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This one-skillet Roasted Herb Butter Chicken and Orzo is the perfect cozy dinner. Pan-seared seasoned chicken in an herb butter gravy-like sauce. Cook the chicken together with orzo pasta for a complete dinner made in just ONE skillet. The secret here, a touch of curry powder. It adds a really nice rich flavor to this chicken and orzo dinner. Truly one of those all-in-one dinners that everyone at the table will love. Great for a weeknight, but equally fancy enough to serve up at your next holiday dinner. You can’t go wrong with this warming skillet dinner. Oh, and be sure to add crusty bread for mopping up all the extra sauce.
And I’m back with another chicken and orzo dinner. I hope you’re not over these types of recipes that we here clearly find so delicious.
But this is a special one. It’s inspired by my mom and her love of soup, chicken, and noodles. I wanted to create an all-in-one dinner similar to the dishes we would make when I was growing up in Cleveland.
This time of year always makes me think back to those days. When I was in 2nd and 3rd grade I would get out of school almost 2 hours earlier than my brothers, at 2:45 pm. These were my greatest school days. I LOVED getting out early and having that special time with my mom.
In the late fall and winter, a lot of times my mom would cook me the Lipton noodle dishes that came in a pouch. They were noodles in a creamy chicken broth. We both used to eat them huddled by the fire, loving every bite.
We don’t cook those anymore, but I’ve always wanted to recreate the flavors.
And I finally did! Look, I’ve made a ton of skillet chicken and orzo dishes. But I’m telling you, this one might just be my favorite of the bunch. And it’s so easy.
The details
I love a one-skillet dinner, so that was key for this recipe.
Start off by cooking the onion, then add a mix of chicken breasts and thighs. I always use skinless chicken, because my family is weird and they will not eat skin-on chicken. Use whatever type of chicken you and you’re family love!
The next ingredient is what makes this dish. A small amount of curry powder. I know that sounds really odd, but the curry powder adds a bright color and subtle warm flavors that are just right. It’s almost like a golden butter chicken soup, but not quite a soup. Either way, it’s completely delicious and sets this dish apart.
Now toss in the butter, add some celery and carrots, some thyme and sage, and then pour over the apple cider and broth. Add a whole head of garlic and a parmesan rind, then place the entire skillet in the oven to finish cooking.
During the last 10 minutes is when I add in the orzo. If you want this to be brothy, you can add additional broth. We like it brothy, but still thicker than soup.
For serving
I usually add a little fresh parsley or thyme and some black pepper and sea salt. and again, crusty bread on the side is a must.
It’s a little different twist on chicken and pasta, but so, so good. And who couldn’t love how easy this is? It’s fancy, but then it’s not. Great for this time of year!
Looking for other simple? Here are a few ideas:
Crockpot Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Orzo
One Pot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo
Creamy White Bean Noodle Soup with Rosemary Bacon
Mustard Herb Chicken and Creamy Orzo
Crockpot Crispy Buffalo Chicken Tacos with Jalapeño Ranch
Slow Cooker Saucy Sunday Bolognese Pasta
Slow Cooker Herbed Chicken and Rice Pilaf
Crockpot Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Bolognese
Lastly, if you make this Roasted Herb Butter Chicken and Orzo, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Skillet Roasted herb Butter Chicken and Orzo
Servings: 4
Calories Per Serving: 560 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 pound boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 teaspoon yellow curry powder
- 6 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
- 1/3 cup white wine or apple cider
- 4-5 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 shallots, halved
- 2 ribs celery, chopped
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 1 head garlic
- 3/4 cup dry orzo
- 1 parmesan rind
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 400° F.2. Cook the olive oil and onion in a large oven-safe skillet with sides, over medium heat, until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Push the onions to the side. Add the chicken and sprinkle with the curry powder. Season with salt and pepper. Add the butter, shallots, celery, carrots, thyme, and sage. Season again with salt and pepper. Cook another 5 minutes. 2. Pour in the apple cider, 2-3 cups broth, and lemon juice. Add the garlic and parmesan rind. Transfer to the oven and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. 3. Pull the skillet out, add 1/2 cup of broth and the orzo. Return to the oven and cook 10-12 minutes, until the orzo is al dente. If you want more broth, add the remaining 1-2 1/2 cups.4. Serve the chicken over the orzo and broth. Top with parmesan (if desired), plus thyme or parsley.
I am OBSESSED! Made this for dinner last night, drooling the whole time it cooked. Today I am making everyone in my office jealous.
Hey Alicia,
Happy Monday! I appreciate you trying this recipe and your comment, I’m so glad it turned out well for you! xT
Made this tonight, so delicious! My two year old was begging for more. Thanks so much!
Hey Keziah,
Happy Friday!! I am so glad to hear this recipe was a hit, thanks a lot for trying it and your comment:)
Soooo good!!
Thank you so much Theresa! xT
This is fantastic. Made exactly as written, except I increased the orzo (and therefore put a little more broth in too at that step). So warm and comforting and full of flavor!!
Hi! Thank you so much for giving the recipe a try! Hope you have an amazing Christmas! xT
Made this tonight and my picky eater asked for seconds. That’s win in my books. It was delicious!
Hey Coral,
Fantastic! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe turned out well for you, thanks for making it! Have a great weekend:)
Could you make this in a crockpot?
Hey Cassie,
So sorry, I have not tested this recipe in the crockpot, but you might like this dish:
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/herb-butter-chicken-and-wild-rice/
I hope this helps! xT
How is the garlic head prepped? The recipe does not specify. The recipe is finishing up in the oven and smells wonderful. I ended up halving the cloves as mincing the garlic would make for the garlic flavor to dominate the dish and I thought you were looking for more of a roasted garlic (sweet) flavor profile from the garlic.
Hi there,
I’m having some oven issues and wondered if you had stove top instructions 🥴
This was great! I also was a little confused by the instructions on what to do with the chicken when you add in the orzo. Since the chicken was done, and I was using chicken breasts that I was worried would dry out, I went ahead and removed them while the orzo cooked. Heated up some naan to go with it. Outstanding!
I finally got around to making this. It is absolutely delicious. I am amazed at our light, fresh and summery it is. I couldn’t stop eating it and can’t wait to make it again. This is seriously good food! Thank you for this fantastic recipe!
Hi Sara,
Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try and sharing your feedback, so glad to hear it was a hit! xx
Does the recipe call for skinless thighs or with skin? Thanks!
Hi Carol,
You can use either one, the recipe will work with both! Please let me know if you give this recipe a try, I hope you love it! xT
When I made this recipe, I used boneless chicken breast. The dish was is a delicious blend of flavors, but the chicken breast was dry. We threw out the chicken and just ate the rest with crusted bread.
Hi Deb,
Thanks so much for trying this dish and sharing your feedback! So sorry to hear the chicken was dry! Please let me know if I can help in any way! xT
I used some frozen meatballs I had and followed the instructions. So good. Thanks for providing a way to scale back the recipe. Hubby was out of town so I didn’t need to cook so much for myself.
Hi Julie,
Fantastic!! I am so glad to hear that this recipe was enjoyed and I appreciate you making it! Have a great weekend! xx
Was there a different version of this recipe previously? I’ve made it several times and have it bookmarked but didn’t remember using a whole head of garlic or taking it out of the oven to add the orzo? It’s delicious but it was definitely different than the previous times I’ve made it.
Hi Wendy,
Are you thinking of this recipe?
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/herb-butter-chicken-and-wild-rice/
Let me know how I can help! xT
Sounds delish but not clear:
Step 2 = chicken is done
Step 3 = add broth/orzo and cook
for 10-12 more mins
Q: Do I remove the chicken at Step 2 or cook it 10-12 mins more per Step 3?
Can’t wait to try it!
Hi Peg,
I don’t remove my chicken in step 3, but if you are worried the chicken will dry out, you can certainly remove it! Please let me know how this recipe turns out for you, I hope you love it! xT
“Apple cider or white wine”……. vinegars??? Help! Im making this now
Hi Kristen,
It’s just white wine or apple cider, not vinegars:) xx