Description
A flavorful one pot ginger chili chicken orzo recipe combining tender chicken thighs with aromatic ginger, garlic, scallions, and a spicy chili kick. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal packed with Asian-inspired flavors, finished with chili oil and sweet chili jam for a delightful balance of heat and sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 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 Liquids
- 1.5 cups orzo
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 1.5 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
Finishing Touches
- 2 tablespoons chili oil
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili jam
- A handful of fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves
Instructions
- Prepare and Cook 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 super charred and golden. Remove from the pan and keep covered and warm.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the white parts of the sliced scallions, grated ginger, crushed garlic, and chili flakes to the chicken juices in the pan. Stir and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Orzo and Liquids: Stir in 1.5 cups of orzo and cook for 1 minute. Add 3 cups of chicken stock, 1.5 tablespoons soy sauce, and 1/2 tablespoon fish sauce. Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer Orzo: Lower the heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for about 10 minutes or until the orzo is al dente and the liquid has thickened to a lovely sauce.
- Combine and Finish: Nestle the cooked chicken thighs back into the orzo. Drizzle over 2 tablespoons of chili oil and 2 tablespoons of sweet chili jam. Sprinkle the reserved scallion greens and fresh cilantro leaves over the top. Serve immediately.
Notes
- This recipe is designed for quick, one-pot cooking to reduce cleanup.
- Use free-range chicken thighs for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust chili flakes and chili oil to your preferred spiciness level.
- Fresh cilantro adds brightness, but parsley can be a substitute if unavailable.
- Ensure frequent stirring during the orzo cooking to prevent sticking and burning.
- Sweet chili jam adds a perfect balance of sweetness and spice; substitute with honey and a touch of hot sauce if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 493 calories
- 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
