Description
A comforting one-pot dish combining tender chicken thighs with creamy sauce, zesty lemon, and nutritious greens, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2.5 cups chicken broth
- 0.75 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 cups chopped kale (or spinach)
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh thyme (optional)
- Chopped basil (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Season the boneless skinless chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Cook the aromatics: Add diced onion to the pot, sauté for 3-4 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes more.
- Add the orzo: Stir in orzo pasta and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Incorporate the liquid: Pour in chicken broth, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes.
- Make it creamy: Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and kale until greens are wilted.
- Reintroduce the chicken: Return the seared chicken to the pot, simmer together for 3-5 minutes.
- Final touches: Adjust seasoning and serve warm.
Notes
Feel free to customize the greens or pasta type based on dietary preferences. Store leftovers properly in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: chicken, creamy, orzo, weeknight dinner, comfort food