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- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced - 1 cup orzo pasta - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Large skillet - Wooden spoon or spatula - Measuring cups and spoons In this recipe, I use chicken thighs for their juicy flavor. Orzo pasta cooks quickly and adds a nice texture. You can mix in various vegetables, like onion, garlic, and bell pepper, for added taste and color. The broth makes the orzo rich and full of flavor. If you want to elevate the dish, add feta cheese for a creamy touch. Fresh parsley brightens up the meal and makes it look nice. To cook this dish, you need a large skillet. Olive oil is key for sautéing the chicken and veggies. A wooden spoon helps mix everything well. Make sure to have measuring cups and spoons handy for accurate portions. {{ingredient_image_2}} Searing the Chicken Thighs Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add 1 pound of diced chicken thighs. Make sure to season the chicken with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Cook the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir it often until it turns golden brown and is cooked through. When done, take the chicken out and place it on a plate. Seasoning Tips Seasoning is key for great flavor. Use fresh herbs if you have them. If you want a little heat, add some red pepper flakes. Taste the chicken as you cook to find the right balance. Sautéing Onions and Garlic In the same skillet, add 1 medium diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté them for about 2 to 3 minutes. The onion should become soft and see-through. This adds a nice base flavor to your dish. Adding Bell Peppers Next, toss in 1 diced red bell pepper. Cook it for another 3 minutes. The pepper should soften and blend well with the onions and garlic. This adds sweetness and a pop of color to your meal. Incorporating the Orzo Now, add 1 cup of orzo pasta to the skillet. Stir it well with the veggies. This helps the orzo soak up all the great flavors in the pan. Pouring in Chicken Broth Gradually pour in 2 cups of chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil. Once it boils, turn the heat down to a simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 10 minutes. Stir it occasionally to keep the orzo from sticking. Adding Chicken and Tomatoes After 10 minutes, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet along with 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Gently stir to mix everything. Cook for another 5 minutes. The orzo should be tender and soak up most of the broth. Fluffing the Dish Once finished, take the skillet off the heat. Use a fork to fluff the orzo gently. Taste the dish and add salt or pepper if needed. Your Skillet Chicken Orzo is now ready to serve! Seasoning Adjustments To make the most of your Skillet Chicken Orzo, adjust your seasonings. Start with salt and pepper. Sprinkle in dried oregano and paprika for a warm kick. Taste as you go. If you want more flavor, add a pinch of each spice until it feels just right. Using Fresh Herbs Fresh herbs can elevate your dish. I love using fresh parsley. It adds a bright taste. Chop it finely and sprinkle it on top just before serving. You can also try fresh basil or thyme for a different twist. Avoiding Sticky Orzo To keep your orzo from sticking, stir it often. After adding it to the skillet, mix it well with the veggies. When you pour in the chicken broth, it helps create steam. This steam keeps the orzo fluffy and not clumpy. Ensuring Even Cooking For even cooking, cut your chicken thighs into small, uniform pieces. This way, they cook at the same rate. When sautéing onions and garlic, watch closely. They should be soft and fragrant, not browned. This step adds depth to the dish. Serving Suggestions Serve the Skillet Chicken Orzo warm in shallow bowls. This way, each bite looks colorful. The red bell peppers and cherry tomatoes pop against the golden orzo. Garnishing Tips Garnish with a sprinkle of feta cheese for creaminess. The salty cheese pairs well with the dish. Add extra parsley for a fresh look. You can also drizzle a bit of olive oil on top for shine. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Orzo: Stir the orzo occasionally while it simmers to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. Flavor Boost: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine after sautéing the onions and garlic. Veggie Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or spinach for added nutrition and color. Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices. {{image_4}} You can switch out the chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Chicken breasts are leaner and cook faster. You can also add shrimp or tofu for a fun twist. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice flavor. Tofu gives a great texture and is great for vegetarians. Feel free to use seasonal vegetables. In summer, zucchini or corn work well. In winter, try carrots or frozen peas. You can also use spinach or kale. They add color and nutrition. Just toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking. If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free orzo. Many stores offer this now. For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead. You can add more veggies or beans for protein. This keeps the dish hearty and satisfying. - Storing Leftovers: After dinner, let the skillet chicken orzo cool. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. It can last in the fridge for up to three days. - Best Container Practices: Use glass or plastic containers with tight lids. This keeps moisture in and air out. Label the containers with the date to track how long they’ve been stored. - How to Freeze and Reheat: To freeze, pack the cooled dish into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top since it may expand. When you want to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. - Storage Duration: You can freeze skillet chicken orzo for up to three months. After that, the taste may change, and it might not be as good. - Best Methods for Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent sticking. Stir often to warm it evenly. You can also use the microwave. Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it to keep moisture. - Ensuring Quality after Storage: When reheating, check the temperature. It should be hot all the way through. Taste it again and add salt or pepper if needed. This keeps the flavors bright and delicious. Skillet Chicken Orzo takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. - Prep Time: 10 minutes - Cook Time: 20 minutes - Sear the chicken: 6-8 minutes - Cook the vegetables: 5-6 minutes - Cook the orzo: 10 minutes - Combine and finish cooking: 5 minutes Yes, you can make Skillet Chicken Orzo ahead of time. I recommend storing it in the fridge. - Best Practices for Meal Prep: - Let it cool before storing. - Place it in an airtight container. - It stays fresh for 3-4 days. Skillet Chicken Orzo is great on its own, but sides can enhance the meal. - Side Dish Suggestions: - A simple green salad. - Roasted or steamed vegetables. - Crusty bread for dipping. - A light yogurt sauce for a cool contrast. In this post, I covered how to make Skillet Chicken Orzo. You learned about the main ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips to enhance flavor. Remember, you can customize the dish with different proteins and veggies. Store leftovers safely and reheat properly for the best taste. Get creative with your presentation and enjoy this meal with your loved ones. Your cooking skills can impress anyone, and with practice, you'll master it quickly. Start your cooking adventure today!

Savory Skillet Chicken Orzo

A delicious one-pan meal featuring chicken thighs, orzo pasta, and fresh vegetables, perfect for a quick dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
  • 0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken thighs and season generously with salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 6-8 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
  • In the same skillet that retained the flavorful drippings, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes or until the onion is soft and translucent.
  • Next, toss in the diced red bell pepper, cooking for an additional 3 minutes until it softens.
  • Add the orzo pasta to the skillet, stirring it into the mixture so it combines well with the vegetables.
  • Gradually pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer, cover the skillet, and let it cook for approximately 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom.
  • After 10 minutes, reintroduce the cherry tomatoes and the cooked chicken into the skillet. Stir gently and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat and fluff the orzo gently with a fork. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Serve the dish warm, beautifully garnished with freshly chopped parsley and crumbled feta cheese on top, if desired.

Notes

Feta cheese is optional but adds a nice flavor.
Keyword chicken, one-pan meal, orzo, skillet