Description
A flavorful one pot ginger chili chicken orzo recipe that combines tender chicken thighs with fragrant ginger, garlic, chili flakes, and Asian-inspired sauces. Cooked all together in one pan, this dish is quick, easy, and perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal loaded with spice and warmth.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb chicken thighs (skinless, boneless, free-range)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 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 Sauce
- 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 Chicken: Toss the chicken thighs with 1 teaspoon of salt in a small bowl. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large, high-sided pan over high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook for 5 minutes on each side until deeply charred and golden. Remove from the pan and keep covered and warm.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add the white parts of sliced scallions, grated ginger, crushed garlic, and chili flakes to the pan with the chicken juices. Stir and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook Orzo: Add 1.5 cups of orzo and stir for 1 minute. Pour in 3 cups chicken stock, 1.5 tablespoons soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon fish sauce. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer: Lower heat to low and cook the orzo, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for about 10 minutes until al dente and the sauce thickens.
- Combine and Finish: Nestle the cooked chicken thighs back into the orzo. Drizzle 2 tablespoons chili oil and 2 tablespoons sweet chili jam over the top. Scatter the reserved green scallion parts and fresh cilantro leaves. Divide between plates and serve immediately.
Notes
- This recipe is designed as a one pot meal for easy clean-up and quick prep.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts but cooking time might be shorter.
- Adjust chili flakes and chili oil to your preferred spice level.
- If you don’t have sweet chili jam, a mix of honey and chili sauce can work as a substitute.
- Use gluten-free orzo or pasta to make this recipe gluten free if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 493 kcal
- Sugar: 5.3 g
- Sodium: 1284 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
