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homemade One Skillet Chicken Tzatziki and Orzo. photo
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One Skillet Chicken Tzatziki and Orzo.

A simple one-skillet dinner of seared chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbed orzo finished with tzatziki.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 6 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 pinch chili flakes use to taste
  • kosher salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs or breast
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
  • 1.5 cups dry orzo pasta
  • 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup mixed herbs (such as basil and thyme), chopped
  • 1-2 cups tzatziki sauce

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a mixing bowl combine the chicken with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, tomato paste, smoked paprika, chopped garlic, lemon zest, chili flakes, and salt and black pepper to taste; toss to coat evenly.
  • Heat a large oven-safe skillet over high heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden, about 3–5 minutes total.
  • During the last 2 minutes of searing, add the butter to the pan. Remove the chicken to a plate, keeping the fond in the skillet.
  • Add the orzo and 2 tablespoons fresh thyme to the hot skillet and cook, stirring, until the orzo is lightly toasted, about 1 minute.
  • Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and the 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the mixed fresh herbs (basil and thyme).
  • Return the seared chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet, nestling pieces into the orzo mixture.
  • Bake the skillet uncovered in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the orzo is tender.
  • Remove from the oven and top the chicken and orzo with tzatziki sauce and additional basil if desired, then serve.

Equipment

  • Large oven-safe skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Measuring Spoons and Cups
  • Spatula or tongs

Notes

  • Use either thighs or breasts according to preference.
  • Adjust chili flakes to your heat preference.
  • Use low-sodium broth to control salt level.
  • Toast the orzo briefly for better flavor.