Looking for a quick and delicious meal that will impress your family and friends? Look no further than this One Skillet Orzo Chicken and Mushrooms recipe! In just 30 minutes, you can create a mouthwatering dish that combines tender chicken thighs, savory mushrooms, and nutty orzo pasta—all cooked in one pan for easy cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner, this Italian-inspired recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Dive into the full recipe and discover how to make this delightful dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken thighs, diced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by dicing chicken thighs into uniform 1-inch cubes, slicing mushrooms, and finely chopping the onion.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season diced chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Add seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is lightly browned and begins to develop golden edges.
- Add chopped onions and sliced mushrooms to the skillet, sautéing for an additional 3-4 minutes until onions become translucent and mushrooms release their moisture.
- Pour in orzo pasta and stir to combine with chicken and vegetables, toasting the pasta for about 1-2 minutes to enhance its nutty flavor.
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet, ensuring all ingredients are well-distributed. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent orzo from sticking.
- Check orzo for doneness - it should be tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. If needed, add a little more broth.
- Remove from heat, let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow remaining liquid to be absorbed. Fluff with a fork before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve hot.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your chicken, onions, and mushrooms in advance. This way, you can quickly throw everything together when you're ready to cook.
- Sear the Chicken: Make sure to give the chicken enough space in the skillet to brown properly. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause the chicken to steam instead of sear.
- Toast the Orzo: Don’t skip the step of toasting the orzo! This enhances its flavor and gives the dish a delicious nuttiness that elevates the overall taste.
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the orzo as it cooks. If it absorbs too much liquid before becoming tender, add a splash of chicken broth to keep it creamy.
- Garnish for Flavor: Fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese adds a burst of flavor and a beautiful presentation. Don’t hesitate to customize your garnishes to suit your taste!
- Leftover Magic: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish reheats well and makes for a great lunch the next day!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 510kcal
Carbohydrates: 46g
Protein: 36g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 110mg
