One Pot Chicken Orzo Recipe

If you’re looking for a simple, delicious, and comforting meal that can be made in one pot with minimal clean-up, One Pot Chicken Orzo is the perfect dish for you. This hearty meal combines tender chicken with flavorful orzo pasta, vegetables, and seasonings, all cooked together in a single pot. It’s a perfect solution for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you simply want a satisfying meal with minimal effort.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make this one-pot wonder, including tips on preparation, cooking, and variations to suit your tastes. Whether you prefer a classic version or want to add your own twists, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to make this dish your own.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts (or thighs) on both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and dried oregano. You can also use fresh herbs if you prefer.

2. Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, until golden brown and fully cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).

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3. Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate to rest. This ensures that the juices stay in the chicken, keeping it moist.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet or Dutch oven, add a little more olive oil if necessary. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

2. Add the Zucchini and Bell Pepper: Add the chopped zucchini and bell pepper to the skillet, cooking for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the vegetables to soften but not become mushy.

3. Add Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the spinach (if using fresh) and the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, letting them wilt and mix into the vegetables.

Step 3: Cook the Orzo

1. Add the Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and bring the mixture to a simmer. Scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor.

2. Add the Orzo: Stir in the dry orzo pasta, ensuring it’s evenly distributed in the broth and vegetables. Let it cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking. Keep an eye on the liquid level, as the orzo will absorb much of the broth. Add more broth or water if the orzo looks too dry before it’s fully cooked.

3. Season the Dish: Add the dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), turmeric (if using), and additional salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken and Add It Back

1. Shred the Chicken: While the orzo is cooking, take the rested chicken and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.

2. Add the Shredded Chicken: Once the orzo is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed, add the shredded chicken back into the skillet. Stir it into the orzo and vegetable mixture, letting everything combine for a few minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. You may want to add a little more salt, pepper, or some freshly squeezed lemon juice for brightness.

2. Garnish: Serve the chicken orzo in individual bowls or on plates. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley or basil, and a few lemon wedges for added freshness and zing.

Tips for the Perfect One Pot Chicken Orzo

1. Use Bone-In Chicken for More Flavor: If you have the time, try using bone-in chicken breasts or thighs. These will add more flavor to the broth as they cook. Just be sure to remove the bones before shredding the chicken.

2. Add Vegetables You Love: This dish is versatile, and you can use different vegetables based on your preferences. Try adding peas, carrots, mushrooms, or broccoli. Just keep in mind that denser vegetables like carrots might need to be pre-cooked or chopped smaller to cook evenly with the orzo.

3. Control the Creaminess: For a creamier dish, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream at the end of cooking. Alternatively, you can stir in some cream cheese or mascarpone for a richer texture.

4. Seasoning is Key: Be generous with your seasoning, as orzo can be bland on its own. Taste as you go and adjust the salt, pepper, and other spices to your liking. Fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or rosemary can also enhance the flavor.

5. Use Broth for Extra Depth: Using chicken broth instead of water makes a huge difference in flavor. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use vegetable broth or water, but chicken broth gives it a fuller taste.

Variations on One Pot Chicken Orzo

1. Lemon Chicken Orzo: For a refreshing twist, add the zest and juice of one lemon to the dish. This will give it a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the chicken and vegetables beautifully.

2. Pesto Chicken Orzo: Stir in a few tablespoons of pesto at the end of cooking for a burst of herbal flavor. This works especially well with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, creating a Mediterranean-inspired dish.

3. Cheesy Chicken Orzo: For a cheesy version, add a generous handful of shredded mozzarella or fontina cheese at the end. Stir it in until it melts into the orzo, creating a creamy, comforting texture.

4. Spicy Chicken Orzo: If you love spice, add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dish. You can also drizzle some hot sauce on top before serving for extra heat.

Serving Suggestions

1. Side Salad: Pair your one-pot chicken orzo with a crisp, light salad. A simple green salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette would complement the richness of the orzo perfectly.

2. Garlic Bread or Crusty Rolls: Serve the dish with a side of garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up the delicious broth and sauce from the orzo.

3. Grilled Vegetables: For a more substantial meal, serve with grilled vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.

Conclusion

One Pot Chicken Orzo is an easy, delicious, and versatile dish that combines everything you need for a satisfying meal in one skillet. With tender chicken, flavorful orzo, and vegetables, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even casual entertaining.

The best part about this recipe is its flexibility – you can adjust the ingredients, seasonings, and variations to suit your taste. Whether you’re in the mood for something cheesy, spicy, or light and citrusy, you can easily make this dish your own.

By following the steps outlined above and experimenting with different ingredients, you’ll be able to create a meal that’s both comforting and healthy, all while keeping the cleanup to a minimum.

Yield: 4

One Pot Chicken Orzo Recipe

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If you’re looking for a simple, delicious, and comforting meal that can be made in one pot with minimal clean-up, One Pot Chicken Orzo is the perfect dish for you. This hearty meal combines tender chicken with flavorful orzo pasta, vegetables, and seasonings, all cooked together in a single pot. It’s a perfect solution for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you simply want a satisfying meal with minimal effort.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 3 cups chicken broth (or low-sodium broth)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 cup baby spinach (optional, for added greens)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Sear the Chicken:
   Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
   Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
   
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
   In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes until softened.
   Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1 minute until fragrant.
   
3. Cook the Orzo:
   Stir in the orzo pasta, cooking for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast it.
   Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, basil, and paprika. Bring to a simmer and stir everything together.
   
4. Simmer:
   Return the chicken to the pot. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom.
   
5. Finish:
   Once the orzo is cooked and the chicken is tender, stir in the spinach (if using), and let it wilt into the dish.
   Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs if desired.
   
6. Serve:
   Serve hot with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

• If you prefer, you can swap the chicken breast for chicken thighs for a juicier result.
• You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the dish for extra flavor and nutrition.
• For a creamier version, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or a few tablespoons of cream cheese at the end of cooking.
• This dish is versatile—feel free to use a different type of pasta if you don't have orzo, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.