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Easy Creamy Chicken Orzo_Hero

Easy Creamy Chicken Orzo

This easy creamy chicken orzo is a perfectly balanced rich dinner for any day of the week.
5 from 2 votes
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4
Calories: 719kcal

Equipment

  • Wide skillet
  • Medium pot

Ingredients

Instructions

Cook the Chicken:

  • Preheat oven to 425ºF.
  • Pat the chicken thighs dry and season all over with all and pepper.
  • Heat neutral oil in a wide, ovenproof skillet, skin side down, without moving for 5-6 minutes until crispy. Flip and fry 1-2 minutes more. Transfer to a plate.

Prepare the Sauce Base:

  • Melt the butter in the skillet and add the diced onion. Cook until golden brown, 5 minutes over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 45 seconds before adding the cherry tomatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes more, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  • Add 1½ cups chicken stock (reserve the remaining half cup for later if necessary) and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 4-5 minutes to thicken slightly. Taste and season with thyme, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper.
  • Nestle the chicken into the sauce pot, skin side up, and transfer to oven for 20-30 minutes or until instant read thermometer reaches 165°F.

Cook the Orzo:

  • Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add 1 cup orzo, stirring as you add it to avoid clumping. Cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring regularly to avoid sticking. Scoop out 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water and set aside. Drain, rinse, drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil and set aside.

Finish the Chicken:

  • Return the skillet of chicken to the stove. Using tongs, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover with foil.
  • Turn the heat on the skillet to medium and bring the liquid to a low bubble, Add the heavy cream, reserved pasta cooking water and more chicken stock (if desired), parsley, and lemon juice. Taste and season again. Simmer for 3-4 minutes more or until the sauce has thickened. Turn off the heat.

To Serve:

  • Stir the orzo into the cooked sauce and divide between plates. Place a chicken thigh on top and garnish with more parsley and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil if desired. Serve with remaining chicken at the table. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 719kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 55g | Sodium: 351mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin C: 59mg
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