Description
Juicy pan-seared chicken meets creamy, herbed orzo in this irresistible one-skillet dinner! Perfect for busy nights, this easy recipe delivers bold flavor, a satisfying texture, and total comfort in under 40 minutes. Whether you’re looking for quick dinner ideas, a family-friendly meal, or hearty yet healthy food ideas, this easy recipe fits beautifully into your weekly rotation. Deliciously golden chicken, garlic-onion aromatics, and parmesan-kissed orzo make this dish a total weeknight win.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup orzo pasta
2 1/4 cups chicken broth
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley and extra parmesan (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 5–6 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden brown. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes until soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the orzo to the pan and toast it for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir occasionally for about 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
4. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and lemon juice, mixing well until the orzo becomes creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
5. Nestle the cooked chicken back into the orzo and heat everything through for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional parmesan before serving.
Notes
Make sure to toast the orzo for extra nutty flavor before adding broth.
Use low-sodium broth to better control the salt level.
Always let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain juices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with orzo
- Calories: 478
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 724mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 47g
- Cholesterol: 104mg
Keywords: easy dinner, chicken and orzo, one pot chicken, creamy orzo, food ideas