Description

Craving something rich, comforting, and made in just one pan? This One-Skillet Creamy Chicken with Gruyere & Orzo brings together golden seared chicken, velvety Gruyere cheese, and tender orzo pasta—all cooked together with savory mushrooms and thyme. Perfect for an easy dinner, fall comfort food, or elegant weeknight meals, this recipe balances bold flavors with creamy texture, all while keeping cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re hunting for easy dinner ideas, cozy food ideas, or a creamy one-pot chicken dinner, this dish checks every box.

Ingredients

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

1 teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

3 cloves garlic minced

1 small yellow onion finely chopped

8 oz cremini mushrooms sliced

1 cup orzo pasta

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth warmed

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

½ cup heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Gruyere cheese

Optional: ¼ cup dry white wine

Optional: Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish

Optional: Shaved Gruyere or parmesan

Instructions

1. Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken skin-side down for 4–5 minutes until golden, flip and cook another 2–3 minutes. Remove and set aside.

2. In the same skillet, sauté onions for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in mushrooms and let them brown for 4–5 minutes. Deglaze with white wine if using.

3. Add orzo to the pan and toast for 1 minute. Pour in the warmed broth and thyme, stir well. Nestle chicken thighs back into the pan, skin-side up.

4. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 12–15 minutes, until orzo is tender and chicken cooked through. Remove chicken briefly.

5. Stir in heavy cream and Gruyere cheese until melted and sauce is creamy. Simmer 2–3 minutes more to thicken.

6. Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, garnish with thyme and cheese if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Use freshly grated Gruyere for a smooth, velvety sauce—pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as well.

Let your cream and cheese come to room temperature before adding to avoid curdling.

For reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to restore the creamy texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with creamy orzo
Calories: 635
Sugar: 3
Sodium: 620
Fat: 38
Saturated Fat: 18
Unsaturated Fat: 17
Trans Fat: 0.3
Carbohydrates: 35
Fiber: 2
Protein: 39
Cholesterol: 175

Keywords: easy dinner, creamy chicken recipe, one-skillet meal, orzo recipes, chicken and mushrooms, gruyere pasta