One Pot Chicken Orzo

One pot chicken orzo brings together tender, juicy chicken, perfectly cooked orzo pasta, and a medley of vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth. This complete chicken orzo one pot meal combines the convenience of one-pot cooking with the satisfaction of a hearty, home-cooked dinner. The one pot chicken orzo recipe ensures the orzo absorbs all the delicious flavors while the chicken remains succulent, creating a one pot chicken orzo dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated enough for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love One Pot Chicken Orzo

One pot chicken orzo is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without extensive cleanup. This chicken orzo recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort, combining protein, starch, and vegetables in one cohesive meal. The orzo pasta cooks directly in the savory chicken broth, absorbing every bit of flavor while creating a naturally creamy texture.

The beauty of this chicken orzo one pot recipe lies in its versatility and forgiving nature. This easy chicken orzo dish adapts beautifully to different preferences and dietary needs, with ingredients that meld together harmoniously.

Expert Tips and Techniques

• Proper Searing: Brown the chicken pieces thoroughly before adding liquid to develop rich, caramelized flavors that will permeate the entire dish.
• Orzo Texture: Toast the orzo for 2-3 minutes before adding liquid to prevent it from becoming mushy and to enhance its nutty flavor.
• Liquid Management: Use a 2:1 ratio of broth to orzo for optimal texture, adding more liquid gradually if needed during cooking.
• Vegetable Timing: Add harder vegetables like carrots early in the cooking process, while delicate ones like spinach should be stirred in at the very end.
• Resting Period: Allow the one pot chicken orzo to rest for 5 minutes after cooking to let the flavors settle and the sauce to thicken naturally.

ONE POT CHICKEN ORZO

Cuisine: Mediterranean-American
Category: Main Dish
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Serves: 6 people

INGREDIENTS

For the Chicken:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Orzo Base:

• 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced

For Finishing:

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

PREPARATION

1. Season the chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry and season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Let sit for 5 minutes while you prepare other ingredients.
2. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 4-5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften. Add garlic and bell pepper, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Toast the orzo: Add orzo to the pot and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. This step is crucial for preventing mushy pasta.
5. Add liquid and chicken: Pour in chicken broth and add the seared chicken back to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer.
6. Cook the orzo: Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking, until orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
7. Finish the dish: Stir in diced tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes. Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach. Stir until spinach wilts and cheese melts.
8. Final seasoning: Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, fresh parsley, and basil. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
9. Rest and serve: Let the one pot chicken orzo rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld. This resting time is crucial for the perfect chicken orzo recipe texture.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Alternatives: Try Italian sausage, shrimp, or turkey for different flavors.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of dairy.
• Spice Variations: Add red pepper flakes or Mediterranean herbs for different profiles.

Serving and Storage

Serve easy chicken orzo hot from the pot, garnished with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese. This complete one pot chicken orzo meal pairs beautifully with green salad or crusty bread. For wine, consider Pinot Grigio or light Chardonnay.

Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Add broth when reheating to restore consistency. This chicken orzo one pot freezes for up to 2 months.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

• 425 calories per serving
• 32g protein per serving
• 38g carbs per serving
• 18g fat per serving

Troubleshooting and Advanced Tips

Understanding potential challenges with one pot chicken orzo helps ensure consistent success with this chicken orzo recipe. If your orzo becomes mushy, reduce cooking time and add liquid gradually. If undercooked, add warm broth incrementally.

The key to perfect chicken orzo one pot cooking is monitoring liquid levels and adjusting heat. If sticking occurs, reduce heat and stir more frequently. For restaurant-quality results, deglaze with white wine after sautéing vegetables and finish your one pot chicken orzo with quality olive oil.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I use a different pasta shape in this one pot chicken orzo recipe?

While orzo works best because of its rice-like size and cooking time, you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or elbow macaroni. Adjust the cooking liquid and time accordingly, as larger pasta shapes may require more broth and longer cooking times to achieve the proper texture.

How do I prevent the orzo from becoming mushy in this dish?

The key to perfect texture is toasting the orzo before adding liquid and stirring gently but regularly during cooking. Use the correct liquid-to-pasta ratio and avoid overcooking. If your orzo seems to be getting too soft, reduce heat and check for doneness frequently during the final minutes of cooking.

Can I make this one pot chicken orzo recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish up to the point of adding cream and fresh herbs, then refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat gently and add the cream, cheese, and fresh ingredients. This method prevents the dairy from breaking and keeps herbs bright and flavorful.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover chicken orzo?

Reheat gently over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the consistency since the pasta continues to absorb liquid. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and heat until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, adding a tablespoon of broth before heating.

Can I use frozen vegetables in this one pot chicken orzo recipe?

Frozen vegetables can work, but they release more moisture and may affect the final consistency. If using frozen vegetables, thaw and drain them thoroughly first, and add them later in the cooking process to prevent overcooking. Fresh vegetables provide better texture and flavor control.

Perfect Your Cooking Skills

Mastering one pot chicken orzo opens the door to countless similar recipes. This chicken orzo recipe teaches essential skills like layering flavors and managing liquid ratios. The techniques from this easy chicken orzo dish translate beautifully to other one-pot meals.

Share your results on my Facebook page and tag me @OlyviaBestRecipes on Pinterest when you make this one pot chicken orzo!

Author: Olyvia T.