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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Seasoning Preparation: Thoroughly coat chicken pieces with a harmonious blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, ensuring comprehensive and even distribution.
- 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.
- 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.
- Liquid Integration: Introduce chicken broth into the skillet, vigorously scraping accumulated flavor-rich caramelized bits from the bottom, creating a robust cooking liquid.
- 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.
- 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