Effortless One Pot Chicken Orzo Recipe for Busy Weeknights

My kitchen always comes alive when crafting this delightful one pot chicken orzo recipe that combines simplicity with incredible flavor.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance together in a single pan, creating a meal that feels both comforting and exciting.

Tender chicken pieces nestle among soft orzo, absorbing rich seasonings with each gentle stir.

Weeknight dinners become effortless when you can prepare a complete meal without multiple dishes to wash afterward.

Fresh herbs and a splash of lemon brighten the entire dish, making each bite feel like a mini culinary adventure.

Quick, nutritious, and packed with satisfaction, this recipe promises to become your new go-to comfort meal.

You’ll want to savor every single spoonful of this delectable creation.

Why One Pot Chicken Orzo Is A Must-Try

• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Enjoy a complete meal prepared in just one pot, minimizing dishes and cleanup while delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Quick and Nourishing Meal: Packed with protein from chicken, nutrient-rich spinach, and satisfying orzo, this recipe offers a balanced and delicious dinner solution for busy families.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible ingredients allow simple swaps like using different greens, adding extra spices, or incorporating additional vegetables to suit personal taste preferences.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Comfort: Featuring classic Mediterranean flavors like oregano, tomatoes, and Parmesan, this dish brings a touch of international cuisine to your home kitchen without complex techniques.

Ingredients Needed for One Pot Chicken Orzo

• Chicken: A lean protein that provides the main substance of the dish and adds hearty flavor.

• Orzo: A small rice-shaped pasta that creates a creamy and comforting base for the recipe.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide a deep, savory foundation that builds the dish's robust flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural taste of the chicken and other ingredients.
• Oregano, Red Pepper Flakes: Herbs and spices that add Mediterranean-inspired warmth and a subtle kick.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a rich, smooth cooking base.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and deepens the overall flavor of the dish.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provide acidity, moisture, and a bright taste to the recipe.

• Spinach: A fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and color to the final dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a salty, nutty finish that enhances the overall taste and texture.

Step-by-Step for One Pot Chicken Orzo Recipe

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until it turns a beautiful golden brown and is completely cooked through.

Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their delicious flavors.

Step 3: Toast the Orzo

Add orzo to the pot and toast it for 1-2 minutes, creating a nutty and rich base for the dish.

Step 4: Build the Flavor Foundation

• Chicken broth
• Diced tomatoes
• Oregano
• Red pepper flakes

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing all the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Return and Simmer

Carefully return the cooked chicken to the pot.

Let everything cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo becomes tender and absorbs the delicious liquid.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Stir in fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese, cooking for an additional minute to wilt the spinach and melt the cheese.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the one-pot wonder hot, with an optional sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top for added richness.

Tips for Perfect One Pot Chicken Orzo

• Toast orzo before adding liquid to enhance its nutty, rich taste and prevent blandness.
• Replace chicken with white beans or tofu for a vegetarian version that maintains the dish's hearty texture.
• Stir occasionally during cooking and add a splash more broth if the pasta starts sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• Toss in extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to increase the meal's nutritional value and color variety.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference, from mild to fiery, ensuring everyone enjoys the meal.

One Pot Chicken Orzo Variations to Explore

• Mediterranean Seafood Orzo: Replace chicken with shrimp or mixed seafood, use white wine instead of broth for a richer flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Mediterranean Orzo: Swap chicken with grilled zucchini, eggplant, and chickpeas, maintain the same cooking method and spices.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Version: Use quinoa or rice instead of orzo, select gluten-free broth, keep all other ingredients and cooking techniques consistent.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute orzo with cauliflower rice, use extra protein like diced turkey or more chicken, reduce tomato quantity for fewer carbohydrates.

What to Serve With Chicken Orzo Dish

• Mediterranean Feast Plate: Arrange the chicken orzo on a large platter with warm pita bread, cucumber slices, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• Fresh Herb Garden Topping: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, basil, or dill over the dish to add bright, aromatic flavors and a pop of green color that enhances the overall presentation.
• Zesty Side Salad Companion: Pair the one-pot chicken orzo with a crisp Greek salad featuring tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and a light lemon vinaigrette to balance the warm, hearty main dish.

How to Store One Pot Chicken Orzo

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring chicken remains at a safe temperature.
• Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Warm in skillet over medium-low heat. Add small amount of broth or water to restore moisture. Stir gently until heated evenly, about 5-7 minutes.

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 or small shells. Just adjust cooking time according to the pasta package instructions.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, orzo is typically made from wheat, so it’s not gluten-free. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free orzo or replace it with quinoa or rice.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The cooking method remains the same.

• How spicy is this recipe with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat. If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount or omit them completely. For more heat, increase the quantity according to your taste preference.

One Pot Chicken Orzo Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired one pot chicken orzo recipe brings together tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and hearty pasta in a comforting dish. Fragrant ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a simple yet satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) orzo pasta
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) spinach
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a golden cooking surface.
2. Thoroughly season chicken pieces with robust salt and pepper, then sear until deep golden brown and completely cooked through, approximately 6-7 minutes per side. Transfer protein to a separate plate.
3. In the identical pan, gently sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, releasing their aromatic essence.
4. Introduce orzo and carefully toast the grains, stirring constantly to prevent burning and develop a nutty undertone.
5. Pour chicken broth, incorporate diced tomatoes, sprinkle dried oregano and red pepper flakes, creating a vibrant liquid base. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Carefully reintroduce cooked chicken into the bubbling liquid, allowing ingredients to meld together. Reduce heat and cover, cooking for 10-12 minutes while occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.
7. When orzo reaches perfect al dente consistency, fold in fresh spinach leaves and grated Parmesan cheese, letting greens wilt and cheese melt smoothly.
8. Remove from heat, allowing flavors to settle for one minute before serving. Optionally crown with additional Parmesan cheese for extra richness.

Notes

• Boost protein by using extra chicken breast or adding diced chicken thighs for more flavor and tender meat.
• Swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard for different nutrient profiles and a slight variation in taste.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting orzo with quinoa or rice, maintaining the one-pot cooking method.
• Elevate the dish’s spiciness by increasing red pepper flakes or adding a dash of hot sauce for heat lovers.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 335 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 610 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg