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Chicken Thighs and Creamy Lemon Garlic Orzo

Savory Chicken Thighs and Creamy Lemon Garlic Orzo Delight

Enjoy this one-pan recipe featuring Chicken Thighs and Creamy Lemon Garlic Orzo, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces Bone-in skinless chicken thighs Substitute with chicken breasts, adjusting cooking time as needed.
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Smoked paprika recommended for richer flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil Can substitute with another cooking oil.
For the Orzo
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Can substitute with more olive oil for dairy-free.
  • 1 small Shallot Or a small onion if not available.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Always use fresh.
  • 1 cup Uncooked orzo Use gluten-free pasta for alternatives.
  • 2 cups Low-sodium chicken broth Always choose low-sodium.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice Use fresh for best taste.
  • 1 cup Heavy cream Can substitute with full-fat coconut milk.
For Serving
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley For garnish.
  • 2 pieces Lemon wedges For serving.

Equipment

  • Large Deep Skillet
  • Oven

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Gather your ingredients for an efficient cooking process.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season with paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  4. Reduce heat to medium, add butter, shallot, and garlic to the skillet, and sauté until the shallots are translucent.
  5. Toast the uncooked orzo in the skillet for about a minute.
  6. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and stir in heavy cream.
  7. Nestle the seared chicken thighs into the orzo mixture and cover. Bake for 12-15 minutes.
  8. Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, ensure chicken thighs are thoroughly dried before seasoning and do not skip toasting the orzo.

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