Tasty Italian Chicken and Orzo Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this chicken and orzo recipe delivers comfort on a plate.

Tender chicken nestles perfectly among golden orzo pasta, creating a meal that sparks joy at first bite.

Each forkful combines savory herbs with rich, creamy textures that dance across your palate.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients weave magic into this simple yet elegant dish.

Home cooks love how quickly this recipe comes together without sacrificing flavor or quality.

The combination of juicy chicken and perfectly cooked orzo transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

One skillet is all you need to craft this delectable dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What Makes Chicken and Orzo So Tasty

• Transform ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal culinary skills required, making gourmet dining accessible right in your kitchen.
• Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan wonder combines protein, pasta, and vegetables, offering a complete balanced meal that satisfies everyone's taste buds.
• Easily swap ingredients like wine, cheese, or proteins to match dietary preferences or pantry availability, ensuring this recipe adapts to your unique cooking style.
• Using just one skillet reduces dishwashing time, making this recipe a stress-free cooking experience that lets you enjoy your meal without dreading post-dinner cleanup.

Chicken and Orzo Recipe Ingredients

• Chicken: A tender and flavorful protein that serves as the primary source of meat in this recipe.

• Orzo, Broccoli: A small pasta and green vegetable that add texture and nutritional value to the dish.

• Chicken Broth, Half and Half: A combination that creates a rich and creamy base for the sauce.
• White Wine, Lemon Juice: Liquid ingredients that add depth and brightness to the overall flavor profile.
• Butter, Flour: Key components for creating a smooth and thickened sauce.
• Garlic, Mustard Powder, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that enhance the taste and provide aromatic complexity.
• Cheeses: Dairy ingredients that contribute to the creamy and indulgent texture of the final dish.
• Olive Oil: A cooking fat used for searing the chicken and providing a subtle flavor base.
• Bouillon: A concentrated flavor enhancer that adds depth to the sauce.

Chicken and Orzo Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Whisk Flavor Base

Create a delightful sauce by combining chicken broth, half and half, bouillon, mustard powder, and seasonings in a measuring cup with a spout.

Prepare your ingredients by chopping broccoli, mincing garlic, and getting chicken ready for cooking.

Step 2: Tenderize and Sear Chicken

Pound chicken with a meat mallet to tenderize.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning

Heat olive oil in a skillet until shimmering.

Sear chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this point.

Step 3: Create Flavor Foundation

Remove chicken from skillet.

Pour white wine into the pan and simmer for a few minutes.

Scrape up the delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.

If wine isn’t available, substitute with chicken broth and lemon juice.

Step 4: Develop Creamy Sauce

Add butter and garlic to the skillet, cooking until fragrant.

Sprinkle in flour to create a roux.

Slowly incorporate the prepared sauce mixture, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.

Step 5: Cook Pasta and Vegetables

Boil orzo in salted water, cooking for one minute less than package instructions.

Add broccoli during the last 3 minutes of cooking.

Drain both together, keeping the pasta slightly underdone.

Step 6: Bring Dish Together

Gradually add cheeses to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth.

Fold in broccoli and orzo, allowing the pasta to absorb the sauce.

Return chicken to the skillet and warm through.

The sauce will continue to thicken as it sits, creating a luxurious, creamy texture.

Pro Tips for Chicken and Orzo

• Use a measuring cup with a spout for easy and accurate sauce mixing, ensuring consistent flavor every time.
• Allow chicken to develop a golden-brown crust by avoiding overcrowding the skillet and maintaining high heat.
• Layer flavors by seasoning chicken thoroughly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning before searing for maximum taste impact.
• Create a smooth sauce by whisking flour slowly into butter, preventing lumps and achieving a silky texture.
• Cook orzo slightly underdone, as it will continue absorbing sauce and soften during final cooking stages.

How to Store Chicken and Orzo

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep the chicken and orzo mixture cool and sealed to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled chicken and orzo to freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly, label with date, and freeze for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing for longer to preserve texture and taste.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of chicken broth or water to prevent dryness. Cover with microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly.
• Pour leftovers into skillet. Add small amount of chicken broth or water. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring gently to prevent sticking. Stir consistently until heated evenly and sauce reaches desired consistency.

Pairings for Chicken and Orzo

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the creamy, rich chicken and orzo dish, cutting through the richness with their bright, zesty acidity.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Rustic sourdough or French baguette slices provide a delightful crunchy contrast to the smooth, velvety sauce and will help soak up every last delicious drop.
• Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Light, peppery greens dressed in lemon vinaigrette offer a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty chicken and orzo, balancing the meal's creamy texture with crisp, tangy notes.
• Enhance with Chilled Sparkling Water: A bubbly, mineral-rich water with a slice of lemon cleanses the palate between bites and provides a light, refreshing accompaniment to the rich main course.

Chicken and Orzo Flavor Ideas

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free orzo made from rice or quinoa to maintain the recipe's texture and flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap half and half with unsweetened coconut milk or almond milk. Replace cheese with nutritional yeast for a similar creamy consistency and cheesy flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute orzo with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use chicken thighs for extra moisture and reduce cooking time to prevent drying out.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken substitute. Increase vegetable content by adding mushrooms or spinach for additional protein and nutrients.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, you can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like small shells, ditalini, or even rice. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the pasta is cooked properly.

• Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Replace half and half with dairy-free milk, use dairy-free cheese alternatives, and swap butter with olive oil or vegan butter. The recipe will still maintain its creamy texture and flavor.

• How can I add more protein to this dish?

Consider adding extra protein like sliced ham, crispy bacon bits, or even cooked shrimp alongside the chicken. These additions can enhance the overall protein content and provide more variety in taste.

• What's the best way to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

If the sauce starts to thicken too quickly, simply add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out. Stir continuously and adjust the liquid gradually to maintain the desired consistency.

Chicken And Orzo Recipe

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4.5 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean chicken and orzo brings comforting flavors from Greece straight to dinner tables with minimal effort. Simple ingredients blend beautifully, creating a delightful one-pan meal you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (0.45 kg) boneless skinless chicken breast
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup half and half
• 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese
• 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons butter

Liquid and Broth:

• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1/3 cup dry white wine

Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:

• 3/4 lb (0.34 kg) orzo
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1/2 chicken bouillon cube
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• 3 tablespoons flour

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Instructions

1. Craft the flavor foundation by whisking together a robust sauce combining chicken broth, half and half, bouillon, mustard powder, and seasonings in a spouted measuring cup. Meticulously prepare supporting ingredients: chop broccoli, mince garlic, and ready the chicken for culinary transformation.
2. Transform chicken through strategic seasoning using salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Tenderize meat with a mallet, then sear in shimmering olive oil until golden, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Chicken need not be completely cooked during this phase.
3. Elevate pan flavors by deglazing with white wine, allowing liquid to simmer while scraping concentrated culinary fragments from skillet surface. Alternative deglazing options include chicken broth with lemon juice.
4. Develop sauce complexity by introducing butter and garlic, cooking until aromatic. Create a thickening roux by incorporating flour, then gradually integrate sauce mixture while continuously stirring to prevent lumping. Bring to boil, then reduce heat and allow gentle simmering.
5. Simultaneously prepare orzo and broccoli in salted boiling water. Cook orzo slightly underdone, adding broccoli during final 3 minutes. Drain both ingredients concurrently.
6. Finalize dish by melting cheeses into sauce until achieving creamy consistency. Incorporate orzo and broccoli, ensuring thorough integration. Reintroduce chicken to skillet, warming ingredients together. Allow sauce to reach desired thickness through patient simmering.

Notes

• Customize the protein by swapping chicken with tofu, shrimp, or turkey for variety in diet preferences.
• Dial down spiciness by reducing or omitting seasonings like mustard powder for sensitive palates.
• Create a gluten-free version by using cornstarch instead of flour and choosing gluten-free orzo or alternative pasta.
• Enhance meal prep by pre-chopping ingredients and making sauce ahead of time, saving precious cooking minutes during busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg