Add your chicken to a plate and pat dry with a paper towel. Season with paprika, salt, garlic powder and pepper. Rub to evenly coat the chicken.
Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven with a lid over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 3 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. It does not need to be cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Then add butter, onion, and garlic. Stir until fragrant, 1-2 minutes.
Add orzo and stir continuously for about 1 minute.
Add the chicken broth and lemon juice. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low and stir in the cream, salt and pepper.
Add chicken thighs back on top of the orzo, top with asparagus pieces (if using), cover with a lid and simmer for about 10 minutes or until orzo is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed.
Top with grated parmesan, fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon to serve.
