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- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 2 cups orzo pasta - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup baby spinach - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - 3 cups chicken broth - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided - Fresh parsley, chopped - Additional seasoning - Cut 1 pound of chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. - Mince 4 cloves of garlic and dice 1 medium onion. - Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. - Add the diced onion and cook until it is soft and clear, about 3-4 minutes. - Raise the heat to medium-high and add the chicken. - Season the chicken with salt, pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika. - Cook until the chicken is brown on all sides, around 5-7 minutes. - Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. - Stir in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes. - Pour in 3 cups of chicken broth and bring to a boil. - Add 2 cups of orzo pasta, stirring well to mix everything. - Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes. - Stir occasionally to stop the orzo from sticking. - When the orzo is tender, fold in 1 cup of baby spinach. - Stir in the last 2 tablespoons of butter until the spinach wilts. - Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. - Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. To ensure proper browning of chicken, pat the pieces dry before cooking. This helps them brown better. Cook the chicken in a hot skillet and avoid overcrowding it. This way, each piece gets a nice crust. To avoid orzo sticking, stir it often while cooking. Add a bit of extra broth if it looks too dry. This keeps the pasta fluffy and tender. Adjusting seasoning to taste is key. After cooking, taste your dish. If it needs more flavor, add salt or pepper. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for brightness. For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or some parmesan cheese. These will give your dish a tasty boost. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can also enhance the flavor. For serving styles, wide, shallow bowls work best. They give an elegant look for any meal. Garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. You can also drizzle a bit of melted butter over the top before serving. This adds a rich finish. Enjoy serving this dish with a side salad or crusty bread to round out the meal! {{image_4}} You can easily change the protein in this dish. Try shrimp or tofu for a twist. Both options cook quickly and soak up the garlic butter flavor well. If you want a lighter meal, shrimp works great. Tofu is perfect for a vegetarian choice. Another fun swap is the pasta. If you don't have orzo, use other types like rice or small shells. Each will give a unique taste and texture. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed. To make this dish gluten-free, choose gluten-free pasta. There are many options available that cook just like regular pasta. Follow the package instructions for cooking time. For a dairy-free option, swap unsalted butter for olive oil or a dairy-free butter. This change keeps the dish rich while accommodating dietary needs. Want to add more veggies? Toss in bell peppers, zucchini, or even peas. Just add them when you cook the onions. This adds more color and nutrients to your meal. You can also play with herbs and spices. Try fresh basil or thyme for a different flavor. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes gives a nice kick too. Be creative and have fun with it! To store leftovers, let the Garlic Butter Chicken Orzo Skillet cool down first. Once cool, place it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents spills. I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic containers. These materials help keep your food safe and tasty. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. The best way to reheat this dish is on the stove over low heat. This method warms it evenly and keeps the orzo from getting mushy. Stir it often to maintain the texture. You can also use the microwave. Just cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or wrap. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This way, you keep the flavor intact. Yes, you can freeze Garlic Butter Chicken Orzo Skillet! To freeze it, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top since things expand when frozen. This meal can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, warm it on the stove or in the microwave. Enjoy your easy meal anytime! What can I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken Orzo Skillet? You can serve this dish with a fresh side salad or crusty bread. A simple green salad with vinaigrette works well. If you want something warm, garlic bread complements the flavors. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It tastes great the next day. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave. How do I know when chicken is cooked through? Check the chicken with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into a piece. The meat should be white, not pink. What can I substitute for unsalted butter? You can use salted butter if you prefer. Just reduce the added salt. Olive oil also works well for a healthier option. It adds great flavor and keeps the dish light. Can I add a side salad or bread? Absolutely! A crisp side salad adds freshness. Crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the sauce. Both options enhance the meal and make it more filling. How spicy is this dish? This dish is not very spicy. The smoked paprika adds depth without heat. If you want more spice, add crushed red pepper flakes to taste. This blog post examined a delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Orzo Skillet recipe. We looked at the main ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips. You can make this dish your own by swapping proteins and adjusting flavors. We also covered how to store and reheat leftovers. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe and make it unique to your taste. A simple, tasty meal can bring joy to your table. Happy cooking!

Garlic Butter Chicken Orzo Skillet

Discover the deliciousness of Garlic Butter Chicken Orzo Skillet, a quick and comforting meal perfect for any night! This one-pan recipe boasts tender chicken, savory garlic, and fresh spinach all simmered with orzo pasta. In just 30 minutes, you can have a flavorful dish that the whole family will love. Click through for the full recipe and tips on presentation to impress your guests and elevate your dining experience!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

2 cups orzo pasta

4 cloves garlic, minced

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

1 medium onion, finely diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

3 cups chicken broth

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

1 cup baby spinach

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and tender, about 3-4 minutes.

    Increase the heat to medium-high and add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet. Season generously with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, dried oregano, and smoked paprika. Cook the chicken until it is nicely browned on all sides, approximately 5-7 minutes.

      Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and onion, cooking for an additional minute or until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden.

        Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, allowing them to cook for about 2 minutes, or until they start to soften and release their juices.

          Pour in the chicken broth and bring the entire mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the orzo pasta, stirring well to combine all ingredients evenly.

            After stirring, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the broth. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.

              Once the orzo has finished cooking, fold in the baby spinach and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir gently until the spinach wilts and is well incorporated into the dish. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.

                Remove the skillet from heat and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the dish in wide, shallow bowls for an elegant touch. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant color contrast. For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle a little melted butter over the top just before serving. Enjoy this comforting and delicious meal!