One Pot Chicken Orzo Recipe

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Introduction

One Pot Chicken Orzo is a simple, flavorful, and satisfying dish that brings together tender chicken, perfectly cooked orzo pasta, and a blend of herbs and spices—all made in one pot for easy cleanup! This hearty meal is quick to prepare and will leave your taste buds craving more. It’s the perfect combination of protein, pasta, and fresh ingredients, making it a great weeknight dinner or meal prep option.
The chicken is seared to golden perfection, then simmered alongside orzo, garlic, and fresh herbs, absorbing all the delicious flavors as it cooks. Whether you’re craving something comforting or a quick meal to prep for the week, this dish checks all the boxes—easy, nutritious, and packed with flavor. Plus, the one-pot nature makes cleanup a breeze, giving you more time to enjoy your meal and relax.
Perfect for busy nights when you want a satisfying dinner without the fuss, One Pot Chicken Orzo will quickly become a family favorite!

Perfect for:

  • Busy weeknights
  • Meal prep
  • Family dinners
  • Comfort food cravings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why One Pot Chicken Orzo is a must-try:

  • Easy to Make: Only one pot is needed, so it’s perfect for minimal cleanup after cooking.
  • Full of Flavor: The chicken, orzo, and spices come together for a comforting and savory meal.
  • Versatile: You can customize it with your favorite veggies, herbs, or seasonings.
  • Quick and Efficient: Cook everything in one pot in about 30 minutes!
  • Comforting: The combination of tender chicken, savory broth, and soft orzo creates a hearty and satisfying meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Iron

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Orzo:

  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Garnish (Optional):

  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
  • Lemon wedges

Ingredient Highlights

  • Orzo Pasta: A small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully.
  • Chicken: A lean protein that adds richness and heartiness to the dish.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides a savory base and enhances the flavor of the orzo.
  • Herbs and Spices: Oregano, basil, and paprika give this dish a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make One Pot Chicken Orzo:

Cook the Chicken:

  1. Heat the Pan: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Sauté the Aromatics:

  1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Cook the Orzo:

  1. Add the Orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the pasta to lightly toast in the pan.
  2. Add the Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, and add the dried oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Simmer and Cook:

  1. Combine Chicken and Orzo: Return the cooked chicken to the pan, stirring to mix everything together.
  2. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Serve:

  1. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

How to Serve

Here are some delicious ways to serve One Pot Chicken Orzo:

  • With a Side Salad: Pair with a simple side salad of mixed greens and a light vinaigrette for a fresh, well-rounded meal.
  • As a Main Dish: This dish is hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own.
  • With Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrition.
  • With Crusty Bread: Serve with warm crusty bread to soak up any remaining sauce in the skillet.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to ensure the perfect One Pot Chicken Orzo:

  • Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Orzo cooks quickly and can turn mushy if overcooked. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally.
  • Add Veggies: For added flavor and nutrition, toss in vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers toward the end of cooking.
  • Adjust the Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. Add more paprika for heat or lemon zest for extra freshness.
  • Use Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs will give the dish extra richness, though chicken breasts are also perfectly fine.

Recipe Variations

Try these variations to customize your One Pot Chicken Orzo:

  • Lemon Herb Chicken Orzo: Add fresh lemon juice, zest, and a mix of fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and oregano to the dish for a refreshing, zesty flavor.
  • Mediterranean Chicken Orzo: Incorporate Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, and fresh basil to give the dish a Mediterranean twist.
  • Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Orzo: Stir in heavy cream or cream cheese and Parmesan to make a rich and creamy sauce. Add roasted garlic for a deeper flavor.
  • Spicy Chicken Orzo: Spice things up by adding chili flakes, jalapeños, and smoked paprika. Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for cooling.
  • Chicken Orzo with Spinach and Artichokes: Add fresh spinach and canned or marinated artichoke hearts to the orzo for a veggie-packed version of the dish.
  • Cajun Chicken Orzo: Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, and toss in some bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes for a bold, Southern-style dish.
  • Pesto Chicken Orzo: Stir in a generous amount of basil pesto, roasted pine nuts, and Parmesan to create a flavorful Italian-style meal.
  • Chicken Orzo with Roasted Vegetables: Roast vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, and cherry tomatoes, then toss them with the chicken and orzo for a hearty, roasted version.
  • Chicken Orzo with Coconut and Curry: Add coconut milk and curry powder to the dish for a fragrant and exotic flavor profile. Top with cilantro for freshness.
  • Chicken Orzo with Mushrooms and Asparagus: Sauté mushrooms and asparagus with the chicken to add earthy, fresh flavors, and finish the dish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added depth.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen up the orzo.
  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little broth or water to help rehydrate the orzo and prevent it from drying out.

Special Equipment

Here are some tools that will help you make One Pot Chicken Orzo:

  • Dutch Oven – Great for even heat distribution and cooking everything in one pot.
  • Large Skillet – A big skillet works well for searing chicken and sautéing vegetables before adding the orzo.
  • Soup Pot – If you’re making a broth-based version, a large soup pot can be ideal for simmering everything together.
  • Lid – A tight-fitting lid helps retain moisture and heat when cooking the dish.
  • Wooden Spoon – Perfect for stirring, preventing the orzo from sticking and ensuring even cooking.
  • Tongs – For flipping or removing the chicken without disturbing the rest of the ingredients.
  • Measuring Cups & Spoons – To get the right proportions of broth, spices, and other ingredients.
  • Garlic Press – A handy tool for quickly mincing garlic if you’re using fresh garlic in the recipe.
  • Strainer – Useful if you need to rinse the orzo or other ingredients before cooking.
  • Thermometer – To ensure your chicken reaches the correct internal temperature, preventing undercooking.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use brown rice instead of orzo?
    Yes, but note that brown rice takes longer to cook than orzo. You’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  2. Can I use frozen chicken?
    It’s best to use fresh chicken for this recipe, but if using frozen, make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking to ensure even cooking.
  3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
    Yes, this dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat before serving.
  4. Can I add other spices or herbs?
    Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning.
  5. How can I make this dish more flavorful?
    Consider adding a splash of white wine or a tablespoon of Parmesan cheese to the broth for extra flavor depth.

Conclusion

One Pot Chicken Orzo is an easy, flavorful, and satisfying dish that will quickly become a favorite in your weekly meal rotation. With savory chicken, tender orzo, and minimal cleanup, this one-pot recipe is perfect for busy nights or meal prepping for the week.

Customize it with your favorite veggies, herbs, or seasonings, and enjoy a comforting, delicious meal in no time! Whether you’re cooking for the family or just yourself, One Pot Chicken Orzo delivers everything you need for a filling, flavorful meal with minimal effort.

Give it a try, and it’ll quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Don’t forget to snap a photo, share it on Instagram, and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creation!

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