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Tender Chicken Orzo with Parmesan Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 59 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Tender Chicken Orzo with a Parmesan Finish is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal featuring juicy boneless chicken thighs cooked to golden perfection, combined with tender orzo pasta simmered in savory chicken broth and finished with fresh herbs, lemon zest, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a creamy, irresistible finish.


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 Aromatics

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley or thyme), chopped
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the boneless chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Cook Orzo: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the orzo pasta and toast lightly for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning and enhance the nutty flavor.
  3. Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook the orzo until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Combine and Finish with Parmesan: Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the skillet with the orzo. Stir in fresh herbs, lemon zest, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything until the cheese melts and the mixture becomes creamy and well combined.
  5. Final Touches and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. For extra richness, stir in a small pat of butter. Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs and Parmesan for maximum flavor and comfort.

Notes

  • Feel free to substitute fresh herbs with dried herbs if fresh are unavailable, though fresh herbs add the best flavor.
  • Chicken thighs can be substituted with boneless chicken breasts but may be less juicy.
  • For a richer dish, the optional butter can be added at the end to provide extra creaminess.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stove or microwave.