In this One-Pot Chicken and Orzo recipe, crispy chicken thighs cooks right on top of the orzo in a garlicky tomato sauce with basil. It’s simple to make, and you can serve it straight from the oven with your favorite side salad.
Season chicken thighs with ¾ tsp of salt & bring to room temperature; thoroughly dry chicken skin with a paper towel before step 2.
Heat oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-low heat, add chicken thighs skin side down. Render until golden and crisp, about 12-15 minutes. Remove chicken from pan.
In the same pan, add onion and remaining salt and saute until aromatic, 4-5 minutes.
Add orzo and toast 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most pieces are lightly golden and there is a nutty aroma.
Add garlic and mix to combine. Add tomato paste and cook to caramelize, 2-3 minutes.
Add chicken broth & bring to a boil. Nestle chicken thighs, flesh side down, into the orzo (make sure that the skin is NOT in the liquid) and transfer to the oven Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until orzo is cooked through.*
Serve in cooking vessel and top with grated cheese and basil.
Notes
*Have a bit of extra broth on hand in case the orzo soaks up the broth too fast, add more broth in ⅓ cup increments.
For even crispier skin salt chicken the night before and leave in the refrigerator, uncovered, over night
Any type of onion can be used and not affect the composition, we suggest yellow but red, vidalia, shallot or even leek works just as well