Cozy One Pot Chicken Orzo Recipe for Fuss-Free Dinners

Crafting a satisfying one pot chicken orzo demands minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor.

Kitchen magic happens when simple ingredients combine with clever technique.

Busy home cooks appreciate meals that streamline dinner preparation without sacrificing taste.

Mediterranean-inspired dishes like this bring comfort and excitement to your table.

Pasta lovers will appreciate how orzo creates a creamy, luxurious base for tender chicken pieces.

Weeknight dinners become effortless with this single-pan solution that minimizes cleanup and maximizes enjoyment.

Let this recipe become your new weeknight superhero.

One Pot Chicken Orzo Made Simple

• Simplify Meal Prep: Toss everything into one pot for a hassle-free cooking experience that minimizes cleanup and reduces kitchen stress.
• Boost Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with protein from chicken, vitamins from spinach and bell peppers, and complex carbohydrates from orzo, this dish delivers a balanced meal in a single serving.
• Quick Flavor Adventure: Mediterranean-inspired seasonings like oregano, thyme, and paprika create a vibrant taste profile that transforms ordinary ingredients into an exciting culinary journey.
• Family-Friendly Comfort: Tender chicken, soft orzo, and mild seasonings make this recipe appealing to both adults and children, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys a satisfying meal.

Ingredients For One Pot Chicken Orzo

• Chicken: Tender pieces that provide protein and hearty flavor to the one-pot meal.
• Orzo: A small pasta shape that absorbs delicious broth and creates a comforting base for the dish.
• Chicken Broth: A savory liquid that helps cook the orzo and infuses the entire dish with rich flavor.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: Aromatic vegetables that create a flavorful foundation for the recipe.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that adds depth and complexity to the overall taste.
• Spinach: A nutritious green that adds color and freshness to the final dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Oregano, Thyme, Paprika: Herbs and spices that provide warm and earthy flavor notes.
• Olive Oil: A cooking fat that helps sauté ingredients and prevent sticking.
• Diced Tomatoes: A juicy ingredient that adds moisture and slight acidity to the recipe.
• Lemon Juice: A bright, citrusy element that brings freshness to the finished dish.
• Fresh Parsley: A green herb used for garnishing and adding a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Preparing One Pot Chicken Orzo

Step 1: Sizzle The Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on all sides, approximately 5-6 minutes.

Transfer the chicken to a separate plate.

Step 2: Saute Aromatic Vegetables

In the same pot, toss in diced onion and bell pepper.

Cook until vegetables become soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute to release its fragrant essence.

Step 3: Build The Flavor Base

Introduce orzo, diced tomatoes with their juices, chicken broth, oregano, thyme, and paprika to the pot. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Reunite The Chicken

Return the browned chicken pieces back into the pot. Allow everything to simmer together, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until orzo becomes tender and liquid reduces significantly.

Step 5: Add Fresh Greens

Fold in chopped spinach and cook until it wilts completely, approximately 2 minutes.

Step 6: Final Touches

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top.

Serve the one-pot chicken orzo feast steaming hot directly from the pot.

Flavor Enhancers For One Pot Chicken Orzo

• Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra flavor and juiciness in this one-pot meal.
• Use fresh herbs if possible, as they'll enhance the dish's aromatic profile and taste significantly.
• Rinse orzo before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent clumping during preparation.
• For a vegetarian version, swap chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Ensure you stir the orzo occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking and create even cooking throughout the dish.

New Takes On One Pot Chicken Orzo

• Mediterranean Seafood Swap: Replace chicken with shrimp or white fish for a delightful ocean-inspired one-pot meal packed with protein and sea-fresh flavors.
• Vegetarian Protein Power: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, chickpeas, or white beans to create a hearty plant-based version that maintains the recipe's robust texture and taste.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Switch orzo with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates while keeping the same spice profile and cooking method, perfect for keto and low-carb dieters.
• Gluten-Free Rice Option: Use quinoa or brown rice instead of orzo to make the dish gluten-free, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy this comforting one-pot wonder.

What To Serve With One Pot Chicken Orzo

• Rustic Family Platter: Spread the one-pot chicken orzo on a large wooden board, creating a family-style serving that encourages sharing and creates a warm, inviting meal atmosphere.
• Mediterranean Mezze Spread: Accompany the dish with small plates of olives, feta cheese, hummus, and warm pita bread to transform the meal into a vibrant Mediterranean experience.
• Fresh Garden Pairing: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and a light lemon vinaigrette to add freshness and balance the hearty chicken and orzo.
• Comfort Bowl Style: Ladle the chicken orzo into deep ceramic bowls, garnish with extra parsley, and offer a side of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.

How To Store One Pot Chicken Orzo

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to storage containers.
• Separate chicken and orzo into individual portions for easier reheating.
• Prevent moisture loss by placing a damp paper towel over the dish before sealing.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can substitute orzo with rice, small pasta shapes like small shells, or couscous. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free orzo or replace it with rice or quinoa.

• Can I make this dish with other proteins?

Absolutely! You can use turkey, shrimp, or even make it vegetarian by replacing chicken with chickpeas or tofu.

• How spicy is this recipe?

The recipe is mild with paprika. If you want more heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper during cooking.

Simple One Pot Chicken Orzo Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean One Pot Chicken Orzo delivers a comforting meal packed with herb-infused flavors. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly for a quick and satisfying dinner you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

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

Grains and Pasta:

• 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) orzo pasta

Base Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) baby spinach, roughly chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious cooking vessel over medium-high heat, drizzling olive oil across the surface.
2. Generously coat chicken pieces with seasoning, then sear until golden and crisp on all surfaces, approximately 5-6 minutes. Transfer protein to a temporary holding plate.
3. Within the same pot, introduce diced onion and bell pepper, allowing them to soften and become translucent for 3-4 minutes.
4. Introduce minced garlic, stirring continuously for roughly 60 seconds to release aromatic flavors.
5. Combine orzo, tomatoes, chicken broth, and herb blend (oregano, thyme, paprika), elevating temperature until liquid reaches a vigorous bubble, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
6. Reintegrate seared chicken into the pot, allowing ingredients to meld together for 10-12 minutes while occasionally stirring, ensuring orzo becomes perfectly tender and liquid reduces.
7. Incorporate fresh spinach leaves, gently folding until they collapse and integrate seamlessly into the mixture, approximately 2 minutes.
8. Brighten the dish with a robust squeeze of lemon juice, then taste and recalibrate seasonings as necessary.
9. Finish by scattering freshly chopped parsley across the surface, serving immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Customize chicken cuts for faster cooking by using thin-sliced or pre-cut chicken breasts instead of whole pieces.
• Swap orzo with quinoa or brown rice for gluten-free or low-carb alternatives that maintain similar texture and cooking method.
• Consider adding protein variety by substituting chicken with shrimp, tofu, or plant-based chicken alternatives for diverse dietary preferences.
• Control liquid absorption by adding chicken broth gradually and stirring frequently to prevent orzo from becoming too dry or sticky during cooking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg