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One-Pan Chicken and Orzo Skillet

One-Pan Chicken and Orzo Skillet is a hearty and flavorful dish combining juicy seared chicken with tender orzo pasta, all cooked together in a single skillet for easy cleanup and maximum taste.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Sear chicken thighs skin-side down until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, sauté onion until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  5. Stir in orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Pour in chicken broth and add cherry tomatoes. Stir to combine.
  7. Return chicken thighs to skillet, skin-side up. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
  8. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until orzo is tender and chicken is cooked through (165°F or 74°C).
  9. Remove lid and cook uncovered for 5 more minutes to reduce any excess liquid if needed.
  10. Garnish with chopped parsley and Parmesan before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute boneless thighs or chicken breasts, adjusting cook time as needed.
  • Add spinach or kale for extra greens during the last few minutes of cooking.
  • Use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or to make it vegetarian (without chicken).

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan chicken, orzo skillet, easy chicken dinner, skillet meals, Mediterranean chicken