Chicken and Orzo Recipe

Introduction

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a one-pan meal that brings together tender chicken, flavorful orzo, and a medley of vibrant vegetables. Chicken and orzo is the epitome of comfort food, blending the heartiness of a chicken dish with the silky, creamy texture of orzo pasta. This recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive yet simple dish to serve to guests. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it a go-to in your meal rotation.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment

Essential Tools

• Large skillet or sauté pan (with a lid)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board and knife

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Begin by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme.
2. Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the Vegetables: Stir in the diced red bell pepper, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Step 3: Cook the Orzo

1. Toast the Orzo: Add the orzo to the skillet with the vegetables, stirring it around the pan for about 1-2 minutes until it’s slightly toasted.
2. Deglaze with Wine (Optional): If using white wine, pour it into the skillet to deglaze the pan, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce slightly.
3. Add the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 4: Combine and Cook

1. Return the Chicken to the Pan: Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning some of the orzo and vegetable mixture over the top.
2. Cover and Cook: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and the orzo is tender, absorbing most of the liquid.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Finish with Fresh Parsley: Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the dish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
2. Serve with Parmesan: Optionally, serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect Side Dishes

• Simple Green Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect refreshing complement to this hearty dish.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up the flavorful broth.

Drink Pairing

• White Wine: A glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the flavors of the chicken and orzo.
• Lemonade: For a non-alcoholic option, fresh lemonade complements the citrus notes in the dish.

Tips for Success

Choosing the Right Chicken

• Breasts vs. Thighs: While chicken breasts are leaner, thighs offer more flavor and stay juicier when cooked. Use whichever you prefer.

Cooking the Orzo to Perfection

• Don’t Overcook: Orzo cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to prevent it from becoming too soft. It should be al dente.

Enhancing the Flavor

• Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano at the end of cooking can enhance the flavor even more.
• Lemon Zest: A sprinkle of lemon zest before serving can brighten up the dish.

Variations to Try

Creamy Chicken and Orzo

• Add Cream: Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking for a richer, creamier version of this dish.

Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo

• Incorporate Olives and Feta: Add some Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.

Spicy Chicken and Orzo

• Add Heat: If you like a bit of spice, add some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the vegetable mix.

Conclusion

Chicken and orzo is the perfect one-pan meal that delivers on flavor, ease, and comfort. With its tender chicken, flavorful orzo, and a variety of vegetables, this dish is both satisfying and versatile. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Plus, with the variety of variations and serving suggestions, you can customize it to suit your taste or the season.

FAQs

Can I Use Other Types of Pasta Instead of Orzo?

Yes, small pasta shapes like ditalini or couscous can be used as substitutes for orzo.

Is This Dish Gluten-Free?

No, orzo is not gluten-free. However, you can use a gluten-free pasta alternative to make the dish suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time and reheated. Just keep in mind that the orzo may absorb more liquid as it sits, so you might need to add a splash of broth when reheating.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a bit of added broth to loosen it up.

Can I Add More Vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or peas to the dish for extra nutrition and flavor.

Yield: 4

Chicken and Orzo Recipe

Print

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a one-pan meal that brings together tender chicken, flavorful orzo, and a medley of vibrant vegetables. Chicken and orzo is the epitome of comfort food, blending the heartiness of a chicken dish with the silky, creamy texture of orzo pasta. This recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive yet simple dish to serve to guests. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it a go-to in your meal rotation.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken:
   Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and garlic powder on both sides.
   
2. Cook the Chicken:
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
   
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
   In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
   
4. Cook the Orzo:
   Add the uncooked orzo to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the onion and garlic mixture. Pour in the chicken broth and water, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
   
5. Add Vegetables and Cheese:
   Stir in the cherry tomatoes, spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes are slightly softened.
   
6. Combine and Serve:
   Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the orzo mixture. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and garnish with chopped parsley.
   Serve hot, either as a one-pan dish or with a side salad.

Notes

Orzo: If orzo isn’t available, you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or acini di pepe.

Chicken Variations: For a different flavor, try using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts.

Cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a rich flavor to the dish, but you can also use pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different twist.

Vegetables: You can customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms would all work well in this dish.

Serving Suggestions: This dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with a side of garlic bread or a light green salad for a more filling dinner.

Storing Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the orzo has absorbed too much liquid.