Chicken Thighs with Mushroom Orzo
Chicken Thighs with Mushroom Orzo is a flavorful and comforting dish. Juicy baked chicken paired with creamy orzo and mushrooms makes it perfect for weeknights or entertaining!
This recipe for Chicken Thighs with Mushroom Orzo is a comforting and elegant dish that’s easy to prepare yet rich in flavor. Perfectly seasoned chicken thighs are baked to juicy perfection and paired with a creamy, herbaceous mushroom orzo. It’s a meal that feels like a restaurant-worthy indulgence but is simple enough for a weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Comfort Food with a Gourmet Twist: Tender chicken thighs and creamy orzo combine for a satisfying meal.
One-Pan Side Dish: The mushroom orzo is cooked in one pan, absorbing all the delicious flavors.
Packed with Flavor: From aromatic thyme to savory Parmesan, this dish is a flavor explosion.
Perfect for Entertaining: An elegant main course that’s sure to impress guests.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Chicken:
Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful, thighs hold up well to baking.
Paprika (¾ tsp): Adds a subtle smoky flavor and a warm reddish hue.
Garlic Powder (1 tsp) & Onion Powder (1 tsp): Essential spices for a savory and aromatic seasoning.
Dried Thyme (1 tsp): Infuses the chicken with an earthy and slightly floral flavor.
Salt & Pepper: Enhances all the natural flavors of the chicken.
Butter (2 tbsp): Adds richness and helps brown the chicken.
Olive Oil: Prevents sticking and adds depth of flavor during roasting.
For the Mushroom Orzo:
Orzo (2 cups): A rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully.
Mushrooms (1 small package): Sliced baby bella mushrooms add a meaty texture and umami.
Garlic (6-8 cloves, minced): Provides a bold and aromatic foundation.
Butter (2 tbsp): Adds creaminess to the orzo.
Chicken Stock (4 cups): The liquid base that infuses the orzo with a savory depth.
Fresh Parsley (1 bunch, chopped): Brings brightness and color to the dish.
Grated Parmesan (¼ cup): Creates a creamy, cheesy finish.
For Serving:
Fresh Chives: Adds a mild oniony flavor and vibrant garnish.
Lemons: A squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the flavors and balances the richness.
How to Make Chicken Thighs with Mushroom Orzo
Step 1: Bake the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Season the chicken thighs with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Drizzle olive oil on the bottom of a baking dish, then place the chicken thighs in the dish. Bake for 45 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 2: Cook the Mushrooms
In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the butter.
Step 3: Make the Orzo
Once the butter is melted, add minced garlic to the mushrooms and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the orzo and cook for 1 minute to toast slightly. Pour in the chicken stock, bring to a rapid simmer, and cook until the orzo is al dente, about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Finish the Orzo
Stir Parmesan and fresh parsley into the orzo for a creamy and herbaceous finish. Add a few spoonfuls of the chicken juices from the baking dish to the orzo for an extra boost of flavor.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Plate the chicken thighs alongside the mushroom orzo. Garnish with fresh chives and serve with lemon wedges for a bright, zesty touch. Enjoy immediately!
Tips for Success
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the mushrooms in a single layer for optimal browning.
Toast the Orzo: A quick toast in the pan enhances its nutty flavor.
Use Fresh Lemon: The juice adds a pop of freshness that elevates the entire dish.
Save the Juices: The chicken juices are liquid gold for adding richness to the orzo.
Chicken Thighs with Mushroom Orzo
Ingredients
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
- Paprika (¾ tsp)
- Garlic Powder (1 tsp) & Onion Powder (1 tsp)
- Dried Thyme (1 tsp)
- Salt & Pepper
- Butter (2 tbsp)
- Olive Oil
- Orzo (2 cups)
- Mushrooms (1 small package)
- Garlic (6-8 cloves, minced)
- Butter (2 tbsp)
- Chicken Stock (4 cups)
- Fresh Parsley (1 bunch, chopped)
- Grated Parmesan (¼ cup)
- Fresh Chives
- Lemons
Instructions
- Step 1: Bake the Chicken Preheat your oven to 425°F. Season the chicken thighs with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Drizzle olive oil on the bottom of a baking dish, then place the chicken thighs in the dish. Bake for 45 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Step 2: Cook the Mushrooms In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the butter.
- Step 3: Make the Orzo Once the butter is melted, add minced garlic to the mushrooms and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the orzo and cook for 1 minute to toast slightly. Pour in the chicken stock, bring to a rapid simmer, and cook until the orzo is al dente, about 10 minutes.
- Step 4: Finish the Orzo Stir Parmesan and fresh parsley into the orzo for a creamy and herbaceous finish. Add a few spoonfuls of the chicken juices from the baking dish to the orzo for an extra boost of flavor.
- Step 5: Assemble and Serve Plate the chicken thighs alongside the mushroom orzo. Garnish with fresh chives and serve with lemon wedges for a bright, zesty touch. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the mushrooms in a single layer for optimal browning.
- Toast the Orzo: A quick toast in the pan enhances its nutty flavor.
- Use Fresh Lemon: The juice adds a pop of freshness that elevates the entire dish.
- Save the Juices: The chicken juices are liquid gold for adding richness to the orzo.
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