Description
A vibrant and flavorful one pot ginger chili chicken orzo recipe that combines tender chicken thighs with fragrant ginger, garlic, chili, and fresh scallions. This easy-to-make dish features Asian-inspired seasonings like soy sauce, fish sauce, and chili oil, delivering a satisfying and colorful meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 lb chicken thighs (skinless, boneless, free-range)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Aromatics and Seasonings
- 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
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cup orzo
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons chili oil
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili jam
- A handful of fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Toss the chicken thighs with 1 teaspoon of salt in a small bowl. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, high-sided pan over high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook for 5 minutes on each side until they are deeply charred and golden. Remove the chicken from the pan and keep warm, covered.
- Sauté aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the white parts of the sliced scallions, grated ginger, crushed garlic, and chili flakes to the pan. Stir through the reserved chicken cooking juices and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add orzo and liquids: Stir in 1.5 cups of orzo and cook for 1 minute, coating the pasta in the aromatic mixture. Add 3 cups of chicken stock, 1.5 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 1/2 tablespoon of fish sauce. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the orzo: Reduce heat to low and simmer gently, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for about 10 minutes or until the orzo is al dente and the sauce has thickened nicely.
- Combine and finish: Nestle the cooked chicken thighs back into the orzo. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of chili oil and 2 tablespoons of sweet chili jam over the top. Scatter the reserved green scallion parts and fresh cilantro leaves. Serve immediately, dividing between plates.
Notes
- This recipe is a quick and flavorful weeknight meal made entirely in one pot for easy cleanup.
- Use skinless, boneless chicken thighs for tender, juicy meat that chars well.
- Adjust the chili flakes and chili oil amount to fit your preferred spice level.
- Fresh cilantro adds a bright finish but can be omitted or substituted with parsley if unavailable.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute orzo with a gluten-free pasta or rice.
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
