Savory Sour Cream and Onion Chicken Thighs with Orzo Delight Recipe

Golden, crispy sour cream and onion chicken thighs dance with vibrant flavors in this irresistible orzo delight.

The tangy blend of creamy seasoning transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Tender chicken thighs get coated in a zesty sour cream and onion mixture that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, creating a meal that’s both comforting and exciting.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of creamy, savory notes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The orzo provides a delightful backdrop, soaking up all the delicious chicken juices.

This recipe offers a quick and delectable dinner solution that feels like a gourmet restaurant experience right in your kitchen.

Grab your apron and get ready to wow your dinner crowd with this sensational dish.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 5

Sour Cream Chicken & Orzo Ingredient List

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy, flavorful cut with crispy skin potential; choose bone-in, skin-on for maximum tenderness and rich taste.

• Onion Powder, Ranch Powder, Garlic Powder, Kosher Salt: Zesty seasoning mix that creates a tangy, robust flavor profile; select fresh, high-quality spices for maximum taste impact.

• Orzo, Chicken Broth, Butter, Sour Cream: Creamy base that transforms simple pasta into a luxurious side dish; opt for low-sodium broth to control overall saltiness.

• Green Onions, Black Pepper: Fresh, sharp notes that brighten the entire dish; select crisp, vibrant green onions with firm white bases.

Equipment for Making Creamy Chicken Orzo

• Cast Iron Skillet or Heavy-Bottomed Pot: Perfect for achieving crispy chicken skin and even heat distribution.
• Paper Towels: Essential for drying chicken and ensuring a crisp exterior.
• Shallow Bowl: Needed for mixing the sour cream and onion spice blend.
• Measuring Spoons: Precise for measuring spices and seasonings.
• Cooking Thermometer: Crucial for checking chicken's internal temperature.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring orzo and scraping pot bottom.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for chopping green onions and preparing ingredients.

Simple Steps to Cook Sour Cream Chicken Orzo

• Chicken Preparation

Remove chicken from refrigerator, pat dry, and let sit at room temperature to ensure crispy skin and even cooking.

• Flavor Profile

Create a zesty seasoning blend combining onion, ranch, and garlic powders for an irresistible coating.

• Searing Magic

Heat olive oil and cook chicken skin-side down until golden and crisp, developing deep flavor and texture.

• Orzo Symphony

Sauté green onion whites, toast orzo, and simmer in rich chicken broth until tender and creamy.

• Final Fusion

Stir sour cream into orzo, nestle chicken on top, and cook until chicken reaches perfect internal temperature. Sprinkle with fresh green onion tops for a vibrant finish.

Flavor Tips for Sour Cream and Onion Chicken

• Let chicken sit at room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking and crispy skin, helping to lock in those delicious flavors.
• Experiment with different dry seasoning mixes like BBQ powder, Italian herbs, or smoked paprika to create unique flavor profiles that complement the sour cream and onion base.
• Replace orzo with other grains like quinoa, rice, or couscous for a fun twist that keeps the dish exciting and adaptable to your pantry staples.
• Pat chicken skin completely dry and use a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan to achieve that irresistible golden-brown, crispy exterior that adds incredible texture.
• Prepare the spice blend and marinate chicken the night before to intensify flavors and save precious cooking time during busy weeknights.

How to Serve Chicken Orzo with Style

• Pair with Creamy Comfort: Serve this dish with a dollop of extra sour cream on the side, letting diners add a tangy swirl to their plate for an extra creamy kick.
• Veggie Fresh Boost: Toss a crisp green salad with cucumber and a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, savory flavors of the chicken and orzo.
• Wine Companion Pairing: Choose a crisp, chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio to complement the sour cream and onion notes, cutting through the dish's richness.
• Bread Sidekick Support: Add warm, crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up the delicious orzo sauce and complete the meal with a satisfying texture contrast.

Storing Chicken and Orzo Without Drying Out

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover chicken and orzo in airtight containers, separating chicken from the pasta to maintain crispy skin texture. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat with Care: Warm chicken gently in a skillet on low heat to prevent drying out. Add a splash of chicken broth to orzo when reheating to restore moisture and prevent sticking.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Frozen meals stay fresh for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Marinate chicken and prepare spice blend up to 24 hours in advance. Store seasoned chicken in a sealed container in the refrigerator to enhance flavor development and save cooking time.

Tangy Sour Cream And Onion Chicken Thighs With Orzo Delight Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Sour cream and onion chicken thighs with orzo delight merge creamy textures with zesty flavors for a comforting meal. Home cooks can elevate weeknight dinners with this simple yet sophisticated Greek-inspired dish that brings satisfying warmth to the table.

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Ingredients

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• 4 chicken thighs (skin-on, bone-in)
• ½ tbsps (7.5 ml) onion powder
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) ranch powder
• ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) garlic powder
• ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) kosher salt (plus more for other steps)
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) butter
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 large green onion (sliced thinly, separate white parts from dark green parts)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Remove chicken thighs from refrigerator, allowing them to air-dry and reach room temperature. Sprinkle kosher salt across surfaces to enhance skin crispiness.
2. Seasoning Blend: Combine onion powder, ranch powder, garlic powder, and kosher salt in a shallow dish, creating an aromatic spice mixture for both chicken and orzo.
3. Chicken Prep: Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. Season with salt and black pepper, then generously coat with the prepared spice blend.
4. Searing: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down, creating a golden, crisp exterior for approximately 5 minutes.
5. Orzo Base: In the same pot, melt butter and sauté chopped green onion whites until translucent. Add orzo, toasting until lightly golden, then pour in chicken broth and simmer until pasta becomes tender.
6. Creamy Fusion: Stir in remaining spice blend and sour cream, creating a rich, flavorful sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste and ensure even coating.
7. Final Cooking: Nestle seared chicken thighs skin-side up into the orzo mixture. Continue cooking until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160-165°F (71-74°C) and orzo absorbs the liquid completely.
8. Serving: Garnish with finely chopped green onion tops or chives, adding a fresh, vibrant finish to the creamy chicken and orzo dish.

Notes

• Optimize Chicken Temperature: Let chicken thighs rest at room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and achieve perfectly crispy skin.
• Maximize Skin Crispiness: Thoroughly pat chicken dry with paper towels and use generous salt to draw out moisture, creating a golden, crunchy exterior.
• Control Cooking Heat: Sear chicken at medium-high heat to develop a beautiful golden color without burning the skin or causing uneven cooking.
• Perfect Orzo Texture: Toast orzo briefly before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent a mushy consistency, ensuring a delightful al dente finish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg