Description
Succulent roasted herb butter chicken mingles with golden orzo in this Mediterranean-inspired culinary delight. Delicate herbs and rich butter elevate simple ingredients, creating a comforting meal you’ll savor with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 parmesan rind
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
- 1 teaspoon yellow curry powder
- 6 tablespoons salted butter
Vegetables and Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 yellow onion (chopped)
- 2 shallots (halved)
- 2 ribs celery (chopped)
- 4 carrots (chopped)
- 1 head garlic
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup white wine or apple cider
- 4–5 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3/4 cup dry orzo
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F, ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even roasting.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent and aromatic, approximately 5 minutes.
- Shift onions to the side of the skillet and introduce chicken. Dust with curry powder, then generously season with salt and pepper.
- Incorporate butter, shallots, celery, carrots, thyme, and sage into the skillet. Season again with salt and pepper, and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
- Pour apple cider, chicken broth, and lemon juice into the skillet. Add whole garlic cloves and parmesan rind for enhanced flavor complexity.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast uncovered for 15 minutes, ensuring chicken reaches full internal doneness.
- Remove skillet from oven and stir in additional broth and orzo. Return to oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until orzo reaches perfect al dente texture.
- Plate the roasted chicken atop the creamy orzo and fragrant broth. Garnish with freshly grated parmesan and delicate herb sprigs like thyme or parsley.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety, using a meat thermometer to check.
- Select bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for extra flavor and moisture, which prevents drying during roasting.
- Swap orzo with quinoa or cauliflower rice for gluten-free or low-carb alternatives that maintain similar texture and cooking method.
- Fresh herbs make a significant difference in taste compared to dried herbs, so use fresh thyme and sage when possible for brighter, more vibrant flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 370 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg