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Pollo Loco-Inspired Chicken Thigh Orzo Skillet: Your New Favorite Healthy Dinner

This one-skillet chicken thigh orzo recipe brings the bold flavors of Pollo Loco to your kitchen in a healthier, simplified version that cooks in under 30 minutes. Featuring juicy boneless skinless chicken thighs cooked with tender orzo pasta and colorful vegetables, it's a restaurant-quality meal with minimal cleanup.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 380
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Lime wedges for serving

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously with cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add orzo to the skillet and toast for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Pour in chicken broth and deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
  5. Return chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the orzo mixture. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes until orzo is tender and chicken is cooked through.
  6. Stir in cherry tomatoes and fresh cilantro. Let sit covered for 2 minutes. Serve hot with lime wedges for squeezing over top.

Notes

Don't skip searing the chicken for flavor depth; toast orzo before adding liquid to prevent mushiness; let dish rest covered before serving to meld flavors; adjust spice level with extra chili powder or jalapeños for more heat