This Tuscan Chicken Orzo is a one-pan wonder for easy cleanup! Juicy chicken thighs are baked in a creamy garlic sauce, paired with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and orzo pasta. It’s a hearty meal that’s perfect for any night of the week or great for serving to guests!
Tips For Cooking Tuscan Chicken Orzo With Success:
- Add a little more to the pan if the liquid is reducing too fast and the orzo hasn’t finished cooking.
- You must use an oven-going skillet that can withstand the oven temperature.
- Use the sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil. They will provide the most flavor!
Serving Suggestions:
This meal could easily be served by itself, but you could add this Caesar Salad or your favorite easy side salad. Also, this Cheesy Garlic Bread or these Garlic Cheddar Biscuits would taste fabulous. If you want more vegetables, add more to the dish (see below) or add a side of Skillet Garlic Green Beans.
Brief Overview On How To Make This One-Pot Chicken Dish:
1. Start by adding some color to the chicken. You will do this by frying the thighs skin side down until they have a nice brown color. This browning has two parts: it adds flavor to the thighs, and it releases some of the fat to use to sautee the onion.
2. Sautee the onion. Be sure to cook your onion long enough that it is both soft and lightly browned. Adding color to the onion also adds flavor!
3. Add the broth, orzo, and tomatoes, and place the chicken on top to bake. Be sure to place the chicken thighs skin side up to keep that skin nice and crispy!
Substitutions and Variations:
- Add small broccoli florets to the pan when stirring in the orzo.
- Diced zucchini (add when stirring in the orzo)
- Peas (add when stirring in the orzo)
- Replace the spinach with kale
- Replace some of the chicken broth with white wine
You May Also Like:
- Creamy Chicken Orzo
- Parmesan Orzo
- Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad
- Poppy Seed Chicken Broccoli Casserole
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Tuscan Chicken Orzo
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oil from the sun-dried tomatoes
- 5 bone in skin on chicken thighs
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1½ cups (260g) orzo pasta
- 3 cups (710ml) chicken broth or stock
- ⅓ cup (60g) sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, chopped
- 2 cups (70g) spinach, packed into the cup
- ¾ cup (175ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (55g) grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400℉.
- Liberally season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. In a large, oven-going frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add chicken thighs skin side down. Cook for 5 minutes or until the skin is deeply golden. Flip and cook other side for 5 mintues. Remove from pan and set aside.2 tablespoons oil from the sun-dried tomatoes, 5 bone in skin on chicken thighs
- Add onion to the skillet and cook until softened. (if there isn't any oil left in the pan add a little to cook the onion.) Reduce the heat and add the garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook stirring constantly for 30 seconds. Stir in the orzo, chicken broth, and sun-dried tomatoes.1 small onion, chopped, 3-4 cloves garlic, minced, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 2 teaspoons paprika, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1½ cups (260g) orzo pasta, 3 cups (710ml) chicken broth or stock, ⅓ cup (60g) sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, chopped
- Top orzo with chicken thighs and bake for 20-25 minutes or until chicken has an internal temperature of 165℉. Remove thighs and set aside. Stir in the spinach, cream, and parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Return chicken and serve.2 cups (70g) spinach, packed into the cup, ¾ cup (175ml) heavy cream, ½ cup (55g) grated parmesan cheese
Notes
- STORAGE: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- NUTRITION: Since different brands of ingredients have different nutritional information, the information shown is just an estimate. This website is not intended as nutritional advice, or a diet or health plan. Readers of this website are ultimately responsible for all decisions pertaining to their health.
Nutrition
