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Creamy Chicken Orzo Skillet: 1 Must-Try Recipe

Creamy Chicken Orzo Skillet

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A delicious one-pan Creamy Chicken Orzo Skillet recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken and orzo pasta are cooked in a rich, creamy sauce with mushrooms and Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice, fresh
  • Optional: Red pepper flakes, to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F/74°C). Remove and set aside, tenting with foil.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add onion to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, until softened. Add garlic and mushrooms; cook 5-7 minutes, until softened and browned. Add red pepper flakes (optional).
  4. Pour in white wine and scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, until reduced slightly.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add orzo pasta, stir well. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until orzo is cooked through and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  7. Return chicken to the skillet. Stir gently to combine and heat through.
  8. Stir in lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  9. Remove from heat. Garnish with parsley and Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Chicken Thighs: Substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts.
  • Vegetables: Add other vegetables such as spinach, asparagus, or bell peppers along with the mushrooms.
  • Cheese: Use other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or Gruyere.
  • Herbs: Experiment with different herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano.
  • Spicy: For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Wine: If you don’t have white wine, you can substitute it with more chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice.
  • Make Ahead: Prepare the chicken and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, add them to the skillet and continue with the recipe.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side salad or crusty bread. This dish is also great as a potluck dish or for meal prepping.

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