Easy One Pot Chicken Orzo Recipe: Family Dinner in a Flash

Weeknight dinners demand simple, delicious solutions that satisfy hunger without complex cooking methods.

This easy one pot chicken orzo recipe brings comfort and flavor together in a single skillet.

Savory chicken mingles with tender orzo, creating a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Herbs and spices dance through each bite, promising a delightful dining experience.

The recipe combines convenience with mouthwatering taste, making dinner preparation a breeze.

Busy home cooks will appreciate how quickly this dish comes together with minimal cleanup.

Prepare to savor every delicious spoonful of this hearty, home-style meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why One Pot Chicken Orzo Is So Convenient

No need to juggle multiple pots and pans – cooking becomes a breeze!

• Easily swap ingredients to match your taste or pantry. Swap asparagus for broccoli, use different herbs, or adjust spice levels to create your perfect personalized dish.
• Perfect for busy families and home cooks who want a nutritious, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes, making dinner stress-free and delightful.
• Combines lean protein, fresh vegetables, and creamy orzo for a balanced meal that feels indulgent yet healthy. Packed with spinach, chicken, and Parmesan, it's a wholesome option that doesn't compromise on taste.

Chicken Orzo Ingredient Rundown

• Chicken: A tender protein that provides a hearty base for the dish and absorbs the flavorful seasonings.

• Orzo: A small rice-shaped pasta that creates a creamy and comforting texture in the one-pot meal.
• Asparagus, Spinach: Fresh green vegetables that add nutrition, color, and a subtle earthy flavor to the recipe.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that build a deep, savory foundation for the dish.

• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Spices that enhance the chicken's flavor and add a mild kick of heat.
• Half and Half, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy dairy components that create a rich, smooth sauce and add depth to the overall taste.
• Thyme, Parsley: Fresh herbs that provide a bright, aromatic finishing touch to the one-pot meal.

• Olive Oil: A healthy fat used for sautéing chicken and vegetables, adding subtle flavor.
• Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that helps cook the orzo and creates a delicious base for the dish.

One Pot Chicken Orzo Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Seasoning

Mix chicken with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes in a bowl.

Ensure each piece gets coated evenly for maximum flavor.

• Chicken
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Step 2: Brown Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Add chicken pieces in a single layer.

Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning to create golden brown edges.

Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Soften Asparagus

Use the same pan to cook asparagus.

Add olive oil and sauté asparagus until tender-crisp.

Transfer to a separate plate.

Step 4: Toast Orzo and Onions

Without cleaning the pan, sauté chopped onions until softened.

Add garlic and orzo, stirring to toast and release aromatic flavors.

Step 5: Simmer Orzo

Pour chicken broth into the pan.

Bring to a gentle simmer.

Cover and cook for 7 minutes, stirring midway to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Combine Final Ingredients

• Cooked chicken
• Asparagus
• Half and half
• Parmesan
• Spinach
• Thyme

Cook for 1-2 minutes until spinach wilts and everything is heated through.

Taste and adjust seasoning.

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Serve hot.

Top with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Tips to Make Your Orzo Extra Creamy

• Combine spices thoroughly before cooking to ensure even flavor distribution and maximum taste in every bite.
• Cook asparagus briefly to maintain its crisp, vibrant green color and prevent overcooking, which can make it mushy and dull.
• Lightly toast orzo in the pan before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent clumping during cooking.
• Use the same skillet for each ingredient to build layers of flavor and reduce cleanup time, making this a perfect weeknight meal.
• Swap half and half with plant-based cream, use gluten-free orzo, or replace chicken with tofu for vegetarian and dairy-free adaptations.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Orzo

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Keep the container flat to maintain even temperature and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover with microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly.
• Pour leftovers into skillet with splash of chicken broth. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring gently to prevent sticking. Add extra Parmesan or fresh herbs to refresh flavors. Stir continuously until temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Delicious Pairings for Chicken Orzo

• Flavor Fusion Pairings
• Enhance Crisp White Wine: Reach for a bright, citrusy Sauvignon Blanc that complements the chicken's seasoning and cuts through the creamy Parmesan sauce. Its light acidity perfectly balances the dish's rich textures.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Select a rustic sourdough or fresh baguette to soak up the delicious pan sauce. These bread varieties provide a delightful textural contrast and help capture every last bit of flavor.
• Create Fresh Side Salad: Craft a zesty lemon and herb mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette. The salad's bright, tangy notes will refresh the palate between bites of the creamy orzo chicken.
• Match with Herbal Sparkling Water: Opt for a lightly flavored sparkling water with rosemary or cucumber to cleanse the palate. This non-alcoholic option provides a refreshing counterpoint to the dish's richness.

Fun Variations for Chicken Orzo

• Vegetarian Orzo Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, using similar seasoning techniques. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for enhanced flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional orzo with gluten-free quinoa or rice-based orzo pasta. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to maintain dietary restrictions.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Substitute asparagus with roasted red peppers and add kalamata olives. Include crumbled feta cheese instead of Parmesan for a Greek-inspired twist.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace orzo with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use Greek yogurt instead of half and half to reduce overall carbohydrate content while maintaining creamy texture.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, you can substitute orzo with other small pasta like ditalini or small shells. Just adjust cooking time according to the pasta package instructions to ensure proper doneness.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, traditional orzo contains wheat. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free orzo or replace it with quinoa or rice. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free certified.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative. Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to maintain the recipe’s flavor profile. Use extra firm tofu for best texture.

• How spicy is this recipe with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with half the recommended amount. You can always add more during cooking or sprinkle some at serving for those who enjoy extra kick.

One Pot Chicken Orzo Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

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

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired One Pot Chicken Orzo brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table with minimal cleanup. Creamy pasta, tender chicken, and aromatic herbs create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or tenders cubed into 1″ pieces)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 2 cups fresh asparagus spears (cut into 1 inch pieces)
• 1/2 cup yellow onion (chopped (about 1/2 a medium onion))
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 garlic cloves)
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme (can substitute 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme)

Seasonings, Liquids, and Other Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• 8 ounces dry orzo
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (low or no salt)
• 1/3 cup half and half (can substitute milk)
• 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan
• Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Extra parmesan (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by combining garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl. Thoroughly coat the cubed chicken with the seasoning mixture.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (around 375°F). Carefully place chicken pieces in a single layer, allowing them to brown for 10-12 minutes. Rotate pieces to ensure even cooking. Once golden, transfer chicken to a separate plate.
3. Using the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and introduce asparagus. Quickly sauté for approximately 2 minutes until achieving a tender-crisp texture. Remove asparagus and set aside with the chicken.
4. Without cleaning the pan, introduce chopped onions. Sauté for 3 minutes until they become translucent. Add minced garlic and orzo, stirring continuously for 2-3 minutes to develop a light toasted flavor.
5. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Scrape any caramelized bits from the pan’s bottom. Cover and cook for 7 minutes, stirring midway to prevent sticking.
6. Uncover the skillet and incorporate cooked chicken, asparagus, half and half, Parmesan, spinach, and thyme. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until spinach wilts and ingredients are thoroughly heated. Adjust seasoning to taste.
7. Plate the dish immediately, garnishing with fresh parsley and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve hot for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Toast orzo before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent mushiness, creating a more complex taste profile.
• Use homemade chicken broth for richer depth, but low-sodium store-bought works perfectly if time is limited.
• Choose tender asparagus spears and cut diagonally for better texture and elegant presentation.
• Replace half-and-half with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter, dairy-free alternatives that maintain creamy consistency.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg