The Juiciest One Pot Chicken Orzo Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Crafting a delightful one pot chicken orzo becomes a culinary adventure that transforms weeknight dinners into something special.

Pasta enthusiasts will appreciate this streamlined approach to creating a hearty meal with minimal cleanup.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly among soft orzo grains, creating a comforting blend of textures.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings infuse each bite with vibrant flavors that dance across your palate.

Minimal ingredients and simple techniques make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

Herbs and spices add depth to the dish, ensuring every forkful feels like a gourmet experience.

Let’s unlock the magic of this easy, satisfying meal that promises to become a household favorite.

Taste Tweaks For Chicken Orzo

• Mediterranean Seafood Orzo: Replace chicken with shrimp or mixed seafood, add lemon zest, and garnish with fresh parsley for a coastal flavor profile.
• Spicy Chorizo Orzo: Swap chicken for spicy chorizo sausage, include diced bell peppers, and use smoked paprika to enhance the heat and complexity.
• Vegetarian Harvest Orzo: Substitute chicken with roasted butternut squash, add mushrooms, and incorporate white beans for a protein-rich vegetarian version.
• Greek-Inspired Lamb Orzo: Use ground lamb instead of chicken, mix in crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle with mint leaves for an authentic Mediterranean taste.

Best Pairings With Chicken Orzo

• Mediterranean Feast Night: Pair this hearty chicken orzo with a crisp Greek salad, crumbled feta, and warm pita bread for a complete Mediterranean-inspired dinner that transports your taste buds.
• Cozy Comfort Meal: Serve in deep bowls with a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt, sprinkle fresh parsley, and add a side of crusty sourdough bread for soaking up the delicious broth.
• Quick Lunch Powerhouse: Pack in meal prep containers with extra spinach, a squeeze of lemon, and some toasted pine nuts for a protein-packed lunch that stays exciting and satisfying.
• Family-Style Gathering: Spread the orzo on a large platter, garnish with fresh herbs, offer extra Parmesan on the side, and let everyone serve themselves for a relaxed, communal dining experience.

Keeping Chicken Orzo Fresh Longer

• Store leftover One Pot Chicken Orzo in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep it in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled chicken orzo to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and store for up to 2-3 months. Freeze in individual portions for easier reheating.
• Thaw frozen orzo in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent drying out.
• Add fresh spinach or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese after reheating to revive the flavors and texture of the dish.

FAQs

• Is orzo a type of rice?

Orzo is actually a pasta that looks like rice grains. It’s made from wheat flour and has a small, oval shape similar to rice.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

While orzo works best for this recipe, you could substitute with small pasta like stelline or small shells, but the cooking time might slightly change.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safely cooked through.

• What if I don't have fresh spinach?

Frozen spinach can be used as a substitute. Just thaw and drain it well before adding to the pot, and reduce cooking time to prevent overcooking.

What Makes Chicken Orzo Shine

• Craft Quick Party Bites: Transform ordinary ingredients into crowd-pleasing sliders perfect for game day, holiday gatherings, or casual get-togethers with minimal prep work.
• Leverage Leftover Magic: Brilliantly repurpose turkey and cranberry sauce from previous meals into a delicious new dish that feels fresh and exciting.
• Master Simple Cooking Technique: Achieve restaurant-quality results with basic kitchen skills, making these sliders accessible for home cooks of all experience levels.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add personal touches like extra herbs or different cheeses to make the recipe uniquely yours, creating a flexible meal solution.

What You Need For Chicken Orzo

• Chicken: A lean and versatile meat that provides the main protein source for this hearty one-pot meal.

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

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build a flavorful foundation for the recipe.
• Oregano, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Spices that add depth and enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Olive Oil: A heart-healthy oil used for sautéing and adding richness to the recipe.
• Chicken Broth: A savory liquid that helps cook the orzo and infuse additional flavor.

• Tomatoes: Juicy ingredients that provide acidity and freshness to the one-pot meal.
• Spinach: A nutritious green that adds color, texture, and extra nutrients.

• Parmesan Cheese: A optional garnish that brings a salty and tangy finish to the dish.

How To Cook Chicken Orzo

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken

Brown the chicken in a large pot with olive oil over medium heat until it develops a golden exterior, creating delicious caramelized edges.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

• Onions
• Garlic

Step 3: Toast the Orzo

Sprinkle orzo into the pot and gently toast it for a short moment to enhance its nutty flavor.

Step 4: Create the Liquid Foundation

• Chicken broth
• Diced tomatoes
• Oregano
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 5: Simmer and Combine

Return the chicken to the pot, lower the heat, and let everything simmer until the orzo becomes perfectly tender and absorbs the rich flavors.

Step 6: Add Fresh Greens

Fold in fresh spinach and cook until it wilts and blends seamlessly with the dish.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Transfer to serving plates and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of deliciousness. Enjoy this comforting one-pot meal hot and straight from the stove.

Handy Insights For Chicken Orzo

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and easier preparation.
• Toast orzo briefly to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent clumping during cooking.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and adjust seasoning to taste.
• Add fresh spinach at the end to maintain its vibrant color and prevent overcooking.
• Grate Parmesan cheese freshly for a more intense, creamy flavor when serving.

One Pot Chicken Orzo Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty one pot chicken orzo delivers Mediterranean comfort straight from Greece’s culinary traditions. Home cooks can quickly prepare this satisfying meal with simple ingredients and minimal cleanup.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sear chicken in hot olive oil over medium heat at 375°F until golden brown, approximately 5-6 minutes per side.
2. Transfer chicken to a plate, leaving browned bits in the pot for enhanced flavor.
3. Sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic in remaining oil until translucent and aromatic.
4. Gently toast orzo in the pot, stirring continuously to prevent burning and develop a nutty essence.
5. Pour chicken broth into the pot, incorporating diced tomatoes, dried oregano, smoky paprika, and seasoning.
6. Bring liquid to a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
7. Reintroduce chicken to the pot, nestling pieces into the orzo mixture.
8. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, allowing orzo to absorb liquid and chicken to cook thoroughly.
9. Fold fresh spinach leaves into the dish, allowing them to wilt naturally from the residual heat.
10. Let the one-pot meal rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
11. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately while steaming hot.

Notes

• Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version that’s packed with plant-based protein.
• Toast the orzo before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and create a more complex taste profile.
• Use homemade chicken broth for deeper, richer flavor compared to store-bought versions.
• Opt for fresh spinach instead of frozen to maintain a crisp texture and vibrant green color in the final dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 368 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg