Cozy One Pot Chicken Orzo Recipe for Easy Family Suppers

Weeknight dinners just got easier with this magical one pot chicken orzo that simplifies cooking without sacrificing flavor.

Comfort meets convenience in a single skillet where tender chicken mingles with soft pasta.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Mediterranean influences shine through with each carefully selected component.

Herbs and spices dance together, promising a delightful culinary experience.

Minimal cleanup means more time enjoying your delicious creation.

You’ll fall in love with how quickly this dish comes together, making it a perfect solution for busy evenings.

Grab your favorite pan and let’s make dinner extraordinarily simple!

Storing and Reheating One Pot Chicken Orzo

• Store leftover chicken orzo in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water to prevent drying, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Warm the dish in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently until heated evenly.
• Transfer cooled chicken orzo to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What Tastes Great with Chicken Orzo

• Pair this one-pot chicken orzo with a crisp and zesty Greek white wine like Assyrtiko, which complements the smoky paprika and brings out the chicken's richness.
• Serve alongside a fresh Greek salad with feta cheese, cucumber, and kalamata olives to add bright, tangy notes that balance the savory chicken and orzo.
• Add a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping, offering a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, spiced chicken and providing an extra layer of Mediterranean-inspired deliciousness.
• Sprinkle toasted pine nuts over the dish to introduce a nutty crunch that elevates the soft orzo and tender chicken, creating a more complex eating experience.

How to Switch Up One Pot Chicken Orzo

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace orzo with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly version that cuts carbohydrates while maintaining the dish's hearty texture.
• Vegetarian Protein Alternative: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, seasoning identically to keep the original flavor profile intact.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Add fresh oregano, basil, and a splash of lemon juice to enhance the Mediterranean-inspired notes of the dish.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free orzo or quinoa instead of traditional pasta, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy the recipe without compromising taste.

One Pot Chicken Orzo FAQ Quick Look

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts are ideal. They cook evenly and absorb seasonings well, making them perfect for this one-pot dish.

• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?

Yes, absolutely! If using dried herbs, reduce the quantity by half since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor than fresh herbs. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, use 1 teaspoon dried thyme.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part to ensure it’s safe to eat. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest piece- the meat should be white throughout with no pink areas.

• What if I don't have smoked paprika?

You can substitute with regular paprika or a mix of paprika and a pinch of cayenne for a similar depth of flavor. Regular paprika will provide color and mild flavor, while adding a bit of cayenne can give a subtle heat kick.

Chicken Orzo Lovers, Here’s What You’ll Enjoy

• Using just one skillet means fewer dishes to wash, saving precious time and energy after a long day of work or activities.
• Combine basic pantry spices like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to transform ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering main course that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
• Easily adaptable for different preferences, this recipe allows home cooks to customize seasonings or swap ingredients based on what's available in their refrigerator.

Chicken Orzo Ingredients You’ll Want on Hand

• Chicken Pieces: Tender protein that forms the base of the dish, best with boneless chicken thighs or breasts for even cooking and rich flavor.

• Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking surface and adds subtle Mediterranean flavor, extra virgin recommended for best taste.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika: Classic spice combination that adds depth, warmth, and savory notes to the chicken, enhancing overall dish complexity.

One Pot Chicken Orzo Cooking Guide

Sear Flavorful Chicken Pieces

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika

Ensure each piece is evenly coated with the spice blend.

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

Carefully place seasoned chicken pieces into the hot skillet.

Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, creating a golden-brown crust.

Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

Transfer chicken to a clean plate and set aside.

The golden seared chicken will infuse deep, rich flavors into the upcoming dish.

Prepare Aromatic Orzo Base

Use the same skillet with remaining chicken drippings.

Add additional olive oil if needed for cooking.

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Chopped herbs (thyme or rosemary work beautifully)

Sauté ingredients until onions become translucent and fragrant.

Stir continuously to prevent burning and develop layers of flavor.

Build One-Pot Chicken Orzo

Pour orzo directly into the skillet with sautéed aromatics.

Stir to coat pasta with oil and herbs.

Add chicken broth or water to cover orzo completely.

Bring liquid to a gentle simmer.

Cover skillet with a tight-fitting lid.

Reduce heat to low and cook for 10-12 minutes.

Orzo will absorb liquid and become perfectly tender.

Combine and Finish Dish

Return seared chicken pieces to the skillet.

Gently nestle chicken into the orzo.

Cover and let rest for 2-3 minutes to reheat chicken.

Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil for brightness.

Serve hot directly from the skillet for a rustic, comforting meal.

Chicken Orzo Tips That Make a Difference

• Boost Flavor Depth: Marinate chicken pieces for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance the taste profile and ensure more intense seasoning throughout the meat.
• Perfect Searing Technique: Pat chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture.
• Adapt for Dietary Needs: Swap chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version, maintaining the same delicious spice blend and cooking method.
• Control Orzo Texture: Add orzo gradually and stir frequently to prevent sticking, ensuring each grain cooks evenly and absorbs the delicious cooking liquid.
• Maximize One-Pot Convenience: Use the same skillet to build layers of flavor, scraping up browned bits from chicken to create a rich, complex sauce base.

One Pot Chicken Orzo Recipe

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4.9 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting Mediterranean magic shines in this one-pot chicken orzo recipe, blending Mediterranean herbs with succulent chicken and creamy pasta. Quick weeknight dinners never tasted so good, with hearty flavors that transport you straight to a Greek island kitchen.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Other Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1.5 cups orzo pasta
• 2.5 cups chicken broth
• 0.5 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for freshness)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Generously coat chicken pieces with a robust blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, ensuring complete and even coverage.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat until the surface shimmers with a light, dancing heat.
3. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, allowing each piece to develop a rich, golden-brown exterior over approximately 5-6 minutes, turning once to ensure uniform cooking.
4. Once chicken reaches perfect doneness with a crisp exterior and juicy interior, transfer pieces to a waiting plate, preserving their warmth and succulence.
5. In the same skillet, leverage the flavorful remnants of chicken drippings to toast orzo, stirring frequently to prevent burning and encourage a light, nutty coloration.
6. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, scraping any caramelized bits from the bottom to infuse maximum depth of flavor into the emerging dish.
7. Return chicken to the skillet, nestling pieces atop the orzo as it gently simmers and absorbs the aromatic liquid.
8. Cover and allow the mixture to cook, periodically checking and stirring to prevent sticking, until orzo becomes tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
9. Finish the dish by sprinkling fresh parsley or herbs, adding a bright, fresh note to the richly developed flavors.

Notes

• Elevate the chicken’s flavor by marinating it for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance depth and tenderness.
• Customize the dish by swapping chicken with tofu or plant-based protein for a vegetarian version that maintains the recipe’s delicious profile.
• Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary to add a unique aromatic twist to the basic seasoning blend.
• Save cooking time by using pre-cut chicken pieces or rotisserie chicken, which can reduce preparation and cooking duration while maintaining great taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg