One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Orzo Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for an effortless weeknight dinner that’s bursting with flavor and won’t leave you buried in dishes, you’re going to adore this One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Orzo Recipe. I absolutely love how this meal comes together in just one pan—golden, juicy chicken paired with tender, buttery orzo infused with garlic. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll keep coming back to this recipe whenever you need a comfort meal without the fuss.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic really lies in how these simple ingredients come together. Plus, with items you probably already have in your kitchen, this recipe is super approachable. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before you get started.

• Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted lets you control the saltiness perfectly, plus it adds that rich, creamy base flavor.
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: I prefer thighs here—they stay juicy and tender way better than chicken breasts.
• Kosher Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that make all the difference in enhancing flavor.
• Orzo: This tiny pasta cooks quickly and soaks up the garlicky buttery goodness beautifully.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh minced garlic gives such an aromatic punch you just can’t get from powders.
• Chicken Stock: Using stock (not water!) adds a savory depth that makes the orzo so flavorful.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh finish that lightens up all that butter and garlic.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of parm brings a nutty, salty kick that’s just heavenly on top.

Variations

One of the things I love most about this One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Orzo Recipe is how flexible it is. I often tweak it based on what’s in the fridge or what my family is craving, and it never disappoints.

• Swap Chicken Thighs for Breasts: I’ve done this when I wanted a leaner option, just watch cooking time since breasts can dry out.
• Add Veggies: Toss in fresh spinach or peas for a pop of color and extra nutrients; they cook quickly right in the pot.
• Spicy Kick: For a little heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes when you add the garlic. My family loves this fiery twist!
• Dairy-Free Version: Use olive oil instead of butter and skip the parmesan, or swap for a dairy-free cheese alternative.

How to Make One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Orzo Recipe

Step 1: Sear Your Chicken to Golden Perfection

Start by heating 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet—cast iron works beautifully for this because it holds heat evenly. Pat your chicken thighs dry with a paper towel (this step is key to getting that golden crust). Season generously with kosher salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the pan and cook over medium heat for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, without moving it around too much, so it forms a nice crust. When both sides are golden, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. This initial sear locks in moisture and flavor, so don’t skip it!

Step 2: Toast the Orzo and Garlic

Check your skillet—you’ll want some butter or chicken fat leftover after cooking the chicken. If there isn’t enough, add a tablespoon of butter or olive oil. Toss in the orzo and stir well so each tiny pasta piece is coated in that buttery goodness. Add your minced garlic and cook, stirring often, until the orzo takes on a lovely golden color and you can smell the garlic—usually about 2 to 3 minutes. This toasting step adds a subtle nuttiness and intensifies the garlic flavor, elevating the dish from simple to spectacular.

Step 3: Simmer Everything Together

Pour in the chicken stock right over your toasted orzo and garlic. Nestle your seared chicken thighs back into the skillet with the orzo. Bring everything to a boil, then immediately reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook gently for 15 to 20 minutes until the orzo has absorbed the liquid and your chicken reaches 165°F internally. I recommend checking around 12-15 minutes because the exact time can vary based on your stove’s simmer setting. You’ll know it’s ready when the orzo is tender but still has a slight bite and the chicken is juicy and cooked through.

Step 4: Finish with Butter, Parsley, and Parmesan

The final flourish is simple but makes a big difference: drizzle the melted butter over the whole dish, then top generously with chopped fresh parsley and grated parmesan cheese. This finish gives a rich, buttery shine and a bright, fresh note from the parsley. Serve immediately while it’s warm and comforting—your kitchen will smell incredible!

How to Serve One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Orzo Recipe

Garnishes

I always top this dish with a handful of chopped fresh parsley and lots of freshly grated parmesan. The parsley adds a lovely pop of color and freshness while the parmesan perfectly balances the buttery richness. Sometimes, I squeeze a little lemon juice on top for a bright, tangy twist that really wakes up the flavors.

Side Dishes

This recipe is rich and filling on its own, but I love pairing it with a simple arugula salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil to brighten up the plate. Roasted or steamed green veggies like broccoli or asparagus also complement it beautifully and add texture and vibrancy.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving the One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Orzo right in the skillet—it looks rustic and inviting on the table. Adding edible flowers or fresh herb sprigs on top adds an elegant touch that impresses guests without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, ideally within 2 hours of cooking. The flavors actually meld nicely overnight, though the orzo may absorb more liquid and thicken, which is easy to fix with a splash of chicken stock or water when reheating.

Freezing

While I often make this fresh, I’ve frozen portions in meal prep containers before. It freezes well but the orzo can get a little softer after thawing, so I prefer to slightly undercook the orzo if I’m freezing, so it holds up better once reheated.

Reheating

When reheating, I add a little splash of chicken stock or water to loosen the orzo and gently warm everything on the stovetop over low heat—this helps maintain the creamy texture without drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Orzo Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen whenever I want something comforting without a lot of hassle. I love how the bold flavors come together with minimal effort, and it never fails to satisfy everyone at the table. I hope you’ll try making it soon—you might find, like me, that it quickly becomes a family favorite you’ll want to make on repeat!

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