Original Post: https://www.evolvingtable.com/marry-me-chicken-orzo/
Marry Me Chicken Orzo (One-Pot Recipe)
If you need a recipe that wins everyone over at the dinner table, this Marry Me Chicken Orzo is it. Made in just one pot, it’s packed with creamy, cheesy orzo, juicy chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, and loads of fresh spinach and basil!
Servings: 5 servings
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 ¼ teaspoons salt divided
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper divided
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 garlic cloves finely minced
- 1 (7-ounce) jar sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil, drained)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 (16-ounce) package orzo pasta
- 4 cups loosely packed fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Pat chicken thighs dry. Season both sides with 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, paprika, and thyme. Heat the avocado oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and seared. Remove from the skillet and set aside on a plate.1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, 1 tablespoon avocado oil, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Lower the heat to medium. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 more minute.4 garlic cloves, 1 (7-ounce) jar sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil, drained)
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the pan, and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the orzo until evenly coated and submerged in the liquid.4 cups chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 (16-ounce) package orzo pasta
- Nestle the seared chicken back on top of the orzo and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the orzo is creamy but still slightly saucy.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Stir the orzo gently, then mix in the Parmesan cheese, spinach, and fresh basil. Once the spinach has wilted, return the chicken on top along with additional fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately, as the orzo will keep absorbing liquid the longer it sits.4 cups loosely packed fresh baby spinach, ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, ½ cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves
Notes
- Skillet: If using a cast-iron skillet, make sure you are using one that is at least 12-inches wide so it will comfortably fit everything.
- Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts SO much better than store-bought grated. Also has the best flavor.
- Orzo: you want to look for a good quality one that is made from semolina flour. Other cheaper brands tend to soak up too much liquid and turn mushy.
- Chicken: Breasts can be substituted but will only need a quick 2 minute sear per side.
- Make it creamier: If your dish sits too long before serving and is no longer creamy, you can always mix in a little more warmed broth or cream to bring it back to life!
Nutrition
Calories: 411kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 194mg | Sodium: 1593mg | Potassium: 585mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 3298IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 206mg | Iron: 2mg
