Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs with Orzo: A One-Pan Dinner Delight

Looking for a dish that combines juicy chicken thighs with creamy, flavorful pasta? This Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs with Orzo recipe is the perfect answer. With crispy, golden skin, tender bone-in chicken thighs, and a luscious lemon-garlic Parmesan sauce, this dish is comfort food at its finest. Add orzo pasta into the mix, and you have a complete, restaurant-quality meal made in one pan.

Not only is this recipe bursting with flavor, but it’s also easy enough for weeknight cooking and impressive enough for entertaining. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to create this irresistible dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor. Everything is made in one oven-safe skillet!
2. Restaurant-Worthy: Juicy, golden chicken paired with a creamy orzo sauce feels indulgent and special.
3. Balanced Flavors: The richness of the cream and Parmesan is brightened by a splash of lemon juice, creating a perfect harmony.
4. Customizable: Add vegetables, substitute proteins, or make it your own with simple tweaks.
5. Perfect for Any Occasion: Elegant enough for dinner parties but simple enough for weeknight meals.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Chicken:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: These stay juicy during cooking, and the skin crisps up beautifully. You can use boneless thighs, but adjust the cooking time.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps sear the chicken for that golden, crispy skin.
• 1 tsp dried thyme and 1 tsp dried parsley: Adds earthy, herbaceous flavor to the chicken.
• 1/2 tsp paprika: Provides a subtle smoky flavor and enhances the color.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the chicken.

For the Creamy Orzo:

• 1 cup orzo pasta: A rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of the sauce.
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth: Forms the base of the creamy sauce and infuses the orzo with savory flavor.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream: Adds richness to the sauce for a silky texture.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: A key ingredient for a cheesy, umami-packed sauce.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic, savory depth.
• 1 tbsp lemon juice: Brightens the dish and balances the richness of the cream.

For Garnish:

• 2 tbsp crispy bacon bits (optional): Adds a salty, smoky crunch as a finishing touch.
• Fresh parsley: A pop of color and freshness to round out the dish.

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Season the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels (this ensures crispy skin).
3. Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, paprika, dried thyme, and dried parsley on both sides.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet. Sear for about 4-5 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crispy.
3. Flip the chicken and cook for another 3 minutes to brown the other side.
4. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).

Step 3: Cook the Orzo

1. While the chicken bakes, bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the orzo pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions (about 8-10 minutes).
3. Drain the orzo and set it aside.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce

1. Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
2. In the same skillet (do not clean it—you want to keep all the flavorful drippings), sauté the minced garlic over medium heat until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
3. Add the chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet (this adds tons of flavor to the sauce).
4. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce starts to thicken.
5. Mix in the cooked orzo and lemon juice, stirring until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Plate the creamy orzo on a large serving dish or individual plates.
2. Place the chicken thighs on top of the orzo.
3. Garnish with crispy bacon bits (if using) and fresh parsley for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Chef Tips for Success

1. Get Crispy Chicken Skin: Pat the chicken dry before seasoning and searing. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken for maximum crispiness.
2. Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Cook it just until al dente, as it will absorb some of the sauce and soften further when mixed.
3. Use the Chicken Drippings: The flavorful drippings left in the skillet are key to creating a rich and delicious sauce.
4. Lemon Adjustment: Add the lemon juice gradually, tasting as you go, to ensure the balance of flavors suits your taste.

Customizations and Variations

This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit your preferences:

Protein Alternatives:

• Substitute chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts, pork chops, or even salmon. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

Vegetarian Option:

• Omit the chicken and use roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus. Add vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Add Vegetables:

• Stir in spinach, peas, or sautéed mushrooms to the orzo for a veggie boost.

Spice it Up:

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle heat.

Cheese Variations:

• Swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.

What to Serve with Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs and Orzo

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with these sides for a more elaborate spread:

• Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts complement the creamy sauce perfectly.
• Crisp Salad: A simple green salad with vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the richness of the dish.
• Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the extra creamy sauce.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Here’s an estimate for one serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 2g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Cook the chicken and orzo separately, and prepare the sauce. Combine everything just before serving and reheat gently to avoid overcooking.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

3. Can I freeze this dish?

You can freeze the chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Cook fresh orzo when ready to serve, as the pasta may become mushy after freezing.

4. What other pasta can I use?

Substitute orzo with couscous, rice, or small pasta shapes like ditalini or mini shells.

5. Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes! Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute.

Conclusion

This Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs with Orzo is a perfect combination of comfort and sophistication. The crispy, juicy chicken paired with the creamy, lemon-infused orzo creates a balanced and indulgent meal that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting guests, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. Give it a try and watch it become a regular on your dinner rotation. Enjoy! 🍋🍗

 

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