Chicken Orzo – Easy One Skillet Recipe

Chicken orzo is the ultimate comfort food—a creamy, hearty dish that combines tender chicken with the delicate texture of orzo pasta. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy gathering.

chicken orzo

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: This one-pot wonder comes together in under 30 minutes.
  • Nutritious and Balanced: Packed with protein, vegetables, and a hearty base, it’s a complete meal.
  • Customizable: From creamy textures to vibrant Mediterranean flavors, chicken orzo can be tailored to your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best.
  • Orzo: A short-cut pasta that resembles rice, perfect for soaking up flavors.
  • Vegetables: Classic options include spinach, cherry tomatoes, carrots, or zucchini.
  • Broth: Chicken broth or vegetable broth as the base for flavor.
  • Aromatics: Garlic, onions, and fresh herbs like thyme or parsley.
  • Seasoning: Salt, pepper, paprika, and a touch of lemon zest for brightness.
  • Optional Additions: Parmesan cheese, cream, or feta for extra richness.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Orzo

  • Toast the Orzo: Lightly toasting the orzo before adding liquid enhances its nutty flavor.
  • Use High-Quality Broth: A flavorful broth is key to infusing the dish with depth.
  • Don’t Overcook: Orzo cooks quickly—keep an eye on it to maintain the perfect texture.
  • Deglaze the Pan: Scrape up browned bits from the chicken for added flavor.

Variations to Try

Mediterranean Chicken Orzo:

  • Add sun-dried tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and a sprinkle of oregano.
  • Substitute spinach with kale or arugula for a heartier green.

Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo:

  • Stir in heavy cream and fresh lemon juice for a luscious, tangy twist.
  • Garnish with dill or parsley for brightness.

Vegetarian Orzo:

  • Swap chicken with chickpeas or tofu.
  • Load up on vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and peas.

Spicy Chicken Orzo:

  • Incorporate red chili flakes or smoked paprika.
  • Use chorizo or spicy sausage alongside chicken for added heat.

    How to Serve Chicken Orzo

    • Main Dish: Serve warm as a standalone meal in a bowl.
    • With Sides: Pair with a fresh green salad, crusty bread, or roasted vegetables.
    • Family Style: Present in a large skillet for easy sharing at the dinner table.

    How to Store and Reheat Chicken Orzo

    • Storage: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
    • Freezing: Avoid freezing as orzo can become mushy; however, you can freeze the chicken separately and cook fresh orzo later.
    • Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to restore the creamy texture.
    One Pot Chicken Orzo

    Recipe FAQs

    Can I make chicken orzo gluten-free?

    Yes! Substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta or a grain like quinoa. Adjust cooking times as needed.

    What’s the difference between orzo and rice?

    Orzo is a pasta made from wheat flour, while rice is a grain. Orzo cooks faster and absorbs flavors more intensely.

    Can I make it dairy-free?

    Absolutely! Use olive oil instead of butter and skip the Parmesan or cream. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor.

    How do I prevent orzo from sticking?

    Stir frequently while cooking and avoid overcooking. Adding a bit of olive oil can also help.

    Yield: 4

    Chicken Orzo

    chicken orzo

    Chicken orzo is the ultimate comfort food—a creamy, hearty dish that combines tender chicken with the delicate texture of orzo pasta. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy gathering.

    Prep Time 20 minutes
    Cook Time 25 minutes
    Total Time 45 minutes

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
    • Kosher salt & pepper
    • 1 pound uncooked orzo
    • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    • 3 tbsp unsalted butter (plus 2 tbsp melted for drizzling)
    • 32 oz chicken stock
    • Fresh parsley & Parmesan, for garnish

    Instructions

    1. Heat 3 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Pat the chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. Sear each side for 3–4 minutes until golden. Remove and set aside.
    2. In the same skillet, toss the orzo in the remaining butter or chicken drippings. Stir in minced garlic and toast until fragrant and lightly golden.
    3. Pour in the chicken stock and nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet. Bring it to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and chicken is cooked through (165°F).
    4. Check after 12 minutes to avoid overcooking.
    5. Drizzle with melted butter, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and top with Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy the buttery, herby goodness!

    Nutrition Information

    Yield

    4

    Serving Size

    1

    Amount Per Serving Calories 780Total Fat 22gSaturated Fat 9gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 12gCholesterol 170mgSodium 649mgCarbohydrates 94gFiber 4gSugar 7gProtein 49g

    All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.

    Did you make this recipe?

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    Chicken orzo is more than just a recipe—it’s a canvas for culinary creativity. Whether you stick with the classic approach or venture into bold new flavor profiles, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With its simple ingredients, versatile nature, and crowd-pleasing appeal, chicken orzo proves that comfort food can also be exciting. Happy cooking!

    Still Hungry! Try these other chicken recipes:

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