Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience with this mouthwatering Parmesan Herb Chicken Mushroom and Orzo Skillet! Imagine a single pan filled with golden-brown chicken, perfectly caramelized mushrooms, and creamy orzo that's packed with herb-infused flavor. This recipe is not just a meal—it's a culinary adventure that will have your family begging for seconds and your taste buds dancing with delight. In just 35 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that's both impressive and incredibly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs (thyme, parsley)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Dice chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Slice mushrooms uniformly. Mince garlic cloves. Chop fresh herbs finely.
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Ensure even coating for consistent flavor.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Sauté chicken cubes until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5-6 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Sauté until mushrooms release their moisture and become slightly caramelized, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add orzo pasta to the skillet, stirring to coat with mushroom and garlic remnants. Toast orzo for 1-2 minutes to enhance nutty flavor.
- Pour chicken broth into skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent orzo from sticking.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook orzo for 8-10 minutes, or until liquid is mostly absorbed and pasta is tender.
- Return cooked chicken to skillet. Gently fold into orzo and mushroom mixture.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the dish. Stir to incorporate and allow cheese to melt slightly.
- Garnish with freshly chopped herbs. Add additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove from heat. Let stand for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.
- Serve hot, directly from skillet. Optionally, garnish with extra Parmesan and herbs.
Tips
- Ingredient Preparation is Key: Ensure all ingredients are uniformly chopped for even cooking and consistent flavor distribution.
- High-Heat Searing: When cooking chicken, use medium-high heat to achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture.
- Mushroom Magic: Don't rush the mushroom sautéing process. Let them release their moisture and caramelize for maximum flavor.
- Orzo Technique: Toasting the orzo briefly before adding liquid enhances its nutty flavor and gives the dish more depth.
- Liquid Control: Add chicken broth gradually and stir occasionally to prevent orzo from sticking to the pan.
- Cheese Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor. Pre-grated cheese can be less flavorful and may not melt as smoothly.
- Herb Freshness: Add fresh herbs at the end of cooking to preserve their bright flavor and vibrant color.
- Resting Time: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after cooking to let flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 400kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 85mg
