Marry Me Chicken Orzo (Dumbed Down)

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190 °C) (190°C (375 °F)).

2. 2

   Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

3. 3

   Add the dry orzo, chicken broth, minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano, and 1/2 tsp salt to the baking dish.

4. 4

   Stir the mixture well and let it sit for 5 minutes.

   Start 5-minute timer
5. 5

   Nestle the whole chicken thighs on top of the orzo mixture.

6. 6

   Season the chicken thighs with additional salt and black pepper.

7. 7

   Scatter the cubed cream cheese around the dish. Do not stir it in yet.

8. 8

   Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.

   Start 25-minute timer
9. 9

   Remove the foil and stir the orzo around the chicken pieces.

10. 10

    Cover the dish again with foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74 °C).

    Start 20-minute timer
11. 11

    Remove from the oven and let the dish rest, covered, for 5 minutes.

    Start 5-minute timer
12. 12

    Stir everything together until the cream cheese fully melts and incorporates into a smooth sauce.

13. 13

    Add the fresh spinach and a small squeeze of lemon if desired; stir and let sit for 1–2 minutes until the spinach is wilted.

    Start 2-minute timer