Easy Tuscan Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Thighs: I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness and flavor. If you prefer, drumsticks or chicken breasts work too, but they may need different cooking times.

Italian Sausage: This ingredient adds a nice kick! If you want a lighter dish, you can skip it or use turkey sausage as a leaner alternative.

Orzo Pasta: Orzo gives a unique texture, but you can replace it with any small pasta like ditalini or even quinoa for a gluten-free option.

Kale or Spinach: I prefer kale as it’s hearty, but spinach will work too. If you’re looking for something different, Swiss chard is another good choice.

Half-and-Half or Heavy Cream: For a lower-fat option, swap this with milk or a creamy plant-based alternative like coconut milk or cashew cream.

How Can I Achieve Perfectly Cooked Orzo?

Cooking orzo perfectly is key to this dish! You want it to absorb flavors without getting mushy. Here’s the trick:

• Once you add the chicken broth, bring it to a simmer before adding the chicken back in.
• Let it simmer gradually. Keeping the heat moderate ensures the orzo cooks evenly.
• Stir gently to prevent sticking, and taste before the time is up to check for doneness!

When the orzo is cooked, and the sauce is thickened, you’re ready to enjoy a delicious meal!

Easy Tuscan Chicken and Orzo Skillet

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 pound Italian sausage, crumbled (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 2-3 stalks celery, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
• 2 cups kale or spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
• Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish (optional)
• Red pepper flakes, optional for heat

How Much Time Will You Need?

This Easy Tuscan Chicken and Orzo Skillet takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. This includes about 10 minutes for preparation and around 20 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick and delicious dinner option that’s perfect for weeknights!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Seasoning the Chicken:

Start by seasoning your chicken thighs with salt and pepper. This simple step helps build flavor right from the start!

2. Browning the Chicken:

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken thighs. Sear them for about 4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown. After browning, remove the chicken from the skillet and set them aside for now.

3. Cooking the Sausage and Veggies:

If you’re using Italian sausage, add it to the same skillet and cook until it’s browned, breaking it up as it cooks. If there’s too much fat, drain it off. Next, add the sliced onion and celery to the skillet. Sauté them for about 4-5 minutes until they’re softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it’s fragrant.

4. Mixing in the Orzo:

Now it’s time for the star: the orzo! Add it to the skillet, stirring well to combine it with the onion, celery, and sausage mixture.

5. Adding Liquids:

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. This step will help cook the orzo smoothly.

6. Cooking the Chicken:

Now it’s time to nestle the browned chicken thighs back into the skillet, along with any juices that dripped off. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer over medium-low heat for about 12 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked and the chicken is tender.

7. Finishing Touches:

Stir in the half-and-half (or heavy cream), chopped kale (or spinach), sun-dried tomatoes, grated Parmesan cheese, and dried Italian herbs. Cook uncovered for 3-5 minutes until the kale is wilted and the sauce has thickened slightly.

8. Seasoning to Taste:

Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes if you like some heat!

9. Garnishing and Serving:

Garnish your dish with fresh thyme sprigs and sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving. Enjoy your creamy, savory Tuscan Chicken and Orzo Skillet!

This dish is sure to become a favorite in your household with its rich flavors and hearty ingredients. Happy cooking!

FAQ for Easy Tuscan Chicken and Orzo Skillet

Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?

Yes, you can! Just note that chicken breasts may dry out more easily than thighs, so reduce the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re juicy. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Is There a Gluten-Free Option for Orzo?

Absolutely! You can substitute the orzo with gluten-free pasta or even quinoa. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as they may vary!

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or microwave until heated through. You can add a splash of broth or cream while reheating to revive the creamy sauce!

Can I Add More Vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to add extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or even carrots for added nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them along with the onion and celery!