Name: Ginger Chili Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 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; 1.5 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 teaspoon fish sauce; 1.5 cup orzo; 3 cups chicken stock; 2 tablespoons chili oil; 2 tablespoons sweet chili jam; A handful of fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves

There’s something incredibly cozy about this Ginger Chili Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe that makes it a go-to dinner. It’s all about that zingy ginger teamed with a gentle chili kick, combined with tender chicken and creamy orzo, all cooked in one pan. Trust me, it’s magic on a plate.

A black pot with red handles on the edges holds a dish with two main layers: the bottom layer is light brown cooked orzo pasta mixed with green herbs and small black seeds, while the top layer has several golden brown cooked chicken pieces with some green herbs scattered between and on top. A golden spoon is partially digging into the orzo and chicken in the pot. In front of the pot, there is a white plate with a serving of the orzo and chicken on it, garnished with fresh green herbs. To the right side, a small white bowl contains a reddish sauce with visible spices floating in it. The dish and objects are placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Ginger Chili Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Ginger Chili Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Ginger Chili Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Ginger Chili Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite weeknight meals because it’s fast, full of flavor, and so satisfying without being heavy. Plus, you only need one pan—which means less cleanup and more time to relax.

One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks together, so flavors meld beautifully and cleanup is a breeze.
Bold Flavors: The ginger and chili give it a bright, spicy tang that’s balanced perfectly with sweet chili jam and soy sauce.
Comfort in Every Bite: The orzo becomes tender and saucy, wrapping you in warmth with every forkful.
Versatile and Adaptable: Easy to customize with your favorite heat level or fresh herbs to suit your taste.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building those gorgeous layers of flavor. When picking ingredients, aim for freshness and quality—especially your chicken and aromatics—to get the best result.

Flat lay of skinless, boneless free-range chicken thighs, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse salt, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, whole uncracked brown eggs (not used in recipe but omitted), six fresh scallions with white and green parts separated, a small piece of fresh ginger root, four whole garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of red chili flakes, a small white ceramic bowl of dark soy sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of clear fish sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of uncooked orzo pasta, a small white ceramic bowl of clear chicken stock, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red chili oil, a small white ceramic bowl of glossy sweet chili jam, and a handful of fresh cilantro leaves placed on a simple white ceramic plate, all arranged with perfect symmetry and realistic proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken thighs: They stay tender and juicy, plus they get beautifully caramelized when cooked well.
Salt: Simple but essential—it seasons the chicken right at the start.
Olive oil: Provides the perfect base for frying without overpowering the flavors.
Scallions: Using both white and green parts adds a mild onion flavor and fresh pop of color at the end.
Ginger: The star of the show for that fresh, spicy warmth; fresh grated is best, but paste works too.
Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and a touch of sweetness when sautéed.
Chili flakes: Brings the heat—adjust to your liking!
Soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness, balancing the dish beautifully.
Fish sauce: Just a little punch of savory depth without tasting fishy.
Orzo: It cooks up creamy and tender, acting as a great vehicle for all those flavors.
Chicken stock: Helps cook the orzo and infuses it with rich, savory flavor.
Chili oil: A finishing drizzle that adds shiny heat and a kick.
Sweet chili jam: For subtle sweetness and sticky glaze to round out the spice.
Cilantro leaves: Fresh and bright, they add that final, fragrant pop.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Ginger Chili Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe depending on my mood or what’s in season. Don’t be shy about making it your own—swap out the chili flakes for fresh chilies if you want more heat, or toss in more herbs for brightness.

Variation: Once, I swapped out chicken thighs for turkey and it still worked beautifully—great if you want a leaner protein.
Dietary tip: To keep it gluten-free, substitute orzo with quinoa and adjust cooking time.
Seasonal twist: Add a handful of fresh peas or diced bell peppers in spring and summer for extra veggies and color.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Ginger Chili Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe

A black pan contains a mound of light yellow orzo pasta in the center, surrounded by green chopped spring onions and small bits of sautéed garlic and spices. A wooden spatula with a smooth texture rests on the right side of the pan, slightly touching the orzo and green onions. The background surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

First up, toss the chicken thighs with salt in a bowl to season well. Get your pan screaming hot on high heat, then add olive oil. Lay the chicken in carefully—you want that sizzle! Cook for about 5 minutes each side. Don’t rush this step; those beautiful charred bits add so much flavor. Once done, take the chicken out and keep it warm by covering the pan loosely while you move on.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Lower the heat to medium and add the white parts of your scallions, grated ginger, crushed garlic, and chili flakes to the hot pan juices. Stir for 2 minutes until fragrant. This is where the dish really wakes up with those pungent, spicy aromas.

Step 3: Toast the Orzo and Add Liquids

Next, stir in the orzo and cook it with the aromatics for about a minute—this toasting step adds nuttiness. Pour in the chicken stock, soy sauce, and fish sauce. Give everything a good stir, then bring to a gentle simmer. This liquid will cook the orzo until tender and soak up that incredible flavor.

Step 4: Simmer Until Just Right

Turn the heat down to low and simmer, stirring every few minutes to stop any sticking, for around 10 minutes. You want the orzo al dente—cooked but still with a little bite—and a thick, luscious sauce clinging to every grain. Patience here really pays off.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Nestle your golden chicken thighs back into the orzo pan. Drizzle over chili oil and sweet chili jam, giving a final stir just to combine those sticky, spicy layers. Sprinkle the reserved green scallion parts and fresh cilantro leaves all over—it gives a burst of color and freshness that ties everything together.

Top Tip

When I first made this Ginger Chili Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe, I rushed the chicken step and missed out on that gorgeously caramelized flavor. Taking the time to develop that crust makes all the difference, and here are my best tips:

Hot Pan, No Crowding: Make sure your pan is hot before adding chicken and don’t overcrowd it or the meat will steam instead of sear.
Pat Dry: Before cooking, pat chicken dry with paper towels—this helps it brown beautifully.
Keep It Moving: Stir orzo gently but regularly while cooking so it doesn’t stick and burn on the bottom.
Adjust Heat: Lower the heat once simmering starts to avoid the liquid boiling off too fast and the orzo undercooking.

How to Serve Ginger Chili Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe

Ginger Chili Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of garnishing this skillet with fresh cilantro leaves and those bright green parts of scallions—their freshness cuts through the richness perfectly. Sometimes, I squeeze a little lime on top for an extra zing.

Side Dishes

This skillet is so satisfying on its own, but I love pairing it with a simple cucumber salad for crunch and coolness. Steamed or roasted green beans or broccoli are also excellent if you want to add some greens without complicating things.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this dish in mini cast-iron skillets right at the table—it makes for a cozy, rustic presentation. If you’re entertaining, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top for an added texture and flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it tastes even better the next day!

Freezing

I’ve frozen portions of this recipe before, and while the orzo softens slightly after thawing, it still reheats nicely. Just cool completely, pack into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to a month.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or stock to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too—just cover loosely and stir halfway through to heat evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this Ginger Chili Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe?

Yes! You can substitute chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but be mindful that breasts cook faster and can dry out if overcooked. Keep a close eye and reduce the searing time to about 3-4 minutes per side.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Absolutely! Swap the chicken for firm tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. You can also add lots of veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach to keep it hearty and flavorful.

How spicy is this recipe, and can I adjust the heat level?

This Ginger Chili Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe has a moderate heat level thanks to the chili flakes and chili oil. If you prefer it milder, simply reduce or omit the chili flakes and chili oil. For more heat, add fresh chopped chilies or extra chili flakes.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead and pack it into meal prep containers. Just store it in the fridge and reheat thoroughly before eating. It holds up well as leftovers and is delicious the next day.

Final Thoughts

This Ginger Chili Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe holds a little special spot in my recipe rotation. It’s reliable, quick, and packed with so much flavor it feels like a treat every time. I can’t recommend it enough if you want a fuss-free, delicious meal that pleases the whole family with minimal mess. Give it a go—you won’t regret it!