pan with the stock and orzo. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the skillet tightly.
Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. I suggest checking around 12 to 15 minutes, as cooking times can vary based on your stove’s simmer setting.
The USDA recommends cooking all poultry to an internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C) to ensure food safety.
Drizzle the extra melted butter over the finished dish. Top generously with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve your incredible orzo chicken immediately for the best flavor and texture!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving the perfect orzo chicken is easy with these helpful hints. These tips will ensure your dish is flavorful and perfectly cooked every time.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with salt and pepper on the chicken. Proper seasoning layers flavor throughout the dish.
- Sear for Flavor: Searing the chicken until golden brown creates a depth of flavor that can’t be skipped. This also develops a nice fond on the pan.
- Monitor Simmer: Keep a close eye on the liquid level during simmering to prevent the orzo from drying out or sticking. Adjust heat if bubbling too vigorously.
- Check Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken is cooked to 165°F for safety and optimal tenderness.
- Adjust Liquid: If the orzo looks too dry before it’s tender, add a splash more hot stock or water. If it’s too wet, uncover and simmer for a few more minutes.
- Don’t Be Afraid of Salt: Taste the finished dish and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This versatile orzo chicken dish is excellent on its own, but also pairs beautifully with a simple side. Knowing how to store and reheat it ensures you can enjoy leftovers, too.
Serve this hearty one-pot meal with a crisp green salad or some simply roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. These sides provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the orzo.
To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely. Transfer the orzo chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you might need to add a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen the orzo, as it can thicken in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Variations
Get creative with your one-pot meal!
- Add Vegetables: Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach, sliced mushrooms, or halved cherry tomatoes during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.
- Seasoning Swaps: Experiment with different herb blends like Italian seasoning, a pinch of smoked paprika, or a dash of red pepper flakes for a kick.
- White Wine Boost: Deglaze the pan with a splash of dry white wine after searing the chicken, before adding the stock, for an extra layer of flavor.
- Pasta Alternatives: While orzo is perfect, you could try ditalini or small elbow macaroni, adjusting cooking times as needed.
Nutrition
Understanding the nutritional aspects of your meals can help you make informed choices. This hearty orzo chicken provides a balanced array of macronutrients, making it a satisfying dinner option. Please note that exact values can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.
A typical serving size (1/4 of the recipe) provides approximately:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 750-800 |
| Total Fat | 35-40g |
| Saturated Fat | 15-20g |
| Cholesterol | 100-120mg |
| Sodium | 800-900mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 60-70g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3-4g |
| Total Sugars | 2-3g |
| Protein | 40-45g |
FAQ
Got questions about this delicious orzo chicken recipe? Here are some common queries answered to help you master this dish.
- Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs? Yes, absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well, but you may need to reduce the searing and simmering times slightly.
- Can this recipe be baked in the oven? While designed for the stovetop, you could sear the chicken and toast the orzo on the stove, then transfer the covered skillet to a 375°F (190°C) oven for 20-25 minutes.
- Can I use water instead of chicken stock? Chicken stock provides much more flavor than water. If using water, you’ll need to add extra salt and seasonings to compensate.
- How can I prevent the orzo from being bland? Season the chicken generously, toast the orzo and garlic, and use good quality chicken stock. Don’t forget to taste and adjust salt at the end.
- Can I use bone-in chicken thighs? Yes, you can. Sear them well, then increase the covered simmer time to 25-30 minutes, ensuring they reach 165°F internally.
- How much orzo should I use if I want less? You can easily halve the recipe ingredients, using 1/2 pound of orzo and adjusting the stock and other ingredients proportionally.
Conclusion
You now have the perfect recipe for a truly effortless and incredibly satisfying weeknight meal. This One Pot Garlic Butter Orzo Chicken proves that amazing flavor doesn’t require hours in the kitchen or a sink full of dishes. It’s simple, comforting, and packed with savory goodness. Give this recipe a try tonight and discover your new favorite way to enjoy a delicious, hassle-free dinner!
One Pot Garlic Butter Orzo Chicken: An Easy Weeknight Recipe
Equipment
- Large cast iron or ceramic skillet
- Paper towel
- Plate
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- kosher salt for seasoning
- pepper for seasoning
- 1 pound uncooked orzo
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 32 ounces chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- fresh parsley chopped, for topping
- parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
Preparation & Cooking
- Heat 3 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Pat the chicken dry and season it with salt and pepper.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until deeply golden on both sides, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate.
- If needed, add more butter or olive oil to the skillet. Stir in the orzo and garlic, cooking until the orzo is toasted, golden, and fragrant.
- Pour chicken stock into the skillet with the orzo, then nestle the cooked chicken thighs back into the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover.
- Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Check around 12-15 minutes as cooking times may vary.
- Drizzle with the extra melted butter, then top with chopped fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.