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.
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
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.
Notes
For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
If substituting chicken breasts, adjust cooking time to prevent drying.
Add vegetables like spinach or peas during the orzo step for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
Keywords: one-skillet chicken, creamy orzo, gruyere chicken