Description
This dish features tender chicken thighs cooked with orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, and Parmesan cheese for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Kikkoman Less Sodium Soy Sauce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sear the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden and nearly cooked through. Remove and set aside — don’t worry, they’ll finish cooking later.
- Sauté the aromatics in the same skillet, add the diced onion. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft and translucent, scraping up the flavorful bits from the chicken. Add the garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toast the orzo in the skillet and stir to coat with the onion and garlic. Let it toast for about 1–2 minutes. This brings out a nutty depth in the pasta that adds richness to the dish.
- Add chicken broth and soy sauce, stirring to combine. Nestle the chicken thighs back into the skillet, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Let everything simmer gently for about 10–12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish with veggies and cheese by adding the cherry tomatoes and baby spinach. Let them wilt and soften for 2–3 minutes. Sprinkle with Parmesan if using, then cover for another minute to let the flavors meld.
- Serve and enjoy with chopped parsley, then serve warm straight from the skillet. It’s rustic, satisfying, and full of flavor.
Notes
- This dish can be made in one skillet for easy cleanup.
- Feel free to substitute other vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg