The Zesty One Pot Chicken Orzo Recipe Everyone Loves

Crafting a delightful one pot chicken orzo brings together simplicity and flavor in a meal that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Mediterranean influences shine through this comforting dish that combines tender chicken and delicate pasta.

Weeknight dinners demand quick solutions, and this recipe answers that call with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.

Orzo’s soft, rice-like texture creates a perfect canvas for succulent chicken pieces and aromatic herbs.

Herbs and spices dance together, infusing each bite with rich, memorable tastes that transport you to sunny coastal kitchens.

Home cooks love recipes that minimize effort while maximizing deliciousness, and this one pot wonder delivers precisely that.

One Pot Chicken Orzo: Why It Shines

• Speedy Meal Solution: Whip up a delicious, hearty dinner in just one pan with minimal cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without the hassle.
• Flavor-Packed Comfort: Combine juicy chicken, creamy orzo, and vibrant vegetables for a satisfying meal that brings together classic Mediterranean-inspired ingredients in every single bite.
• Customize with Ease: Swap out spinach for kale, use different herbs, or add extra veggies to make this recipe your own personal culinary creation that suits your taste preferences.
• Family-Friendly Favorite: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy texture, mild seasonings, and colorful presentation that makes this dish appealing to even picky eaters at the dinner table.

What You’ll Need For Chicken Orzo

• Chicken: Protein that adds hearty flavor and substance to the dish.
• Orzo: Small pasta that creates a creamy and comforting base for the recipe.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid that provides depth and moisture to the one-pot meal.
• Heavy Cream: Ingredient that creates a rich and smooth texture.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational vegetables that build a robust flavor profile.

• Paprika, Oregano, Salt, Pepper: Spices that enhance the overall taste of the chicken and orzo.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty and tangy cheese that adds a savory finish to the dish.

• Cherry Tomatoes, Spinach: Vegetables that provide color, freshness, and nutritional boost.
• Fresh Parsley: Herb used for garnish that adds a bright, fresh element.

• Olive Oil: Fat used for sautéing and adding a subtle flavor base.

How To Cook Chicken Orzo In One Pot

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Sprinkle paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper over the chicken.

Cook until the chicken develops a beautiful golden-brown color.

Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Awaken Aromatics

In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic until they release their irresistible fragrance and become translucent.

Step 3: Create Creamy Orzo Base

Add orzo, chicken broth, and cream to the pan.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Carefully return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy mixture.

Step 4: Boost Flavor and Nutrition

• Cherry tomatoes
• Spinach

Stir everything together thoroughly.

Let the dish cook until the orzo becomes tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, which takes about 10-12 minutes.

Step 5: Finish with Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese into the skillet.

Give everything a final stir and taste, adjusting seasonings as you like.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Scatter fresh parsley over the top of the dish.

Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, flavor-packed meal right from the skillet.

One Pot Chicken Orzo – Pro Cooking Tips

• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure maximum spice absorption and achieve a perfect golden-brown crust.
• Stir orzo frequently during cooking to prevent clumping and ensure even cooking throughout the dish.
• Swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different nutritional profile and robust flavor variation.
• Add extra chicken broth if orzo seems too dry, or let it simmer longer to reduce and thicken the sauce naturally.
• Replace chicken with shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas for alternative protein sources that work well with the creamy orzo base.

Chicken Orzo One Pot – Mix-Up Ideas

• Mediterranean Seafood Orzo: Replace chicken with shrimp or white fish, swap paprika with saffron, and add kalamata olives for an authentic Mediterranean flavor.
• Vegetarian Protein Powerhouse: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and add extra spinach for plant-based protein.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Use gluten-free orzo alternative like quinoa or cauliflower rice, keep other ingredients the same, ensuring celiac-friendly preparation.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Replace orzo with cauliflower rice, use heavy cream, add more cheese, and include extra fatty proteins like bacon bits for a ketogenic-friendly meal.

Serving Up One Pot Chicken Orzo

• Mediterranean Feast Plate: Serve alongside warm pita bread, cucumber salad, and a dollop of tzatziki for a complete Greek-inspired dining experience.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley, basil, or dill on top to enhance the bright, fresh flavors and add a vibrant green color to the dish.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the creamy chicken orzo with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio that balances the richness of the meal.
• Leftover Transformation: Repurpose extra orzo as a cold salad by mixing with additional fresh vegetables and a light vinaigrette for a delicious next-day lunch option.

Storing Chicken Orzo One Pot Meals

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Pack the chicken orzo in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Warm the orzo in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like rice-shaped pasta, small shells, or even couscous. Just adjust cooking time according to the pasta’s package instructions.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This one-pot chicken orzo dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors often improve after sitting overnight.

• Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, replace the cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy alternative, and omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based cheese substitute.

One Pot Chicken Orzo Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 15 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty One Pot Chicken Orzo delivers Mediterranean comfort with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and creamy orzo combine effortlessly, inviting you to savor a delightful meal that brings Mediterranean warmth to your table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (1 lb) chicken thighs or breasts, cubed

Grains and Base:

• 1 cup uncooked orzo

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup spinach, chopped

Liquids and Dairy:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or milk for lighter version)

Seasonings and Cheese:

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, creating a golden sear on chicken seasoned with aromatic spices until exterior turns crispy and rich brown.
2. Remove chicken and in the same pan, gently caramelize onions and garlic, releasing their fragrant essence and building foundational flavor.
3. Pour orzo, chicken broth, and cream into the skillet, creating a creamy liquid base that will transform the grain into a luxurious mixture.
4. Reintroduce seared chicken to the pan, allowing it to nestle into the developing sauce while maintaining its previous caramelization.
5. Incorporate vibrant cherry tomatoes and tender spinach, stirring gently to distribute ingredients evenly throughout the dish.
6. Simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes at medium-low temperature, allowing orzo to absorb liquid and become perfectly tender while maintaining a creamy consistency.
7. Finish by folding in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, which will melt and create a silky, rich texture.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed to enhance overall flavor profile.
9. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the surface for a bright, herbaceous garnish before serving immediately.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is fully cooked by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Customize protein by swapping chicken with shrimp, tofu, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences.
• Toast orzo briefly before adding liquid to enhance nutty flavor and prevent mushy texture.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and accommodate heart-healthy diets.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg