Skillet Chicken and Orzo

A shallow serving dish with Skillet Chicken and Orzo garnished with fresh herbs by Compelled to Cook. A cast iron skillet with a serving spoon sits in the background.
Skillet Chicken and Orzo
Print Recipe
    Servings Prep Time
    3-4 people 50 minutes
    Cook Time Passive Time
    25 minutes 2 minutes
    Servings Prep Time
    3-4 people 50 minutes
    Cook Time Passive Time
    25 minutes 2 minutes
    A shallow serving dish with Skillet Chicken and Orzo garnished with fresh herbs by Compelled to Cook. A cast iron skillet with a serving spoon sits in the background.
    Skillet Chicken and Orzo
    Print Recipe
      Servings Prep Time
      3-4 people 50 minutes
      Cook Time Passive Time
      25 minutes 2 minutes
      Servings Prep Time
      3-4 people 50 minutes
      Cook Time Passive Time
      25 minutes 2 minutes
      Ingredients
      Servings: people
      Instructions
      1. Preheat oven to 350℉
      2. Heat oil in a cast iron or oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Pat chicken dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper. When the oil is hot add chicken thighs and cook about 5-6 minutes per side until skin browned. Remove to a plate.
      3. Using the same skillet, dab out excess oil, reserving about 1 tbsp. To the hot oil add the mushrooms and allow to cook without stirring until bottoms are golden and moisture is starting to evaporate. Once they have browned, give them a stir and continue to cook for 1-2 minutes. Add garlic and shallots and cook for about 3 minutes until starting to soften, stirring occasionally. Add herbs and salt and pepper.
      4. Add wine and allow to reduce for about 3 minutes. Over low heat stir in the cream cheese, and half of the broth, stirring until smooth. Add remaining broth and orzo pasta. Add the chicken back to the pan with the skin side up. Push chicken down into pasta as far as they will go. Cover with a lid or tin foil and bake for 20-25 minutes.
      5. Remove from oven and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Cover and allow to rest for 3-5 minutes prior to serving.
      Recipe Notes

      I personally like the garden vegetable cream cheese, however you may also like the garlic cream cheese.

      Rusty Chicken


      Rusty Chicken
      Print Recipe
        Servings Prep Time
        4 people 15 minutes
        Cook Time Passive Time
        15 minutes 1 hour
        Servings Prep Time
        4 people 15 minutes
        Cook Time Passive Time
        15 minutes 1 hour
        Rusty Chicken
        Print Recipe
          Servings Prep Time
          4 people 15 minutes
          Cook Time Passive Time
          15 minutes 1 hour
          Servings Prep Time
          4 people 15 minutes
          Cook Time Passive Time
          15 minutes 1 hour
          Ingredients
          Servings: people
          Instructions
          1. Whisk together all ingredients except chicken. Place chicken in a glass or plastic dish and pour approximately one third of marinade over chicken and toss to coat. Add a little more marinade if needed to coat well. Cover chicken and remaining marinade and chill from 1-4 hours.
          2. Preheat grill to medium. Grill chicken thighs for appoximately 7-8 minutes per side, adjusting heat if needed as the sugar in the marinade can burn. Meanwhile, place a disposable medium size foil pan on grill and add remaining marinade. Heat, stirring often until bubbling,thick and glossy.
          3. When chicken is cooked add to marinade pan and toss to coat with sauce. Serve immediately.
          Recipe Notes

          Alternatively, you can use a regular saucepan on the stove to heat the marinade until thick and glossy.  Pour over chicken in serving dish and serve immediately.