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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Generously coat chicken pieces with a robust blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat until the surface shimmers with a light, dancing heat.
- 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.
- Once chicken reaches perfect doneness with a crisp exterior and juicy interior, transfer pieces to a waiting plate, preserving their warmth and succulence.
- 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.
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet, scraping any caramelized bits from the bottom to infuse maximum depth of flavor into the emerging dish.
- Return chicken to the skillet, nestling pieces atop the orzo as it gently simmers and absorbs the aromatic liquid.
- Cover and allow the mixture to cook, periodically checking and stirring to prevent sticking, until orzo becomes tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- 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