Easy One Pot Chicken Orzo Recipe: Tasty Comfort in a Flash

My recent culinary adventure with one pot chicken orzo delivered unexpected comfort and simplicity.

Mediterranean flavors dance through this streamlined meal that cooks faster than traditional recipes.

Weeknight dinner challenges melt away when you can prepare everything in a single pan.

Tender chicken pieces nestle among delicate pasta grains, creating a harmonious blend of protein and carbohydrates.

Herbs and seasonings infuse each bite with remarkable depth and warmth.

Home cooks seeking a stress-free solution will appreciate how quickly this dish comes together.

Dive into this satisfying recipe that promises minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

One Pot Chicken Orzo You’ll Rely On Midweek

• Quick Weeknight Savior: Solve dinner dilemmas with this one-pan wonder that transforms simple ingredients into a delicious meal in under 30 minutes.
• Minimal Cleanup Magic: Eliminate multiple dish washing by cooking everything in a single skillet, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious post-dinner time.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Fusion: Combine kid-approved chicken with colorful vegetables and cheesy orzo, creating a crowd-pleasing dish that satisfies all taste buds without complicated techniques.
• Versatile Meal Masterpiece: Easily customize with different proteins, swap vegetables, or adjust seasonings to match your family's preferences, making this recipe a flexible kitchen staple.

What You Use For Chicken Orzo One Pot

• Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Tender meat that provides protein and rich flavor, boneless pieces work best for quick cooking.

• Onion, Garlic, Red Bell Pepper: Create a flavor base with sweet and savory notes, fresh vegetables add color and nutrition.

• Orzo Pasta, Chicken Broth: Orzo is a rice-shaped pasta that absorbs broth, creating a creamy one-pot meal with hearty texture.

• Dried Oregano, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Classic Mediterranean spices that enhance chicken and pasta flavor profile.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and tangy brightness to the dish, canned or fresh both work well.

• Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Parsley: Cheese provides salty richness, parsley adds fresh herb brightness and visual appeal.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté ingredients and prevents sticking, provides subtle fruity undertone.

Chicken Orzo One Pot Cooking Style

Step 1: Sizzle Chicken

Brown chicken in a large skillet with olive oil over medium heat.

Season generously with salt and pepper.

Once golden, transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetable Base

• Diced onions
• Chopped red bell peppers

Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, releasing aromatic flavors.

Step 3: Toast Orzo

Add orzo to the skillet, stirring continuously to lightly toast the pasta and enhance its nutty flavor.

Step 4: Create Flavorful Liquid Base

• Chicken broth
• Diced tomatoes

• Dried oregano
• Sweet paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together thoroughly.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

Return chicken to the skillet.

Cover and let simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until orzo becomes tender and chicken cooks completely.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

Fold in grated Parmesan cheese for creamy richness.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Serve immediately while hot.

One Pot Chicken Orzo Tips for Even Cooking

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and easy cutting. Thighs work great too for extra flavor and moisture.
• Lightly toast orzo before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent clumping. Stir constantly during this short 1-2 minute process.
• Use warm chicken broth to help orzo cook faster and more evenly. Adjust liquid slightly if you prefer a saucier or drier consistency.
• Substitute dried oregano with fresh herbs for brighter, more vibrant flavors. Chop parsley just before serving to maintain maximum freshness and color.
• Minimize cleanup by using the same skillet throughout cooking. Choose a large, deep skillet with a tight-fitting lid for best results.

Reheat Chicken Orzo From One Pot Easily

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to maintain moisture.
• Freeze in sealed containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

Add-ons for One Pot Chicken Orzo

• Elevate Mediterranean Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp, light white Greek Assyrtiko or Pinot Grigio to complement the dish's vibrant tomato and herb flavors.
• Zesty Citrus Cocktail Match: Mix a refreshing lemon-herb gin spritzer with rosemary and thyme to mirror the recipe's Mediterranean essence and brighten the chicken's richness.
• Herb-Infused Sparkling Water: Create a homemade infusion with mint, basil, or cucumber to provide a clean, hydrating counterpoint that enhances the orzo's subtle spices.
• Rustic Red Wine Option: Select a medium-bodied Spanish Tempranillo or Italian Sangiovese with soft tannins that won't overpower the delicate chicken and orzo combination.

Chicken Orzo One-Pot Meals with Flavor Options

• Mediterranean Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas for a protein-packed vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for added depth.
• Seafood Style: Swap chicken with shrimp or white fish for a quick seafood alternative. Adjust cooking time to prevent overcooking delicate proteins.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free orzo or substitute with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Moroccan Fusion: Add ground cumin, coriander, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Incorporate harissa paste for an extra kick of North African flavor and heat.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can substitute orzo with other small pasta like rice-shaped pasta, small shells, or even couscous. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, traditional orzo contains wheat. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free orzo or replace with a gluten-free small pasta alternative.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, replace chicken with firm tofu, chickpeas, or plant-based chicken substitute. Adjust cooking time and seasonings as needed.

• How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce during cooking to increase the heat level according to your preference.

One Pot Chicken Orzo Recipe

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4.5 from 36 reviews

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

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty One Pot Chicken Orzo, blending Mediterranean flavors with simple, satisfying ingredients. Creamy orzo nestled with tender chicken creates a quick weeknight meal that delivers maximum taste with minimal cleanup.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)

Pasta and Base Ingredients:

• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion (diced)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 red bell pepper (diced)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm a generously-sized skillet with olive oil over medium flame, then carefully place seasoned chicken pieces and sear until each side develops a rich, golden-brown exterior. Transfer the cooked chicken to a separate plate.
2. Within the same skillet, introduce diced onions and vibrant red bell peppers, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence. Quickly incorporate minced garlic and briefly toast until fragrant.
3. Introduce orzo to the vegetable mixture, gently stirring and permitting the pasta to lightly caramelize and develop a nutty undertone.
4. Cascade chicken broth and diced tomatoes into the skillet, then sprinkle in oregano, paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Thoroughly incorporate all elements to create a harmonious base.
5. Carefully nestle the previously seared chicken back into the skillet, ensuring each piece is partially submerged. Cover and reduce heat, allowing the mixture to gently simmer for approximately 10-12 minutes. Periodically stir to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
6. Once orzo reaches perfect tenderness and chicken is completely cooked through, fold in freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a creamy finish. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Customize protein choice by swapping chicken with shrimp, tofu, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences.
• Toast orzo carefully to enhance nutty flavors without burning, watching the skillet closely during this step.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels, allowing diners to adjust seasoning individually.
• Add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach for increased nutrition and variety in the one-pot meal.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg