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Laughing Spatula / Recipe Index / Chicken / Creamy One Skillet Chicken with Mushrooms and Orzo

Creamy One Skillet Chicken with Mushrooms and Orzo

By Kathi & Rachel

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Creamy One Skillet Chicken with Mushrooms and Orzo!  In just 30 minutes you can have this delicious ONE PAN MEAL ready and on the table!  Using easy to use Orzo pasta that cooks up in a flash!

Chicken and Orzo Skillet Dinner

You can use breasts or thighs in this chicken and orzo recipe

Break out your big skillet for this easy dinner!  Rachel and I love this 12″ cast iron from Lodge.   No cast iron?  No worries!  Any large pan will do including your dutch oven.

Start by searing your chicken.   Heat your pan to medium high heat.  Add a small amount of oil to the pan.  You don’t want pools of it splattering al lover your nice clean stove top…and it isn’t necessary to get a good sear!  Just a tablespoon or two.

PRO TIP:  Go heavy on the salt and pepper which will help to make a delicious crust.  Add the chicken to the hot pan and DO NOT TOUCH for 3-4 minutes.  If the chicken sticks, it isn’t ready.  Flip when it releases easily and sear again on the other side.

how to sear chicken

Can I use bone in chicken for this recipe?

  • You bet!  Simply increase the searing time to about 15 minutes total.  The inside will not be cooked though but will continue to cook with the orzo.  Chicken is at it’s best when internal temp reaches 165 degrees.  
  • If you don’t own a meat thermometer we love this one from OXO.  This little thing has saved many a meal.  You won’t believe the difference in a perfectly cooked piece of chicken! 

Remove your chicken and cover to stay warm.

Add your mushrooms to the hot skillet and saute’ until brown. PRO TIP:  Wait until your mushrooms have reached desired color before salting.  Salt can slow down the browning process of mushrooms.

Next add the orzo and garlic and give it a little toast.  Another layer of flavor!

Saute’ your mushrooms until golden brown.
cooking mushrooms in cast iron skillet
Add the orzo and garlic and cook a few minutes more toasting the pasta

Can I use half and half instead of heavy cream?

  • You can!  Since there is such a small amount, 1/4 cup, I tend to go big with full on cream,  but half cream/half milk mixture will work fine.
  • Omit the cream entirely if you prefer and have a less creamy more rice like texture.  No other changes in the recipe required.  Simply omit the cream.

adding cream to skillet chicken and orzo

Finish the dish!  What should I serve with this Creamy Chicken Orzo Skillet with Mushrooms?

  • We keep it pretty simple.  Steamed broccoli or a simple salad with our 3 Minute Dijon Lemon Vinaigrette is a perfect balance.

chicken and orzo ready to service

A few other one pan meals your family will love!

20 Minute Shrimp and Orzo Skillet

Easy One Skillet Pork Chops and Mushroom Gravy

30 Minute Chicken and Tomato Sauce Skillet

One Pot Spanish Chicken and Rice

 

To one pan delicious meals ready in a flash!

Clink!

Kathi

 Â What do you think about this recipe?Have questions?Comment below!Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, and connect with us on Instagram and  tag your @Laughingspatula recipes with #laughingspatula,while you’re at it…We love to see your pics! 

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Chicken and Orzo Skillet Dinner

Creamy One Skillet Chicken with Mushrooms and Orzo

This one pan wonder will become your favorite go to meal!  Using chicken thighs or chicken breasts it comes together in less than 30 minutes!
4.61 from 48 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
Servings: 4 people
Author: Kathi & Rachel

Ingredients

  • 6 boneless chicken thighs or 4 boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms
  • 3 cloves garlic chopped
  • 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
  • 2 1/4 cups chicken stock
  • 1/4 cup cream
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried
  • salt and pepper
  • garnish with parmesan if desired and more fresh thyme

Instructions

  • Wash and pat dry chicken. Sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper on both sides
  • Heat large skillet or dutch oven over medium high heat.
  • Add olive oil and butter. Heat about two minutes until bubbly.
  • Place chicken in pan, sear for about 4 minutes on each side until a nice crust forms. (chicken will not be cooked through but will continue cooking with orzo).
  • Remove seared chicken to plate and keep warm.
  • Add mushrooms to hot skillet and sauté until golden.
  • Reduce heat to medium.
  • Add garlic and orzo to pan and sauté for 2 minutes or until orzo is lightly toasted and garlic is fragrant.
  • Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
  • Add chicken stock, cream and thyme.
  • Nestle chicken on top of orzo mixture.
  • Cover and cook for 20 minutes or until internal temp of chicken reaches 165 degrees and orzo is tender. NOTE: About half way thru stir chicken and orzo around a bit to be sure it isn't sticking.
  • Top with parm and serve with a simple salad or fresh steamed veggies.

Notes

If using bone-in chicken simply increase searing time to about 8 minutes on each side.  Chicken will not be cooked all the way through but will continue to cook with orzo.  165 degrees internally is perfect chicken.
Sub half and half (half cream and half milk) if desired.
Check for salt and pepper before serving.  It will vary if using low sodium chicken stock

Nutrition

Calories: 523kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 198mg | Sodium: 360mg | Potassium: 773mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 486IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 2mg

This post  may contain affiliate links, which means I might receive a very small commission, at no additional cost to you,  should you chose to purchase that linked item.  I only link to items I know and trust.   Clink!

 

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Filed Under: Casseroles, Chicken, Easy Chicken Recipes, Fast and Fresh, Main Course Recipes, Most Popular Recipes, One Pot, Pasta

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Barbara says

    July 7, 2024 at 5:52 pm

    Is it heavy cream that u put in it.

    Reply
    • Kathi & Rachel says

      July 8, 2024 at 8:55 pm

      You can use heavy cream or half and half if you want to cut calories. Heavy cream will taste best.

      Reply
  2. Jennifer says

    December 17, 2023 at 4:54 pm

    I make this recipe often. Only change I make is adding fresh spinach. It is a family favorite! Everytime I make it I get asked for the recipe!!

    Reply
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