Chicken and Orzo Skillet

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Looking for a hearty, one-pan meal that’s comforting, flavorful, and beautifully simple? You’re going to love this Chicken and Orzo Skillet — a classic, rustic-style dish that’s perfect for weeknights or cozy family dinners. 🍗🍋

This recipe comes from the tradition of Mediterranean comfort food, where golden-seared chicken mingles with tender orzo in a fragrant broth kissed with lemon, garlic, and herbs. It’s one of those dishes that fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of home — warm, wholesome, and deeply satisfying. ❤️

What makes this recipe extra special is that everything cooks in one skillet. The chicken releases rich, savory juices that flavor the orzo as it simmers, giving you a creamy, risotto-like texture without the fuss. It’s comfort food with a touch of elegance — and it’s so easy, you’ll have it on the table in under 40 minutes!

Let’s get cooking, shall we? 🍳

---

🥕 Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder

For the Skillet:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream (optional for creaminess)
• ½ lemon, juiced and zested
• 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

---

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Directions

1. Season the Chicken:
   Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Sear the Chicken:
   Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics:
   In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 2 minutes.
4. Toast the Orzo:
   Add the orzo to the pan and stir for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden. This gives it a nutty flavor that makes the dish extra special! 😍
5. Add Liquids:
   Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender (about 10–12 minutes).
6. Make It Creamy (Optional):
   Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and zest. Let it simmer 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Combine Everything:
   Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add spinach (if using) and Parmesan, stirring gently until the spinach wilts and everything is beautifully coated.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
   Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon. Serve warm right out of the skillet for that cozy, family-style feel. 🍋🍽️

---

🥦 Nutritional Information

⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time: 25 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 35 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: 420
🍽️ Servings: 4

This one-pan wonder offers a perfect balance of protein, carbs, and comforting flavor. The orzo soaks up all that savory chicken goodness, while lemon and herbs keep it light and bright. A wholesome meal that’s both quick and satisfying!

---

#chickenandorzo #onepanmeals #comfortfood #mediterraneanrecipes #easyweeknightdinner #familyfavorites #homecooking

Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️