Name: One-Skillet Creamy Chicken with Gruyere & Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs 1 tsp salt; 0.5 tsp black pepper 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp unsalted butter 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 small shallot, finely chopped 1 cup orzo pasta 2 cups chicken broth; 0.5 cup heavy cream; 0.5 cup grated Gruyere cheese; 0.25 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 0.5 tsp dried); 0.5 lemon, juiced Fresh parsley, for garnish

This one-skillet creamy chicken with Gruyere and orzo is a weeknight dinner hero. Imagine juicy, golden-seared chicken nestled in a velvety Gruyere-spiked cream sauce with tender orzo and fresh thyme. Everything cooks together in one pan, soaking up all the rich flavors, and you end up with a dish that’s both cozy and elegant.

It comes together surprisingly fast, with just a few key ingredients and minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy evenings when you still want something homemade and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family or having a casual dinner date at home, this creamy chicken skillet will impress every time.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe because they stay juicy and tender during stovetop cooking. However, chicken breasts work too—just be careful not to overcook them. If you’re using bone-in thighs, you may need to adjust cooking time slightly and ensure the internal temp hits 165°F.

Ingredients for the One-Skillet Creamy Chicken with Gruyere & Orzo

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 small shallot, finely chopped
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Gruyere cheese
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried)
1/2 lemon, juiced
Fresh parsley, for garnish

One-Skillet Creamy Chicken with Gruyere & Orzo 2

How To Make the One-Skillet Creamy Chicken with Gruyere & Orzo

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter, then stir in garlic and shallots. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Orzo

Add the orzo and toast it lightly for 1-2 minutes. Pour in chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until the orzo is tender and most of the broth is absorbed.

Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese

Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, Gruyere, Parmesan, and thyme. Let the cheese melt into a creamy sauce.

Step 5: Return Chicken to Skillet

Nestle the chicken thighs back into the skillet. Cover and let it simmer for 5 more minutes. Squeeze in lemon juice and top with parsley before serving.

How to Serve and Store This Creamy Chicken Skillet

Serve it hot straight from the skillet with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a crusty piece of bread to mop up the sauce. For extra green, a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully.

To store, cool leftovers completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another cheese instead of Gruyere?

Yes! Fontina, white cheddar, or even mozzarella are great alternatives, but Gruyere’s nutty depth makes it special.

Is this dish gluten-free?

As written, no—orzo is a wheat-based pasta. Use gluten-free orzo or a short grain rice as a substitute.

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely. Baby spinach, peas, or mushrooms can be added during the orzo cooking step.

How do I prevent the orzo from sticking?

Stir it occasionally as it simmers in the broth, and make sure there’s enough liquid until it softens.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A chilled glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy sauce and Gruyere cheese.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you’re loving this one-skillet creamy comfort, check out these other cozy chicken favorites:

Marry Me Chicken Pasta for a romantic twist on creamy chicken.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts when you’re craving buttery richness.
Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta for hearty indulgence.
One Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles for kid-friendly simplicity.
Marry Me Chicken because it’s too good not to revisit.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And I’d love to hear how it went for you! Did you use Gruyere or sub in a different cheese? Add any veggies? Drop a comment and let’s chat creamy chicken magic.

Want more daily inspiration? Check out what I’m cooking on Pinterest @NinaDishes.

One-Skillet Creamy Chicken with Gruyere & Orzo

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This one-skillet creamy chicken with Gruyere and orzo is a cozy and satisfying dinner that cooks all in one pan. Juicy chicken thighs simmer in a rich, creamy sauce with melted Gruyere, Parmesan, and tender orzo, infused with garlic, shallots, and fresh thyme. Elegant enough for guests, easy enough for weeknights.

Instructions

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.

2. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter, garlic, and shallots. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer 8–10 minutes until orzo is tender.

4. Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, Gruyere, Parmesan, and thyme. Stir until melted and creamy.

5. Return chicken to skillet. Cover and simmer 5 minutes more. Finish with lemon juice and parsley before serving.