I love a one-pan meal—simple, comforting, and full of flavor. This One-Pan Chicken Dinner with Orzo, Sun-dried Tomatoes, & Burrata hits all those marks.
One-pan recipes were a staple in my family for their ease and minimal cleanup, but this dish feels a touch more elevated. Crispy, golden chicken thighs, fragrant rosemary, and creamy burrata come together with toasted orzo and tangy sun-dried tomatoes to create a meal that’s both cozy and special enough for guests.
The contrast of textures is what makes this dinner memorable: nutty toasted orzo, bright sun-dried tomatoes, savory chicken broth, and a final flourish of melted burrata. It’s perfect for a weeknight but also lovely when paired with a simple salad and a glass of white wine.
Tips for Success
1️⃣ Crisp the Chicken: Start skin-side down to achieve deeply golden, crispy skin and extra flavor.
2️⃣ Toast the Orzo: Toasting adds a nutty depth and helps keep the orzo from turning mushy.
3️⃣ Deglaze the Pan: Use white wine or extra chicken broth to lift the browned bits from the bottom—this adds big flavor.
4️⃣ Serve Right Away: This is best enjoyed straight from the pan while the burrata is still creamy and warm.
One-Pan Chicken Dinner with Orzo
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), cut into strips
- ½ lb orzo
- ⅓ cup white wine (or chicken broth as a substitute)
- 3–3 ½ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmigiano
- 1 small burrata
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
- Mix rosemary, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and olive oil in a small bowl. Brush the seasoning evenly over both sides of the thighs.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the chicken skin-side down and sear until deeply golden and crispy, about 5–6 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Base
- In the same pan, add the shallot and garlic and sauté about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and orzo, toasting the orzo for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pan
- Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits.
- Add the chicken broth and stir to combine.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken & Orzo
- Return the chicken to the pan, nestling the pieces into the orzo mixture along with any juices.
- Reduce heat to medium and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5–12 minutes until the orzo is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Finish with Cheese
- Stir in the grated Parmigiano until incorporated.
- Top with torn pieces of burrata and fresh basil. Let the burrata soften and warm for 1–2 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a peppery arugula salad and a chilled glass of white wine for a balanced meal. For a relaxed, cozy atmosphere, play soft Italian music and serve straight from the pan.
One-Pan Chicken Dinner with Orzo
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, in oil, cut into strips
- ½ lb orzo
- ⅓ cup white wine, or chicken broth as a substitute
- 3 –3 ½ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmigiano
- 1 small burrata
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
-
Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel.
-
Combine rosemary, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and olive oil; brush over the chicken.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
-
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
-
Sear the chicken skin-side down until golden and crispy, about 5–6 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Base
-
Sauté shallot and garlic for about 1 minute.
-
Add sun-dried tomatoes and orzo, toasting the orzo until lightly golden.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pan
-
Pour in white wine or chicken broth and scrape up browned bits.
-
Add the remaining chicken broth and stir to combine.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken & Orzo
-
Return the chicken to the pan and nestle into the orzo.
-
Reduce heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Finish with Cheese
-
Stir in grated Parmigiano.
-
Top with burrata and basil; let the burrata warm for 1–2 minutes.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Tried It? Let Me Know!
I’d love to see your versions of this cozy one-pan meal. Tag me on Instagram and leave a comment below. Buon appetito! ❤️
Bonus: Why Burrata Is the Perfect Finish
Burrata lifts the dish from delicious to memorable. Its creamy center pairs perfectly with crispy chicken and tender orzo, giving each bite a rich, satisfying contrast. Serve immediately after adding the burrata for the best experience.