Tuscan Chicken Thighs with Orzo

Here’s to another amazing day!

This dish is an easy on pot dish that can be ready in under an hour and makes a greatweeknight meal. It’s filling full of delicious flavor and uses simple ingredients. Not to mention it is budget friendly.

Let’s gather all of our ingredients. We will be using 8 chicken thighs, a package of baby spinach, half an onion, 3 cups of chicken broth, ½ cup of cream, 2 cloves of garlic, ½ cup of sundried tomatoes, ½ cup of parmesan or romano cheese, 1 ½ cups of orzo, 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste, 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley chopped and some olive oil.

Start by searing your chicken thighs in your pan with 1-2 tablespoon of olive oil. Once seared on all sides remove and set aside.

Add your chopped onion to the pan and cook until translucent. Next stir in your garlic, sundried tomatoes and spinach. Sauté for a few minutes. Then go ahead and add your orzo sautéing again for a few minutes. Add your chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once it has come to a boil you can reduce the heat to simmer.

Now you’re going to add your chicken thighs back to the pan, add your heavy cream and cheese, cover and cook for 20 minutes.

Be sure to check the doneness of your chicken. You can do so with a meat thermometer reading at least 165 degrees or with your fork. If you don’t’ have a meat thermometer insert your fork and it pulls out easily your chicken should be done. If not continue cooking covered until the meat is cooked. If your dish needs a little more liquid you can add either some additional chicken broth or cream. Or of course a combination of both.

Once the meat is cooked top with some additional cheese and your chopped parsley.

Variations!

You could use any type of chicken you like boneless chicken breasts or thighs, drumsticks. If you’re using breasts with bone I suggest you quarter for as if left whole they may require too much cooking time and the orzo with become overdone. You can add some white wine at the time you introduce the orzo to the pan. Mushrooms are also a nice touch and add great flavor dimension.

Simple delicious dinner for any weeknight.

Enjoy!