One Pot Chicken Orzo Recipe

There’s something magical about a dish that combines simplicity, flavor, and ease, all in one pot. This One Pot Chicken Orzo is a comforting, hearty meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

I first discovered this recipe on a frantic evening when I needed to feed my family with minimal cleanup afterward. The result? A creamy, flavorful dish that quickly became a household staple. Let me show you why this recipe deserves a spot on your dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Chicken Orzo

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite one-pot wonder. This One Pot Chicken Orzo is not just another dinner idea; it’s the answer to your "what’s for dinner?" dilemma.

First, it’s unbelievably easy to make. Everything cooks in the same pot, from the tender chicken to the perfectly al dente orzo. That means fewer dishes to wash – a win in any busy household.

The flavor? Out of this world. Juicy chicken, a creamy, herb-infused sauce, and the subtle nuttiness of orzo pasta make every bite a delight.

Another reason to love this dish is its versatility. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or adding whatever’s in your fridge, this recipe adapts beautifully. From veggies to different proteins, the options are endless.

And finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Adults love it, kids devour it, and it reheats like a dream, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

Ready to dive into the details? Let’s start with the ingredients.

Ingredients Notes

The secret to this dish lies in its simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s what makes this One Pot Chicken Orzo so special:

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work perfectly. Thighs add a richer flavor, but breasts stay tender when cooked properly. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Orzo: This small, rice-shaped pasta absorbs flavors beautifully and cooks quickly. Look for orzo in the pasta aisle of your grocery store.
• Chicken broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish. It forms the base of the creamy sauce.
• Heavy cream: A little goes a long way to create that luxurious, creamy texture. You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a nutty, salty kick. Avoid pre-grated versions as they don’t melt as well.
• Herbs: Fresh parsley and thyme elevate the flavors, while a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds optional heat.

No special equipment is needed for this recipe – just a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven that can handle both sautéing and simmering.

How To Make This One Pot Chicken Orzo

Creating this One Pot Chicken Orzo is as simple as it gets. Follow these steps, and you’ll have dinner on the table in no time.

1. Sear the chicken: Start by heating a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder, then add it to the hot skillet. Sear the chicken pieces until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the aromatics: In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed. Toss in finely diced onion and minced garlic, stirring frequently until softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
3. Toast the orzo: Add the orzo directly to the pan with the aromatics. Stir it around for a minute or two until it’s lightly toasted. This step deepens the flavor of the pasta.
4. Simmer everything: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Return the seared chicken to the pot. Cover and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
5. Finish with Parmesan and herbs: Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkle in your chopped parsley and thyme. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

This dish is ready in under 30 minutes and can be served straight from the pot for an easy, no-fuss dinner.

Storage Options

Have leftovers? Lucky you! This One Pot Chicken Orzo stores beautifully.

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: While this dish can be frozen, the orzo may lose some of its texture upon reheating. If freezing, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back the creamy consistency. Microwave or heat gently on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

Variations and Substitutions

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This recipe is endlessly adaptable, making it perfect for experimenting. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Swap the protein: Try diced turkey, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Add veggies: Stir in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or frozen peas during the last few minutes of cooking for added color and nutrition.
• Change the pasta: If you can’t find orzo, small pasta shapes like ditalini or acini di pepe work just as well.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce for a kick of heat.
• Cheese it up: Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or add a handful of shredded mozzarella for extra creaminess.

The beauty of this dish lies in its flexibility – don’t be afraid to get creative!

There you have it – a delicious, comforting One Pot Chicken Orzo that’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any night of the week. Give it a try tonight, and let me know how it turns out!

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