Chicken Orzo Pasta Bake

Oven-baked chicken thighs with creamy orzo and tomatoes in a frypan.

This one-pot Chicken Orzo Pasta Bake is an easy weeknight dinner the whole family will enjoy, with tender chicken thighs combined with creamy orzo pasta.

Course Main

Cuisine International

Total Time 35

Servings

Calories 707kcal

Author Lee-Ann Grace

Ingredients

For the chicken

2 tablespoons olive oil
500 g boneless skinless chicken thighs
½ teaspoon onion powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons sweet paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the orzo

100 g bacon diced
2 fresh garlic cloves crushed
2 cups chicken stock
1½ cups orzo pasta
⅓ cup milk
⅓ cup thickened cream
200 g cherry tomatoes halved
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
⅓ cup grated fresh parmesan cheese

Metric - US customary

Instructions

Preheat oven to 180c.
In a small bowl, blend together onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper.
½ teaspoon onion powder, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons sweet paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Sprinkle over both sides of the chicken thighs.
500 g boneless skinless chicken thighs
Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-based and oven-proof pan or skillet.
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fry chicken thighs over medium-high heat until lightly browned on both sides, then remove from the pan and set aside (don't wipe out pan).
Add bacon and fry until lightly browned, then add fresh garlic and fry for another 30 seconds.
100 g bacon, 2 fresh garlic cloves
Add chicken stock, orzo, milk, cream, tomatoes, salt and pepper and stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the base of the pan as you go.
2 cups chicken stock, 1½ cups orzo pasta, ⅓ cup milk, ⅓ cup thickened cream, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 200 g cherry tomatoes
Add back the chicken thighs in a single layer, then bake (uncovered) for 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the orzo is tender.
Stir through parmesan to serve.
⅓ cup grated fresh parmesan cheese

Video

Notes

The chicken is only lightly browned on both sides when frying (essentially still raw in the middle); the remainder of the cooking will be done in the oven. This means the thighs will keep their moisture and tenderness.

*Please note that the amount of calories per serve is provided as a guide only, as ingredients and cooking methods can vary greatly*

Nutrition