One-Pot Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Orzo

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting one-pot meal featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a garlic butter sauce with creamy Parmesan orzo. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 35 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper evenly on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tablespoons unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear for 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 4 cloves minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 1/2 cups chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in 1 cup orzo pasta, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Return chicken to the skillet on top of orzo, sprinkle with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Orzo take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover One-Pot Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Orzo?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Orzo?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale One-Pot Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Orzo for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with One-Pot Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Orzo?

American one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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