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+ servings
finished baked chicken and orzo in a cast iron skillet.
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5 from 1 vote

Baked Chicken and Orzo

This Baked Chicken and Orzo is the perfect busy weeknight meal. Made with juicy chicken thighs, and fluffy rice it's always a crowd-favorite.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 Servings
Calories: 177kcal
Author: Wendy

Equipment

  • Oven Safe Skillet

Ingredients

  • 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Rub the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
  • In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in the orzo, chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Nestle the seared chicken thighs into the orzo mixture. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the orzo is tender.
  • Remove from the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes before fluffing the orzo with a fork. Then garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and proportion sizes. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 177kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 86mg | Potassium: 242mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 173IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 80mg | Iron: 1mg