My Marry Me Chicken & Orzo Bake combines tender, succulent chicken thighs with creamy orzo, bathed in a luscious sun-dried tomato and parmesan sauce – a dish so irresistibly flavorful, it might just have you down on one knee proposing to the chef!
There’s something magical about a dish that not only delights the palate but also has the potential to win hearts. My Marry Me Chicken & Orzo Bake is one of those dishes—a recipe so irresistible that it might just seal the deal, whether you’re cooking for a loved one, hosting a dinner party, or simply treating yourself to a comforting meal.
Imagine the scenario: it’s a chilly evening, and you’re looking for something that feels like a warm embrace in a bowl. You want to impress, but you also want something that’s straightforward to make, with flavors that are both familiar and elevated. This is where my Marry Me Chicken & Orzo Bake comes in, offering the perfect combination of simplicity and sophistication.
The star of this dish is tender, juicy chicken, cooked to perfection in a creamy, savory sauce that’s infused with herbs, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes. The sauce alone is enough to make you swoon, but when you add in the orzo—those tiny, delicate pasta pieces that absorb all the rich flavors—you’re left with a dish that’s truly unforgettable.
What sets this dish apart is its versatility. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s as easy to make as it is to love. You don’t need a special occasion to whip up this recipe, but it has that special-occasion feel, making it perfect for a romantic dinner or a cozy family gathering. The ingredients are simple and accessible, yet the result is a dish that tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen.
I’ve always believed that food should be more than just sustenance—it should be an experience. The Marry Me Chicken & Orzo Bake is exactly that. It’s a dish that invites you to slow down, savor each bite, and appreciate the moment. The way the orzo soaks up the creamy sauce, the burst of flavor from the sun-dried tomatoes, and the subtle hints of garlic and herbs all come together to create a meal that’s both comforting and indulgent.
But what I love most about this dish is how it brings people together. There’s something about a homemade meal that fosters connection, and this recipe is designed to do just that. Whether you’re making it for a loved one, sharing it with friends, or even enjoying it on your own, there’s a sense of warmth and togetherness that comes with every bite.
If you’re looking for a dish that’s sure to impress, whether it’s for a date night, a family dinner, or a weeknight treat, my Marry Me Chicken & Orzo Bake is the answer. It’s easy enough to make on a busy evening, but it has that wow factor that makes it feel like a special treat. And who knows—this might just become your go-to recipe for those moments when you want to show someone you care, one delicious bite at a time.
So, why not give it a try? Your taste buds (and your dinner guests) will thank you! This dish is comfort, love, and joy—all baked into one delectable meal.
Marry Me Chicken & Orzo Bake
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup Chicken stock
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup orzo
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes finely chopped
- 4 small bone in chicken thighs trimmed of fat and excess skin
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning or oregano divided
- 2 tsp chicken seasoning blend of choice
- 2 tsp paprika divided
- 2 tbsp olive oil divided
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all purpose flour for coating chicken
- 1 small shallot or onion finely diced
- 1 tbsp garlic minced or garlic paste
- ⅓ cup parmesan cheese finely grated
- Kosher salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup Fresh basil or parsley finely chopped
Instructions
- Heat oven 350 degrees
- In a bowl, drizzle chicken thighs with 1 tbsp of olive oil and season with kosher salt, black pepper, 1 tsp italian seasoning, 1 tsp chicken seasoning and 1 tsp paprika, ensuring seasoning is both on chicken skin & underneath
- To a plate, add flour and combine with 1 tsp italian seasoning, 1 tsp chicken seasoning, 1 tsp of paprika and salt and pepper to taste then dredge seasoned chicken in the seasoned flour to lightly coat
- To a hard bottom, oven safe skillet on medium heat, drizzle with olive oil and sear chicken thighs on each side for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown
- Remove chicken thighs from skillet and set aside
- To the same skillet, add butter, shallots, garlic along with sundried tomatoes and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute
- Once fragrant, add orzo and continue to stir for another thirty seconds adding salt and pepper to taste as desired
- Next, the pan add Kitchen Basics chicken stock and bring to a simmer using a wooden spoon to scrape the brown bits off the bottom of the pan
- Once the chicken stock begins to simmer, add heavy cream along with parmesan cheese and fresh parsley or basil and stir to combine
- Next, add chicken thighs back on top of orzo mixture in an even layer and turn off heat
- Transfer the pan in the oven and cook on the top rack uncovered for 45 minutes or until chicken thighs are cooked through and liquid has evaporated from orzo
- Remove from the oven and cool for 5 minutes before serving
- Garnish with additional parsley or basil and additional parmesan cheese as desired
