Creamy Chicken and Orzo Bake

This recipe is one of my new favorites for two reasons. One, it uses a budget friendly protein: bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. I buy almost all of my meat when it’s on sale and then round out the rest of my meals with plant-based protein like beans and quinoa. The second reason I love this meal? It’s a one pot meal. You can use an oven safe dish to sear your chicken thighs, or if you don’t mind getting a second dish dirty, sear the chicken thighs in a skillet and transfer to a baking dish like I’ve shown in the photos. The orzo is mixed right in the pan with chicken broth, cream, parmesan cheese, lemon juice and zest, and tomatoes along with other seasonings. The seared chicken goes on top and it all bakes to creamy delicious perfection. Top with fresh parsley and serve with a side salad or a green vegetable for a perfect little meal.

How to Make a Creamy Chicken and Orzo Bake

• First, you need to season and sear your chicken thighs. This is an important step that cannot be skipped. Searing the chicken thighs not only gives you that delicious crispy skin, but it also renders some of the fat off of the meat. If you don’t do that, the fat will melt into the orzo, giving you a greasy pasta dish instead of the creamy one you’re looking for. You can use between 6-8 chicken thighs for this recipe depending on how many people you’re serving. You can sear the chicken thighs in an oven safe braiser, or use a skillet and transfer to a baking dish.
• Next, mix together your orzo pasta, lemon zest and juice, chicken broth, tomatoes, cream, and parmesan cheese. You can even do this directly in the baking dish.
• Place the chicken thighs on top of the pasta and bake. Thats it! The orzo will cook as it bakes as well as absorb some of the liquid, giving you a delicious creamy and lemony pasta
• Top with fresh parsley and additional parmesan cheese if you want, and serve!

What to Serve with Creamy Chicken and Orzo

• I served this with roasted broccoli, but steamed green beans would also be delicious.
• You can never go wrong with a green salad!
• If more carbs are your vibe, serve with fresh sourdough or another crusty bread. Focaccia would also be delicious with this!

This meal tastes a little summery thanks to the addition of tomatoes, and I love that it’s an easy weeknight meal. While I was testing this recipe, I also thought it would be great to serve guests! That is my ideal type of recipe: easy to make and delicious! It’s a bonus that it feels like something you could serve guests. I know this is a dish my parents would love!