Effortless One Pot Chicken Orzo Recipe: Cozy Dinner Magic

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions that don’t skimp on flavor, and this one pot chicken orzo recipe delivers exactly what busy home cooks need.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly among soft, pillowy orzo pasta, creating a comforting meal that comes together effortlessly.

The magic happens with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction, blending Mediterranean-inspired ingredients into a single skillet.

Aromatic herbs and simple seasonings elevate each bite, making this dish a weeknight winner.

Protein-packed and supremely satisfying, the recipe transforms basic ingredients into something truly special.

Each forkful promises warmth, comfort, and a delightful culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Chicken Orzo That’s Full of Comfort

• Simplify Kitchen Cleanup: Cook everything in a single pot, minimizing dishes and making post-meal cleanup a breeze with this streamlined recipe.
• Boost Nutrition Quickly: Packed with protein from chicken, vibrant spinach, and hearty orzo, this dish delivers a balanced meal loaded with essential nutrients in one satisfying serving.
• Master One-Pot Cooking: Beginner cooks can confidently prepare this recipe with straightforward steps, requiring minimal cooking skills and producing delicious results every single time.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like chicken for tofu, change herbs, or add different vegetables to personalize the dish according to your taste preferences and dietary needs.

One Pot Chicken Orzo Ingredients List

• Chicken: A lean protein that adds heartiness and flavor to the one-pot meal.

• Orzo: A small, rice-shaped pasta that creates a creamy and comforting base for the dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide a foundational flavor profile that enhances the overall taste of the recipe.
• Spinach: A nutrient-rich green that adds freshness and color to the dish.
• Diced Tomatoes: Contribute moisture and a slightly tangy flavor to the one-pot meal.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Oregano, Basil: Classic Mediterranean herbs that add depth and aroma to the chicken orzo.

• Chicken Broth: Creates the cooking liquid that helps cook the orzo and infuse flavors.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a rich, smooth base to the cooking process.

• Parmesan Cheese: A sharp, salty cheese that provides a finishing touch and extra layer of flavor.

Making Chicken Orzo in One Pot

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.

Add chicken seasoned with salt and pepper, cooking until it develops a beautiful golden-brown exterior.

Transfer the cooked chicken to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic until they release their fragrant and enticing aroma, creating a delicious base for the dish.

Step 3: Toast the Orzo

Add orzo to the pot and gently toast for 1-2 minutes, which will enhance its nutty flavor and give it a slightly golden color.

Step 4: Build the Liquid Foundation

• Chicken broth
• Diced tomatoes
• Oregano
• Basil

Bring the mixture to a boil, creating a flavorful cooking liquid for the orzo.

Step 5: Simmer and Combine

Reduce heat to a gentle simmer.

Return the chicken to the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes.

This allows the orzo to become perfectly tender and the chicken to finish cooking completely.

Step 6: Add Fresh Greens

Stir in spinach and let it wilt into the dish.

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed to balance the flavors.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the one-pot chicken orzo and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Serve warm and savor the delightful combination of flavors.

Tips for Creamy Chicken Orzo

• Opt for ripe tomatoes and fresh herbs to boost the flavor profile of this one-pot wonder.
• Watch orzo closely while cooking, adding extra broth if it seems too dry to prevent sticking and ensure perfect texture.
• Easily substitute chicken with turkey, shrimp, or tofu for different dietary preferences without changing core cooking method.
• Chop vegetables and measure ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and reduce overall kitchen time.
• Store remaining dish in airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating with a splash of broth to maintain moisture and prevent orzo from drying out.

Chicken Orzo Variations for Variety

• Mediterranean Seafood Variation: Replace chicken with shrimp or white fish, use lemon zest instead of herbs, and add kalamata olives for authentic Mediterranean flavor.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, use vegetable broth, and increase spinach or add roasted vegetables for extra nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use quinoa or rice instead of orzo, ensuring all other ingredients remain the same for a celiac-friendly meal.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace orzo with cauliflower rice, use lean turkey instead of chicken, and maintain the original herb and vegetable seasoning for a lighter version.

Chicken Orzo Serving Inspiration

• Greek Salad Companion: Top the orzo with crumbled feta cheese, sliced Kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of fresh dill for a Mediterranean twist.
• Fresh Herb Finishing Touch: Chop some fresh parsley or basil right before serving to add bright, zesty flavors and a pop of green color to the dish.
• Lemony Brightness Boost: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the plated orzo to enhance the overall flavor profile and add a tangy, refreshing element.
• Crusty Bread Pairing: Serve alongside warm garlic bread or a rustic ciabatta to soak up the delicious sauce and complete the meal.

Best Storage for Chicken Orzo Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour leftovers into skillet. Add splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, you can substitute orzo with other small pasta like small shells or risoni. Just adjust cooking time to match the specific pasta’s instructions.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This one-pot chicken orzo dish reheats well and stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It’s perfect for preparing ahead of time for quick weeknight meals.

• Can I make this recipe without chicken?

Definitely! You can replace chicken with chickpeas, tofu, or simply make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth and adding more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.

One Pot Chicken Orzo Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent One Pot Chicken Orzo brings Mediterranean comfort straight to kitchen tables with minimal cleanup. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a delightful meal you can savor without complicated cooking steps.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound chicken thighs or breasts, cubed

Pasta and Base Ingredients:

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup diced tomatoes

Herbs, Seasonings, and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 cup spinach (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat (375°F), creating a golden cooking surface.
2. Introduce seasoned chicken pieces, searing until exterior develops a rich, caramelized texture, then transfer to a holding plate.
3. In the identical cooking vessel, gently sweat diced onions and minced garlic until aromatic and translucent, approximately 2-3 minutes.
4. Scatter orzo across the pan, lightly toasting kernels to enhance nutty undertones, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes.
5. Pour chicken broth and diced tomatoes into the skillet, incorporating dried oregano and fresh basil; elevate heat to trigger boiling.
6. Reduce temperature to low simmer, reintroduce seared chicken, and allow mixture to gently bubble for 10-12 minutes until orzo reaches al dente consistency and chicken cooks completely.
7. Fold fresh spinach into the hot mixture, permitting leaves to delicately wilt and integrate flavors; taste and calibrate seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
8. Transfer to serving dishes, crowning with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a luxurious finish.

Notes

• Maximize chicken flavor by patting it dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown crust.
• Choose quick-cooking orzo to reduce overall preparation time and maintain ideal pasta texture.
• Customize the dish for dietary needs by swapping chicken with tofu or using gluten-free orzo for a versatile meal.
• Control liquid consistency by adding broth gradually, allowing you to achieve the perfect creamy or slightly saucy texture desired.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg