Description
A comforting and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender boneless chicken thighs cooked to golden perfection, combined with lightly toasted orzo pasta simmered in rich chicken broth, and finished with fresh herbs, lemon zest, and a creamy dusting of Parmesan cheese for a satisfying dinner that’s quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless chicken thighs, skinless
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: small pat of butter for finishing
Orzo and Flavorings
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley or thyme), chopped
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the boneless chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook them until golden brown and fully cooked through, around 5-7 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Sauté Aromatics and Cook Orzo: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the orzo pasta and toast it lightly, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes to develop a nutty flavor and prevent burning.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cook the orzo until it becomes tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stirring occasionally to maintain even cooking and avoid sticking; this should take about 10-12 minutes.
- Combine and Finish with Parmesan: Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it back into the skillet with the orzo. Stir in the fresh herbs, lemon zest, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything thoroughly until the cheese melts, creating a creamy and cohesive mixture.
- Final Touches and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. For extra richness, stir in a small pat of butter until melted. Serve the dish hot, garnished with more fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor and presentation.
Notes
- To add more vegetables, consider stirring in spinach or peas during the last few minutes of orzo cooking.
- Using freshly grated Parmesan will ensure a better melt and flavor compared to pre-grated options.
- Resting the chicken after cooking helps keep it juicy and tender.
- Optional butter adds extra creaminess but can be omitted for a lighter dish.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted or combined—try basil or oregano for variation.
