Description
A creamy, lemony one-skillet meal featuring seared chicken thighs and tender orzo in garlic, butter, and cream.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tsp paprika (smoked for extra depth)
- 1 tsp kosher salt (plus extra to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (plus more to taste)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 shallot, thinly sliced (or 1/2 small yellow onion)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked orzo
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2–3 tbsp)
- 1/3 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt and black pepper, to season the orzo
- Fresh parsley and lemon wedges to serve
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Mix paprika, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; rub evenly over both sides of the thighs.
- Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high with 1 tbsp olive oil. When shimmering, sear thighs 3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove to a plate.
- Lower heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, sauté the sliced shallot until translucent (about 2 minutes), then add minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the orzo and toast for about 1 minute, stirring to pick up pan flavors.
- Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Stir in cream and season with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and pepper to taste.
- Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, pressing them slightly into the orzo. Cover with a lid.
- Transfer to the preheated oven and bake about 12 minutes, or until orzo is tender and liquid is absorbed; chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let rest 3–5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges before serving.
Notes
For a dairy-free option, swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk. Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian