Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One Pot Chicken Orzo is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy, tender chicken is cooked together with creamy, perfectly seasoned orzo, making it a satisfying meal with minimal cleanup. Packed with fresh herbs, vegetables, and a hint of lemon, this recipe is both nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cubed)
- Olive oil
- Onion (diced)
- Garlic (minced)
- Orzo pasta
- Chicken broth
- Cherry tomatoes (halved)
- Baby spinach
- Lemon juice
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Fresh basil or parsley (chopped)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium heat.
- Season the chicken with salt and black pepper, then add it to the skillet. Cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté the diced onion until translucent, then add the garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in the orzo pasta and toast it lightly for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add the cherry tomatoes and cooked chicken back into the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Stir in the baby spinach, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs.
- Season with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and herbs.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Creamy Option: Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese for extra richness.
- Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth with added mushrooms or chickpeas.
- Herb Blend: Experiment with thyme, oregano, or dill for different flavor profiles.
- Cheesy Delight: Use feta instead of Parmesan for a tangy twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to maintain creaminess. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Add it after the orzo has cooked to prevent it from drying out.
What type of orzo should I use?
Regular or whole wheat orzo both work well. Adjust cooking time as needed.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well. Store in the fridge and reheat with a bit of broth to refresh the texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free orzo to make it gluten-free.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Zucchini, bell peppers, or peas make great additions.
How do I prevent the orzo from becoming mushy?
Stir occasionally while cooking and avoid overcooking. Remove from heat as soon as the orzo is tender.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.
What sides go well with chicken orzo?
A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables complement this dish well.
Can I use other proteins?
Yes, shrimp, turkey, or sausage work well as substitutes for chicken.
How do I make the dish creamier?
Add more Parmesan, a splash of cream, or stir in mascarpone cheese before serving.
Conclusion
One Pot Chicken Orzo is a quick, delicious, and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With juicy chicken, creamy orzo, and fresh vegetables, it’s a wholesome dish that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. Customize it with your favorite add-ins and savor a hearty, flavorful dinner with minimal cleanup!
PrintOne Pot Chicken Orzo
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Description
This One Pot Chicken Orzo is a comforting, hearty meal packed with tender chicken, creamy orzo, fresh vegetables, and savory herbs—all cooked together in one pan for easy cleanup. The orzo absorbs all the rich flavors, making every bite creamy and delicious. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup orzo pasta (uncooked)
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 cup fresh spinach or kale, chopped (optional)
Juice of 1/2 lemon (for brightness)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sear the chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme.
- Add the chicken to the pan and cook until browned on all sides (about 5–6 minutes). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside (it will finish cooking later).
- Sauté the aromatics:
- In the same pan, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent (about 3 minutes).
- Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the orzo:
- Stir in the uncooked orzo, allowing it to toast slightly for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Combine everything:
- Return the chicken to the pan, along with any juices.
- Add the cherry tomatoes (if using).
- Cover and simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Finish the dish:
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach.
- Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the sauce is creamy.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
- Serve warm with crusty bread or a fresh salad on the side.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use milk instead of cream or skip the cream entirely for a broth-based dish.
- Add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra veggies.
- Swap chicken for shrimp or keep it vegetarian with chickpeas and extra greens.
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