One Pot Chicken and Mushroom Orzo
A comforting meal that combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and creamy orzo, perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, halved
- 2 large shallots, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo
- 4 cups baby spinach
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Seasoning and Cooking Base
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- kosher salt to taste
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 4 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 1.5 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Sautéing
- Add the remaining butter to the skillet.
- Sauté mushrooms and shallots for 3-4 minutes until mushrooms are soft.
- Add garlic and thyme, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Making the Sauce
- Sprinkle flour over the mushroom mixture, stirring for 1 minute to cook the flour.
- Slowly add chicken stock, scraping any browned bits from the bottom.
- Add Dijon mustard and bring to a simmer.
Cooking the Orzo
- Stir in orzo, then add chicken back to the skillet.
- Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is al dente and chicken is cooked through.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted.
Finishing Touches
- Stir in Parmesan and heavy cream until smooth.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For best flavor, use fresh herbs and vegetables. Avoid overcooking the chicken or orzo; they should be tender but juicy. If the orzo absorbs too much liquid while cooking, add more chicken stock.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 40gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5g