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