One Pot Chicken and Mushroom Orzo Recipe

Introduction

This one pot chicken and mushroom orzo is a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken thighs cook alongside earthy mushrooms and creamy orzo, creating a rich and satisfying dish with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, halved
• 2 large shallots, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups chicken stock
• 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 cup orzo
• 4 cups baby spinach
• ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan
• ¼ cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Step 2: Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Sauté the mushrooms and shallots for 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms are soft. Add the garlic and thyme, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir for 1 minute to cook the flour. Slowly pour in the chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the Dijon mustard and bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Step 4: Stir in the orzo, then nestle the chicken back into the skillet. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente and the chicken is cooked through.
5. Step 5: Add the spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted. Stir in the Parmesan and heavy cream until the sauce is smooth. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, use chicken thighs with skin and remove the skin after browning for crispier texture.
• Substitute cremini mushrooms with button or shiitake mushrooms if preferred.
• Add a splash of white wine when adding the chicken stock for a subtle depth of flavor.
• Use fresh spinach for best texture, but baby kale can be a hearty alternative.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving directly to preserve texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may cook faster and be less forgiving, so watch them closely to avoid drying out.

Is it necessary to add the cream and Parmesan at the end?

Adding cream and Parmesan enriches the sauce and adds creaminess, but you can omit the cream for a lighter dish. Parmesan adds savory depth and helps thicken the sauce.

One Pot Chicken and Mushroom Orzo Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 124 reviews

A creamy, flavorful one-pot chicken and mushroom orzo dish featuring tender chicken thighs, sautéed cremini mushrooms, fresh herbs, and a rich sauce finished with Parmesan and cream. This easy skillet meal combines protein, veggies, and comforting orzo pasta for a satisfying dinner.

• Author: Anna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

Vegetables & Herbs

• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, halved
• 2 large shallots, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• 4 cups baby spinach

Other Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups chicken stock
• 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Season and Brown the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the chicken thighs and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté Mushrooms and Shallots: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the same skillet. Add the halved cremini mushrooms and diced shallots, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms soften and the shallots become translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and fresh thyme leaves, cooking for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Make the Sauce: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mushroom mixture and stir continuously for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the chicken stock while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the Dijon mustard and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Add Orzo and Spinach: Stir the orzo pasta into the simmering sauce. Return the browned chicken thighs back to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente and chicken is fully cooked. Add the baby spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes until wilted.
5. Finish with Cream and Parmesan: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for garnish before serving hot.

Notes

• Use chicken thighs for juicier meat, but chicken breasts can be substituted; adjust cooking time accordingly.
• To make this dish gluten free, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour and ensure the chicken stock is gluten free.
• Fresh herbs can be substituted with dried herbs; use about one-third the amount.
• This recipe can be doubled, but cook orzo in batches to prevent overcrowding the skillet.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or omit completely and add extra Parmesan.

Keywords: one pot chicken, mushroom orzo, creamy chicken skillet, easy dinner recipe, chicken thighs recipe, orzo pasta dish