One-Pan Butternut Squash & Chicken Thighs with Orzo
This One-Pan Butternut Squash & Chicken Thighs with Orzo is a comforting flavorful and hearty meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of juicy chicken thighs tender roasted butternut squash and perfectly cooked orzo makes this dish both satisfying and easy to prepare. With everything cooked in one pan cleanup is a breeze. Plus the warm spices and herbs bring out the best in the ingredients making each bite rich and delicious.
Total Time
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Squash
4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
2 cups butternut squash peeled and diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Orzo
1 tablespoon butter
1 small onion finely chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
1 cup orzo
2 cups chicken broth
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For Garnish
¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
Step 1 Prep & Sear the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C)
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt pepper smoked paprika garlic powder thyme and cinnamon
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil
Sear the chicken thighs skin side down for 4–5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside
Step 2 Roast the Squash
In the same pan add the diced butternut squash. Cook for 3–4 minutes stirring occasionally until lightly browned
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 10 minutes while you prepare the orzo
Step 3 Cook the Orzo
Remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the squash to a plate
On the stovetop reduce heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet
Add the chopped onion and cook until softened (about 3 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds
Add the orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes stirring frequently
Pour in the chicken broth salt black pepper oregano and red pepper flakes. Stir well
Step 4 Combine & Bake
Nestle the roasted butternut squash and seared chicken thighs on top of the orzo mixture
Cover the skillet with foil or a lid and bake for 20 minutes
Remove the cover and bake for another 5 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)
Step 5 Serve & Garnish
Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes
Sprinkle with grated Parmesan fresh parsley and lemon zest for extra flavor
Serve warm and enjoy
Tips for Success
Use bone-in skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness
Sear the chicken first to get crispy golden skin before baking
Dice the butternut squash evenly to ensure even cooking
Toasting the orzo before adding the broth enhances its nutty flavor
For extra richness stir in a tablespoon of butter or a splash of cream before serving
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Calories ~480
Protein 30g
Carbohydrates 45g
Fat 20g
Saturated Fat 6g
Fiber 4g
Sugar 4g
Sodium 650mg
Conclusion
This One-Pan Butternut Squash & Chicken Thighs with Orzo is the perfect meal when you want something easy yet impressive. It delivers deep comforting flavors with minimal effort and the combination of roasted squash juicy chicken and creamy orzo is simply irresistible. Plus it is a one-pan dish so you will not be stuck with a pile of dishes afterward. Make it for a cozy dinner and enjoy every bite