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 tablespoon unsalted butter or olive oil (optional, if needed); 1 pound uncooked orzo; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 32 ounces chicken stock; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; Chopped fresh parsley; Parmesan cheese

If you’re craving a comforting dinner that’s bursting with flavor but doesn’t turn your kitchen into a battleground, I’ve got just the thing for you. This One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Orzo Recipe is an absolute game-changer—think juicy, golden chicken thighs nestled in a garlicky, buttery orzo that melts in your mouth. I love this recipe because it’s fuss-free, super satisfying, and perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty without the hassle.

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultimate One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to relax after dinner.
Perfectly Juicy Chicken: Butter and garlic make the chicken thighs irresistibly tender and flavorful.
Comfort Food Bliss: The creamy orzo slowly soaks up all the savory goodness for the coziest mouthfuls.
Easy to Customize: You can add veggies or switch up herbs to make it your own.

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, Easy One Pot Chicken and Orzo, Creamy Garlic Chicken with Orzo, Quick One Pot Chicken Dinner, Juicy Chicken Thighs with Orzo

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Orzo Recipe has a star role—whether it’s building flavor, creating texture, or tying everything together. When shopping, pick fresh garlic and quality chicken stock for the best results; they really elevate the dish.

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, Easy One Pot Chicken and Orzo, Creamy Garlic Chicken with Orzo, Quick One Pot Chicken Dinner, Juicy Chicken Thighs with Orzo

Unsalted butter: Using unsalted lets you control the saltiness perfectly, plus it adds that rich, creamy touch we all crave.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: I prefer thighs since they stay juicy and tender throughout the cooking process.
Kosher salt and pepper: Essential to bring out all the flavors, be generous with seasoning here.
Uncooked orzo: This little pasta cooks quickly and soaks up all that luscious butter and garlic flavor.
Garlic cloves, minced: Garlic is the heart of this recipe — the aroma alone will have your kitchen smelling amazing.
Chicken stock: I always go for low-sodium so I can control salt, and it adds deep savory flavor to the orzo.
Chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and flavor just before serving.
Parmesan cheese: The perfect finishing touch for a hint of salty, nutty goodness.

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

I love that this One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Orzo Recipe is a fantastic base you can customize easily depending on what you have on hand or your mood. I’ve tweaked it now and then to keep things interesting!

Greens Boost: Sometimes, I toss in baby spinach or kale about 5 minutes before the cooking finishes for extra color and nutrients – it’s a simple way to sneak in veggies.
Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when you stir in the garlic gives it a nice subtle heat that my family always asks for.
Cheesy Swap: For a twist, try topping with crumbled feta instead of parmesan for a tangy finish.
Low-Carb Option: Substitute orzo with cauliflower rice if you want to lighten it up without losing flavor.

How to Make One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Orzo Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Chicken to Golden Perfection

First things first, heat up about 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large heavy skillet over medium heat—cast iron works wonderfully here for even cooking. While it’s melting, pat your chicken thighs dry using a paper towel and season them generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. When the butter is hot and foamy, place the chicken in the skillet. You’ll want to let them cook undisturbed for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until the skin-free surface develops that gorgeous deep golden crust. This step really amps up the flavor and texture. Once browned, transfer them to a plate to rest while you work on the orzo.

Step 2: Toast the Orzo with Garlic

Check the skillet for leftover butter or chicken juices; if it’s a little dry, just add a tablespoon of butter or some olive oil. Toss in the uncooked orzo and stir it so all the little pasta shapes get coated in the buttery goodness. Then add the minced garlic and keep stirring continuously for a few minutes—it’ll toast and turn just the slightest golden brown. This step releases garlicky aromas that will make your taste buds sing and gives the orzo a nuttier flavor.

Step 3: Simmer Everything Together

Pour in 32 ounces of chicken stock right over the orzo, then nestle your browned chicken thighs back into the pan, partially submerged in the liquid. Crank the heat until the mixture reaches a gentle boil, then reduce to a low simmer and cover the skillet. This is where the magic happens—let the orzo soak up all that savory broth while the chicken finishes cooking inside. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes, but I always check around 12 minutes because simmer strengths vary. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken hits 165°F internally. Once done, the orzo should be tender, and the liquid will mostly be absorbed.

Step 4: Finish with Butter, Parsley, and Parmesan

After removing the lid, drizzle the dish with the extra 2 tablespoons of melted butter for that luxurious, silky finish. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a splash of color and brightness. Last but definitely not least, generously grate parmesan cheese across the entire dish—I guarantee that final touch elevates it to restaurant-quality. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture experience.

👨‍🍳

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

Patience is Key: Drying the chicken thoroughly before browning ensures a beautiful crust and prevents steaming.
Adjust Your Simmer: Keep your heat low and steady when simmering, so the orzo cooks evenly without burning.
Check Liquid Levels: If your orzo isn’t quite tender after 20 minutes, add a splash more stock or water and cook a few minutes longer.
Don’t Skip the Butter Finish: That last drizzle of melted butter transforms the dish into something silky and rich—trust me, it’s worth it!

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, Easy One Pot Chicken and Orzo, Creamy Garlic Chicken with Orzo, Quick One Pot Chicken Dinner, Juicy Chicken Thighs with Orzo

Garnishes

I always throw fresh chopped parsley on top because it adds such a vibrant green pop and a fresh, herbaceous note that balances all the richness. A sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan is a must for me too — if you want, a little lemon zest is a delightful surprise that brightens the whole dish.

Side Dishes

Pairing this with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables creates a well-rounded meal. I especially love steamed green beans or crispy asparagus because they add texture contrast and fresh flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For something special, I’ve served this dish in rustic mini cast-iron skillets or shallow bowls with a little extra parsley and parmesan piled high. It’s a simple plate but looks amazing when garnished thoughtfully—perfect when you have guests, and everyone feels like they’re getting something a bit elevated, even on a weeknight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The orzo tends to soak up more liquid overnight, so it thickens up—you might want to loosen it with a splash of broth or water before reheating.

Freezing

If I have extra, I freeze portions in freezer-safe containers. When frozen, the texture of the orzo changes a bit, so I recommend thawing overnight in the fridge and reheating gently on the stove with some added broth to revive creaminess.

Reheating

Reheating is best done on the stove with medium-low heat, stirring often and adding small amounts of broth or water to prevent sticking and retain sauciness. The microwave works in a pinch—just cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but keep in mind they can dry out more easily. To avoid this, reduce cooking time and monitor closely until the internal temperature hits 165°F. Chicken thighs tend to stay juicier, which is why I prefer them.
What makes orzo special in this dish?

Orzo’s small, rice-like shape allows it to absorb flavors and cook quickly, making it perfect for one-pot meals like this. It gets nicely toasted before simmering, adding a lovely nutty undertone that complements the garlic butter and chicken wonderfully.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

This recipe is best enjoyed freshly made, but you can prep the chicken and orzo separately ahead of time. Store them cool and reheat gently together with a splash of stock or water to bring everything back to life.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked properly?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer to check that the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F. If you don’t have one, make sure the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink inside.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Orzo Recipe brings everything together with so little effort for such delicious results. It’s a recipe I come back to time and again because it’s both cozy and elegant in its simplicity. Once you try it, you’ll find it’s a go-to for busy nights and those moments when you want to impress without stress. So go ahead, give it a whirl—you’re going to love how effortlessly it fills your kitchen with warmth and your table with smiles.