Description
How to make one pan sweet honey garlic parmesan chicken orzo with tender chicken, creamy pasta that’s ready in 30 minutes for perfect weeknight comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Base
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
Flavor Builders
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Creamy Elements
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
Seasonings & Garnish
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry and season generously with salt and pepper. This helps create a golden crust when browning and ensures flavorful chicken throughout.
- Brown Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Don’t overcrowd the pan for best browning.
- Build Sauce: Add butter and minced garlic to the pan. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir in honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and oregano until combined.
- Add Orzo: Pour in chicken broth and add uncooked orzo. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 12-15 minutes until orzo is tender.
- Create Creaminess: Stir in heavy cream and softened cream cheese until smooth. The cream cheese might look lumpy at first but will melt completely with gentle stirring.
- Finish Strong: Remove from heat and fold in Parmesan cheese until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving immediately.
Notes
- Don’t skip browning the chicken as it creates essential flavor depth.
- Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days in refrigerator.
- Substitute chicken breasts for thighs but reduce cooking time slightly.
- Add splash of broth when reheating to restore creamy consistency.
- Fresh Parmesan melts better than pre-grated for smoothest sauce.
- Let dish rest 2-3 minutes before serving for perfect sauce thickness.
Allergy Information: Dairy, Gluten
Nutrition
- Calories: 485 calories
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 35g