I really do love this time of year. I forget just how nice it can be with all the fresh produce and longer days. It’s such a welcomed change from the short days of fall and winter. I’m soaking up every minute because before we know it, fall will be here. The only thing I do wish we had is a real garden full of fresh herbs, tomatoes, zucchini, and maybe even some peppers too. Living where we live, it takes a little too much tender loving care for us to have real growth. So we stuck to just herbs this year, which I do, of course, love. Still, I’m missing the real produce of summer! Of course, we do have Whole Foods to keep me stocked. They’ve had the prettiest zucchini and yellow summer squash this season. I picked up more than I really know what to do with, so this is me using it up! Some of the inspiration for this recipe came from an older meatball recipe of mine. This time, I went with this simple skillet chicken and orzo. It’s going to be a staple through September. The garlic butter really makes this special!
Here are the steps
Step 1: season and cook the chicken Toss the chicken with olive oil, Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, and honey. The Italian seasoning is the secret. It really adds so much flavor without having to add additional ingredients. Now get a big oven-safe skillet. Sear the chicken on either side until it’s lightly golden. Then, remove everything from the skillet.
Step 2: the orzo When the chicken is out of the skillet, add the butter and orzo. Then add the garlic and fresh herbs. I like to cook the orzo in the butter until it’s lightly toasted. Pour in some wine and water. Step 3: finish the dish Next, add the chicken right back to the skillet. Then take some mozzarella and arrange it around the chicken. Alrighty – and now you bake. This will take about 10-15 minutes in the oven. Step 4: the garlic butter (optional – uses one more skillet, but worth it!) While the chicken cooks, add butter to a skillet with additional Italian seasoning and thyme. If you want, add some extra garlic here too. Let the butter get to a light golden color. Serve the orzo and chicken with garlic butter and I love topping with fresh basil. YUM. This simple skillet dinner is such a crowd-pleaser. It comes out of the oven looking pretty but smelling and tasting even more delicious. I’m pretty sure you all will love this summer meal! Looking for other easy weeknight dinners? Here are some favorites. Easy Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Souvlaki and Potatoes Browned Garlic Butter Creamed Corn Cheese Ravioli One Skillet Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Bake One Skillet Lemon Butter Dijon Chicken and Orzo with Feta Sauce Lastly, if you make this Skillet Garlic Butter Chicken and Zucchini Orzo, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
