Chicken Orzo Bake - One Pan Family Dinner
This flavorful Chicken Orzo Bake combines tender chicken thighs, sweet apricots, and crunchy toasted almonds with orzo pasta for an irresistible one-pan dinner. Inspired by Turkish cuisine, it’s a fusion of savory and sweet, with aromatic spices and a rich chicken broth that the orzo soaks up beautifully. Perfect for family meals or entertaining, this recipe is as comforting as it is easy to make. Plus, it offers gluten-free alternatives for those with dietary needs!
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 765kcal
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 shallots sliced
- 0.6 kilogram boneless chicken thighs cut into 5 cm pieces (2 inches)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice approximately 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 1/3 cup dried apricots
- 2 tablespoons currants
- 1.5 cups orzo or risini pasta
- 1/3 cup silvered almonds toasted
- fresh parsley to serve
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before assembling the chicken orzo bake.
- Soak the apricots and currants in boiling water for about 10 minutes. Drain them, then slice the apricots into 2–3 pieces each.1/3 cup dried apricots, 2 tablespoons currants
- Heat the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and whole shallots. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly golden. Sprinkle in the salt.2 tablespoons butter, 2 shallots, 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Cut the chicken into 5 cm (2-inch) pieces, removing most of the skin. Add the chicken to the pan and brown it on all sides until golden.0.6 kilogram boneless chicken thighs
- Stir in the cinnamon, lemon juice, and black pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes.1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Pour in the hot chicken stock. Add the soaked apricots and currants, bringing everything to a boil.3 cups chicken stock
- Lower the heat, cover the pan with a lid, and simmer for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the chicken cooks, toast the slivered almonds in a dry pan over low heat. Stir frequently and remove them as soon as they turn golden to avoid burning.1/3 cup silvered almonds
- Add the orzo to the chicken mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes and transfer the pan into a preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes or until orzo is cooked.1.5 cups orzo
- Plate the dish and garnish generously with the toasted almonds. Enjoy
Nutrition
Calories: 765kcal | Carbohydrates: 66g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 167mg | Sodium: 718mg | Potassium: 931mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 697IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 77mg | Iron: 3mg
