Description
Tender Chicken Orzo with a Parmesan Finish is a cozy and satisfying weeknight dinner combining juicy boneless chicken thighs with creamy, Parmesan-kissed orzo pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this one-pan dish offers balanced nutrition, versatile flavors, and minimal cleanup, making it perfect for family meals or solo comfort food. Fresh herbs, lemon zest, and a cheesy finish deliver rich yet bright flavors in a comforting bowl.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Protein
- 4 boneless chicken thighs, skinless
Pasta and Dairy
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Liquids
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Aromatics and Flavorings
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley or thyme), chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: small pat of butter for finishing
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Use high-quality freshly grated Parmesan for better flavor and texture.
- Do not overcook the orzo; aim for al dente texture for best results.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.
- Lightly toast the orzo before simmering to develop a deeper, nuttier flavor.
- Add herbs at the end to preserve their fresh, bright taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg