Flavorful Hearty One Pot Chicken Orzo Recipe for Cozy Dinners

When hunger strikes on a chilly evening, this one pot chicken orzo recipe delivers pure comfort in a single pan.

Packed with robust flavors and tender ingredients, the chicken orzo becomes a delightful meal that satisfies every craving.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet delicious solutions that don’t compromise on taste.

Each spoonful brings warmth and nourishment to the table.

The blend of juicy chicken and soft orzo creates a harmonious mix of textures and tastes.

Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor make this dish a winner for busy home cooks.

You’ll want to savor every bite of this soul-warming meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 4

One Pot Chicken Orzo Ingredient Essentials

• Chicken Pieces: Tender, juicy protein that serves as the star of the dish, choose fresh, boneless cuts for easy preparation and optimal flavor absorption.

• Olive Oil: Smooth, heart-healthy fat that helps create beautiful golden searing and adds a subtle Mediterranean essence, opt for extra virgin for richer taste.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika: Vibrant spice combination that transforms ordinary chicken into a flavor-packed centerpiece, select freshly ground spices for maximum aromatic intensity and depth of flavor.

Tools That Make This One-Pot Dinner a Weeknight Win

• Large skillet: Essential for searing chicken and cooking the entire dish in one pan.
• Measuring spoons: Perfect for accurately portioning salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
• Tongs: Helps flip and handle chicken pieces safely during cooking.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for preparing chicken and any additional ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Needed for cutting or trimming chicken pieces if necessary.

How to Make, Herby Chicken Orzo in One Pan

• Spice Up the Chicken

Rub the chicken pieces with a zesty blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to create a mouthwatering flavor profile that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Sizzle and Brown

Warm up a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat and lovingly sear the chicken until it turns a gorgeous golden brown, locking in all those incredible flavors. Cook thoroughly, then gently transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.

• Build the Base

Toss chopped onions and minced garlic into the same skillet, letting them soften and absorb all the delicious chicken drippings. Splash in some white wine or chicken broth to deglaze and scrape up those amazing browned bits.

• Create the Magic

Pour in orzo and let it toast slightly, then add chicken stock and return the cooked chicken to the pan. Cover and simmer until the orzo becomes creamy and tender, absorbing all the rich, savory liquid.

• Final Flourish

Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top, add a squeeze of lemon for brightness, and serve this comforting one-pot wonder directly from the skillet. Watch everyone’s eyes light up with the first delicious bite.

Variations Like Spinach, Peas, or Mushrooms to Try

• Protein Power-Up: Swap chicken for turkey, shrimp, or tofu to create versatile protein options that suit different dietary preferences.
• Veggie Boost: Add colorful bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking to increase nutritional value and create a more vibrant dish.
• Gluten-Free Hack: Replace traditional orzo with quinoa or rice for a celiac-friendly alternative that maintains the same creamy texture and comfort food feel.
• Herb Garden Twist: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme to elevate the flavor profile and add a fresh, aromatic dimension to the one-pot wonder.
• Spice Level Control: For those who love heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne to customize the spiciness without overwhelming the dish's delicate balance.

Serve Straight From the Pot With a Sprinkle of Cheese

• Perfect Plating Partners: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil on top to add a vibrant green pop and herbal freshness.
• Mediterranean Meal Companion: Serve alongside a crisp Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and feta cheese for a complete Mediterranean-inspired dinner.
• Comfort Carb Combo: Pair with warm crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious chicken juices and add extra texture to the meal.
• Zesty Side Kick: Add a dollop of tzatziki or lemon-herb yogurt sauce on the side to bring a cool, tangy contrast to the warm chicken orzo.

Store for Quick Lunches or Cozy Reheats

• Speedy Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover one-pot chicken orzo in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freezing Magic: Carefully transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe containers, where it can maintain quality for up to 2 months. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn and maintain flavor integrity.
• Reheating Perfect Touch: Warm refrigerated orzo in microwave with a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out.
• Smart Portion Planning: Divide meal into individual serving sizes before storing, making future lunch or dinner prep quick and effortless. This approach helps minimize food waste and ensures convenient meal options throughout the week.

Hearty One Pot Chicken Orzo Recipe

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4.5 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty one pot chicken orzo brings Mediterranean comfort to your kitchen. Simple ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a satisfying meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

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• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1.5 cups orzo pasta
• 2.5 cups chicken broth (473 ml)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 cup heavy cream (118 ml) or half-and-half
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese (45 g)
• 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (for freshness)
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Thoroughly coat chicken pieces with a harmonious blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, ensuring comprehensive and even distribution.
2. Searing Technique: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high, creating a shimmering surface, then carefully position seasoned chicken to develop a golden-brown crust, cooking for 5-6 minutes and flipping once to guarantee thorough caramelization.
3. Flavor Foundation: Remove perfectly seared chicken to a holding plate, then utilize the remaining pan drippings to toast orzo, stirring continuously to achieve a light, nutty complexion without scorching.
4. Liquid Integration: Introduce chicken broth into the skillet, vigorously scraping accumulated flavor-rich caramelized bits from the bottom, creating a robust cooking liquid.
5. Consolidation and Simmering: Return chicken to the skillet, submerging pieces into the orzo and broth mixture, then cover and allow gentle simmering until orzo becomes tender and liquid substantially reduces.
6. Finishing Touch: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or complementary herbs, elevating the dish with a vibrant, aromatic flourish that brightens the deeply developed flavors.

Notes

• Perfectly Season Chicken: Use a generous, even coating of spices to ensure maximum flavor penetration and balanced taste in every bite.
• Master Skillet Heat Control: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve golden-brown chicken without burning, watching for the oil’s subtle shimmer as a temperature indicator.
• Prevent Orzo Sticking: Stir frequently while toasting orzo and during simmering to avoid burning and ensure uniform cooking and texture.
• Liquid Absorption Technique: Monitor liquid levels closely, allowing orzo to absorb broth gradually without becoming too dry or soggy, creating a creamy, perfectly textured dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg