Name: One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs; Kosher salt and pepper, to taste; 1 pound uncooked orzo; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 32 ounces chicken stock; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; Chopped fresh parsley, for topping; Parmesan cheese, for topping

If you’re anything like me, you love meals that are bursting with flavor but come together quickly and with minimal fuss. That’s why I absolutely love this One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Orzo Recipe—it’s a total game-changer for busy weeknights when you want something comforting, hearty, and delicious without a mountain of dishes. You get perfectly golden chicken thighs nestled on a bed of buttery, garlicky orzo, all cooked in one pan. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become your go-to dinner staple.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes means more time enjoying your meal and less time cleaning.
Rich, Buttery Flavor: Garlic butter infuses the orzo and chicken with unbeatable richness and aroma.
Juicy, Tender Chicken Thighs: Cooking chicken thighs in the cooking liquid keeps them moist and flavorful every time.
Perfect for Any Skill Level: Easy-to-follow steps make this recipe accessible whether you’re a beginner or kitchen pro.

A white pot filled with light golden orzo pasta as the base layer, topped with five crispy browned chicken thighs spread evenly across the pasta. The chicken has a slightly shiny texture from cooking, with a mix of golden and darker brown spots. Bright green chopped herbs are sprinkled generously on top, adding a fresh contrast to the warm tones of the chicken and pasta. The pot sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Orzo, garlic butter chicken skillet, easy one pot chicken and orzo, comforting chicken dinner, quick weeknight chicken

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Orzo Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient complements the others to create a deliciously cozy dish. When shopping, look for fresh garlic and good-quality chicken stock—it really makes a difference in the flavor.

Flat lay of golden boneless chicken thighs, small uncooked orzo pasta, peeled garlic cloves, chunks of unsalted butter, fresh bright green parsley leaves, and shavings of creamy parmesan cheese, all beautifully arranged with rustic textures and warm natural light, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Orzo, garlic butter chicken skillet, easy one pot chicken and orzo, comforting chicken dinner, quick weeknight chicken

Unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt level in the dish perfectly.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: I love thighs here because they stay juicy and tender during cooking.
Kosher salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken to bring out maximum flavor.
Uncooked orzo: This tiny pasta shapes cooks quickly and soaks up all that garlicky butter goodness.
Garlic cloves (minced): Fresh garlic gives the recipe that aromatic punch you’ll crave.
Chicken stock: Adds depth and richness, making the orzo super flavorful as it cooks.
Chopped fresh parsley: A burst of color and fresh herbal brightness on top.
Parmesan cheese: The finishing touch for a nutty, savory boost I can’t get enough of.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One thing I love about this One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Orzo Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Over the years, I’ve tinkered with it a bit, and you might enjoy customizing it too!

Use chicken breasts instead: I’ve swapped thighs for breasts when that’s what I had on hand—just keep a close eye so they don’t dry out.
Add veggies: Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms stirred in near the end add a fresh dimension and nutrition boost.
Make it dairy-free: Swap butter with olive oil and top with nutritional yeast instead of parmesan—still delicious!
Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika adds a bit of heat if you’re into that.

How to Make One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Orzo Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Start by heating 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large cast iron or ceramic skillet over medium heat. Meanwhile, pat your chicken thighs dry with paper towels — this step is key if you want that beautiful golden crust. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Place the chicken in the skillet and let it cook undisturbed for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. You’re looking for a deep golden color, which locks in flavor and juiciness. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate but leave any butter and browned bits in the skillet; they’re pure gold for the orzo.

Step 2: Toast the Orzo with Garlic

If your skillet looks a little dry after removing the chicken, add a tablespoon of butter or a splash of olive oil. Toss in the uncooked orzo and stir it around to coat each tiny grain in that buttery goodness. Then add the minced garlic and stir frequently for a few minutes. This toasting process gives the orzo a slightly nutty flavor and fills your kitchen with the most tempting aroma. Just watch carefully to avoid burning the garlic—they should be fragrant and golden, not brown or bitter.

Step 3: Simmer Everything Together

Pour in all 32 ounces of chicken stock, then nestle your seared chicken thighs right on top of the orzo. Bring the liquid up to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a low simmer and cover the skillet. Cooking time can vary depending on your stove, but generally, it takes about 15 to 20 minutes for the orzo to absorb the liquid and the chicken to reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F. I usually check the chicken after 12 to 15 minutes just to avoid overcooking—it’s better to check too soon than to dry out those juicy thighs!

Step 4: Finish and Garnish

When everything is perfectly cooked, remove the skillet from heat and drizzle the 2 tablespoons of melted butter over the top for an extra layer of richness. Sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Serve it right away—the orzo will be creamy, chicken tender, and the flavors melded just perfectly.

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Pro Tips for Making One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Orzo Recipe

Pat Dry Chicken Thoroughly: Removing moisture helps achieve that gorgeous golden sear every time.
Toast the Orzo Gently: Stir constantly to prevent burning and to develop that lovely nutty aroma.
Simmer, Don’t Boil: Keeping the heat low avoids tough chicken and mushy orzo.
Check Internal Temp Early: Start testing chicken doneness before 20 minutes to keep it juicy and tender.

How to Serve One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Orzo Recipe

A white plate with a serving of golden pasta mixed with small green parsley pieces and bits of light brown toasted orzo, covering most of the plate's center and right side. On the left side of the plate, there is a browned, cooked piece of chicken skin-on, topped lightly with grated white cheese and some black pepper sprinkled over both pasta and chicken. A silver fork rests diagonally on the plate, partly under the pasta on the right side. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and part of a bowl of similar pasta is visible in the top right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Orzo, garlic butter chicken skillet, easy one pot chicken and orzo, comforting chicken dinner, quick weeknight chicken

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of finishing this dish with a handful of freshly chopped parsley because it adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and a subtle herbal note that cuts through all that buttery richness beautifully. And of course, a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese is non-negotiable—I literally can’t serve it without it!

Side Dishes

You honestly don’t need much with this hearty one pot meal, but I love pairing it with a crisp, lightly dressed green salad or some roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. It balances out the richness and adds a nice variety of textures to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try serving this One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Orzo Recipe right in the skillet it was cooked in at the table—family-style and super cozy. You can also transfer the orzo and chicken to a large platter and scatter extra parsley and parmesan over the top with some lemon wedges on the side for a fresh zing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which sometimes I wish didn’t happen because I want to eat it all at once), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually like to remove any garnish before storing, then add fresh parsley and parmesan when I reheat.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish before, and while the texture of the orzo softens slightly, it still tastes great for a quick meal later. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen things up, stirring occasionally until warm. Microwaving works too—just cover loosely and check every 30 seconds to avoid drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs in this one pot garlic butter chicken and orzo recipe?

Yes, you can! Chicken breasts will cook a bit quicker and can dry out if overcooked, so I recommend checking the internal temperature earlier. Cooking over a gentle simmer and not overcooking is key to keep them tender.
Is it okay to substitute chicken stock with broth or water?

Chicken stock adds richer, deeper flavor compared to broth or water. If you only have broth, that works too—but if you use water, consider adding extra seasoning or herbs to boost the taste.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap out the butter for olive oil or a dairy-free alternative, and instead of parmesan, you can sprinkle nutritional yeast on top for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How do I know when the orzo is perfectly cooked?

The orzo should be tender but still have a slight bite—think al dente. Taste it a few minutes before the cooking time is up to avoid overcooking, as it continues to soften slightly after you remove it from heat.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Orzo Recipe has become such a beloved dish in my household because it delivers on comfort, flavor, and convenience all at once. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do—just remember, the key is in the sear and the garlic-toasty orzo base. Once you master this, it’s an easy formula to customize and make your own. Happy cooking, friend!