Skillet Chicken with Orzo
Skillet Chicken with Orzo Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make
Introduction
Skillet Chicken with Orzo is a delicious and comforting one-pan meal that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe combines tender chicken thighs with flavorful orzo pasta, creating a dish that is sure to please your taste buds.
History
Skillet Chicken with Orzo is a popular Mediterranean dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The combination of chicken, pasta, and flavorful spices has been a staple in many households, providing a hearty and satisfying meal for families to enjoy together.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- Trim the excess skin and fat from the chicken thighs. Sprinkle a little salt on both sides.
- Heat olive oil and melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, making sure to coat the bottom of the pan.
- Once the oil is hot, pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and place them skin-side down in the pan.
- Cook for 5 minutes or until the chicken is browned on one side.
- Flip the chicken pieces over and cook for another 4 minutes until lightly browned.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Add the orzo pasta to the pan and stir to coat it with the drippings. Let the pasta brown.
- Once the orzo starts to brown, stir in the chopped onions.
- Reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring often, for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions begin to soften.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another half minute.
- In a large measuring cup, combine the chicken stock, tomatoes, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the stock mixture over the orzo.
- Place the chicken pieces skin-side up on top of the orzo.
- Lower the heat to the lowest setting needed to maintain a bare simmer.
- Cover the pan and let it cook until the orzo has absorbed all the liquid and the chicken is fully cooked, which should take about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, olives, coriander, and cherry tomatoes.
Variations
- You can add different vegetables to this dish, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
- For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the dish.
- You can also use different herbs and spices, such as oregano, thyme, or basil, to change up the flavor profile.
Notes
- Preparation time: 35 minutes
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to trim the excess skin and fat from the chicken thighs before cooking to reduce the overall fat content of the dish.
- Browning the chicken before adding it to the orzo will help to seal in the juices and create a crispy skin.
- Stir the orzo frequently while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Skillet Chicken with Orzo with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- You can also pair this dish with a glass of white wine or a refreshing lemonade.
Cooking Techniques
Browning the chicken before adding it to the orzo will help to seal in the juices and create a crispy skin.
- Stir the orzo frequently while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Let the dish simmer on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs if you prefer white meat.
- If you don't have orzo pasta, you can use any other small pasta shape, such as penne or rotini.
- Feel free to customize the dish with your favorite vegetables, herbs, and spices.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the chicken and orzo mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- When ready to serve, simply reheat the dish on the stovetop and garnish with fresh herbs and olives.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Skillet Chicken with Orzo in a large serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley, olives, and cherry tomatoes. - You can also sprinkle some lemon zest over the dish for a pop of color and flavor.
Pairing Recommendations
Skillet Chicken with Orzo pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
- You can also serve this dish with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, simply place the dish in a skillet over low heat and stir occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
- Each serving of this dish contains approximately 400 calories.
Carbohydrates
- Orzo pasta is a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for your body.
- Each serving of this dish contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
- Chicken thighs are a good source of healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
- Each serving of this dish contains approximately 10 grams of fat.
Proteins
- Chicken thighs are a great source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.
- Each serving of this dish contains approximately 25 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Chicken thighs are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6, niacin, and selenium.
- Orzo pasta is a good source of iron and magnesium.
- This dish also contains vitamin C from the lemon juice and parsley.
Alergens
This recipe contains gluten from the orzo pasta.
- If you have a gluten allergy or sensitivity, you can use gluten-free pasta as a substitute.
Summary
Skillet Chicken with Orzo is a well-balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
- It is a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in.
Summary
Skillet Chicken with Orzo is a delicious and comforting one-pan meal that is perfect for a cozy night in. This dish combines tender chicken thighs with flavorful orzo pasta, creating a hearty and satisfying meal that is sure to please your taste buds. With a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, this dish is a well-balanced option for a family dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy this flavorful and easy-to-make recipe with your loved ones!
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret in her cozy little cottage by the sea. Margaret was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I always looked forward to our culinary adventures together.
On that particular day, Margaret had a surprise for me. She handed me a tattered old cookbook that had been passed down through generations in her family. "I think you'll enjoy this recipe," she said with a twinkle in her eye.
As I flipped through the pages, my eyes landed on a recipe for Skillet Chicken with Orzo. The ingredients were simple and the instructions straightforward. I could practically taste the savory herbs and tender chicken just by reading the recipe.
Margaret and I wasted no time in getting to work. We chopped, stirred, and simmered, filling her cottage with the mouthwatering aroma of garlic, onions, and rosemary. I watched in awe as Margaret effortlessly whipped up a delicious meal, adding a pinch of this and a dash of that with the skill of a seasoned chef.
As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I took my first bite of the Skillet Chicken with Orzo. The flavors exploded in my mouth, each bite more satisfying than the last. I couldn't believe something so simple could be so incredibly delicious.
From that day on, Skillet Chicken with Orzo became a staple in my repertoire of recipes. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and lazy Sunday dinners. Each time I cooked it, I felt a connection to Margaret and the memories we had shared in her cozy cottage by the sea.
Years passed, and I continued to perfect the recipe, making small tweaks here and there to suit my tastes. I added a squeeze of lemon for brightness, a handful of fresh parsley for color, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a touch of richness.
One day, my husband came home from work with a twinkle in his eye. "I have a surprise for you," he said, handing me a tattered old cookbook. I gasped in delight as I saw that it was the same cookbook Margaret had shared with me all those years ago.
As I flipped through the pages, I came across the recipe for Skillet Chicken with Orzo. Memories flooded back to me, of lazy summer days spent in Margaret's cottage, of laughter and love shared over a simple but delicious meal.
I wasted no time in getting to work, just as Margaret had taught me. I chopped, stirred, and simmered, filling our home with the familiar aroma of garlic, onions, and rosemary. My husband watched in awe as I effortlessly whipped up a delicious meal, adding a pinch of this and a dash of that with the skill of a seasoned chef.
As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I saw the joy in my husband's eyes as he took his first bite of the Skillet Chicken with Orzo. The flavors exploded in his mouth, just as they had for me all those years ago. I smiled to myself, grateful for the memories and traditions that had been passed down through generations.
And so, the recipe for Skillet Chicken with Orzo became more than just a dish I cooked. It became a symbol of love, friendship, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with the ones we hold dear. Each time I make it, I am reminded of Margaret, of my husband, and of the countless memories we have created together in the kitchen.
As I close the tattered old cookbook, I can't help but feel grateful for the simple pleasures in life – a good meal shared with loved ones, a cherished recipe passed down through generations, and the joy of cooking with heart and soul. And as I look forward to the many meals yet to come, I know that the memory of finding this recipe for the first time will always bring a smile to my face.
Categories
| Chicken Recipes | Lemon Juice Recipes | Main Dish Poultry Recipes | Mediterranean Meat Dishes | Orzo Recipes | Tomato Recipes |