Description
A flavorful one-pot Ginger Chilli Chicken Orzo recipe featuring tender chicken thighs, spicy chili flakes, sweet chili jam, and aromatic ginger cooked together with orzo pasta for an easy and satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 lb chicken thighs, skinless, boneless, free-range
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 scallions (spring onions), sliced finely, white and green parts separated
- 1 inch piece of ginger, grated or ginger paste
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
Orzo and Sauces
- 1.5 cups orzo
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 1.5 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili oil
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili jam
Garnish
- A handful of fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves
Instructions
- Prepare and Cook Chicken: Toss the chicken thighs with 1 teaspoon salt. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large, high-sided pan over high heat. Add chicken thighs and cook for 5 minutes on each side until deeply charred and golden. Remove chicken and keep covered and warm.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add the white parts of scallions, grated ginger, crushed garlic, and chili flakes to the pan with the reserved chicken juices. Stir and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Orzo: Add 1.5 cups of orzo to the pan, stirring for 1 minute to toast slightly and coat with the aromatic mixture.
- Add Liquids and Sauces: Pour in 3 cups of chicken stock, 1.5 tablespoons soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon fish sauce. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Simmer Orzo: Lower the heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for about 10 minutes until orzo is al dente and the sauce thickens.
- Combine and Finish: Nestle the cooked chicken thighs back into the orzo. Drizzle over 2 tablespoons chili oil and 2 tablespoons sweet chili jam. Scatter over the reserved green scallion parts and fresh cilantro leaves.
- Serve: Divide the mixture between plates or bowls and serve immediately.
Notes
- This 30-minute one-pot meal simplifies cleanup and packs bold Asian-style flavors everyone will enjoy.
- Use free-range, skinless, boneless chicken thighs for tender, juicy results.
- Adjust chili flakes and chili oil to your preferred spice level.
- Orzo should be cooked until al dente for best texture, not mushy.
- Fresh cilantro and scallions add brightness and freshness as a finishing touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 493 kcal
- Sugar: 5.3 g
- Sodium: 1283.6 mg
- Fat: 18.7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43.9 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36.1 g
- Cholesterol: 122.9 mg
