Chicken Orzo Recipe
Chicken Orzo is pure comfort in a bowl: quick to whip up, loaded with tender morsels of chicken, creamy orzo pasta, heaps of flavor from garlic and Parmesan, and a spritz of bright lemon to tie it all together. This dish has saved many a weeknight at my house, combining Mediterranean-inspired freshness with a cozy, one-pot appeal. Whether it’s your first time making Chicken Orzo or it’s been a longtime favorite, prepare for a meal packed with color, creaminess, and the kind of flavor everyone will want seconds of.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Chicken Orzo are straightforward but thoughtfully chosen — every one plays a role in giving the dish its creamy texture, robust flavor, or fresh finish. Don’t skip a thing if you want the full effect, though there’s plenty of wiggle room for tweaks and upgrades.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and perfect tenderness.
- Olive oil: Use a good-quality olive oil to kick off the flavor base and help brown the chicken beautifully.
- Yellow onion: Diced for just the right amount of mellow sweetness and aromatic depth.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings a punchy, savory warmth that’s unmistakably Mediterranean.
- Orzo pasta: This rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and absorbs all those lovely flavors while adding a creamy, comforting texture.
- Chicken broth: The backbone of the sauce, giving your orzo dish a deep, savory richness.
- Heavy cream: For luscious, decadent creaminess — or try half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best for melting into the sauce and adding a nutty, salty punch.
- Dried oregano: This brings classic Mediterranean herby notes; feel free to adjust to taste.
- Salt & black pepper: Essential seasonings to highlight every other ingredient.
- Baby spinach (optional): A handful wilted in at the end brings color, nutrients, and a subtle earthiness.
- Lemon juice: That squeeze of fresh lemon at the finish brightens everything up and ties the dish together.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top, this garnish adds freshness and a pop of vibrant color.
How to Make Chicken Orzo
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your bite-sized chicken pieces, then sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Sauté the chicken for about 5 to 6 minutes, turning it so all sides are evenly browned and cooked through. Once the pieces are golden and juicy, transfer them to a plate — they’ll get their grand return later in the recipe!
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Without cleaning the skillet (those flavorful brown bits are gold!), add in the diced onion. Cook it for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions soften and turn translucent, soaking up every morsel left behind from the chicken. Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for 30 seconds. The aroma will let you know when it’s time to move on!
Step 3: Toast the Orzo
Pour the uncooked orzo pasta directly into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir gently and let the orzo toast for 1 to 2 minutes. Watch for the pasta to take on a subtle golden color, which deepens its flavor and gives your Chicken Orzo a lovely, nutty undertone.
Step 4: Simmer the Orzo
Add the chicken broth to the skillet, scraping up any bits from the bottom for extra flavor infusion. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring once in a while, until most of the broth is absorbed and the orzo is perfectly tender.
Step 5: Make it Creamy and Bring it Together
Time to finish your Chicken Orzo in style! Slide the cooked chicken back into the pan. Pour in the heavy cream, add the freshly grated Parmesan, and squeeze in the fresh lemon juice. If you’re including the spinach, toss it in now and stir everything gently until it’s just wilted. Cook for 1 to 2 more minutes, letting the sauce thicken and become irresistibly creamy. Give it a taste for seasoning, then remove from heat.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley generously over the top for a final flourish of green freshness. Scoop the Chicken Orzo into bowls and serve warm for maximum coziness. Get ready for rave reviews at your table!
How to Serve Chicken Orzo
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic finish for Chicken Orzo, adding color and brightness. You can also try zesting a little lemon over the top for a fragrant punch, or even shower it with extra Parmesan for bonus creaminess. Cracked black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes give a subtle kick, if you like a hint of spice with your creamy pasta.
Side Dishes
A crisp, simple green salad with a lemony vinaigrette makes a perfect companion to the rich Chicken Orzo. Garlic bread or warm focaccia is always welcome to soak up the creamy sauce. For more veggies, consider roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans on the side — but honestly, this dish is so complete and satisfying, it hardly needs anything extra!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Chicken Orzo family-style in a big, shallow dish at the center of the table for a convivial, shareable meal. For a special touch, spoon it into individual shallow bowls and top each with a poached or soft-boiled egg for a luxurious brunch or lunch. Or, spoon smaller portions onto tasting plates as part of a Mediterranean small plates spread with olives, dips, and grilled vegetables.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Chicken Orzo (lucky you!), transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or easy lunches midweek.
Freezing
Chicken Orzo also freezes surprisingly well, though the cream may separate a bit when reheated. Let it cool to room temperature, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months; just label with the date so you remember when you tucked it away.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen up the sauce, then warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until piping hot. Stir frequently and add more liquid if needed. A fresh sprinkle of Parmesan and parsley can revive the flavors and texture beautifully!
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for Chicken Orzo?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, swapping in shredded rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver and makes this dish even speedier. Just toss it in with the cream, cheese, and lemon near the end, since it only needs to be warmed through.
How can I make Chicken Orzo lighter?
For a lighter take, use half-and-half or plain Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream. You can also cut back a bit on the Parmesan or add extra spinach for more nutrients and fewer calories.
Can I add other vegetables?
Chicken Orzo is super flexible — mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers all make fantastic additions. Just sauté any extra veggies with the onions, or stir them in with the spinach at the end.
Is Chicken Orzo gluten free?
Standard orzo pasta is made with wheat, so it’s not gluten free. If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free orzo at specialty stores, or substitute with rice-shaped gluten-free pasta.
Does this recipe double well?
Yes! Chicken Orzo is easy to scale up for a crowd. Just be sure you have a large enough skillet or pot, and be ready to add a few more minutes to the simmering time to ensure even cooking.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Orzo is the kind of dish that quickly becomes a staple — easy, creamy, and packed with flavor, it’s my go-to when I want something everyone will love. Give it a try and let it earn its place in your regular meal rotation. Happy cooking!
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Chicken Orzo Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This creamy Chicken Orzo is a delightful one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, orzo pasta, and a luscious cream sauce, all flavored with garlic, Parmesan, and a hint of lemon. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Orzo:
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
- juice of 1/2 lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook seasoned chicken until browned. Set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, cook onion until soft, then add garlic.
- Add Orzo: Toast orzo in the skillet, then pour in chicken broth and simmer.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in cooked chicken, cream, Parmesan, lemon juice, and spinach. Cook until creamy.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter dish.
- Enhance flavor with sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms.
- Rotisserie chicken can be used for quicker preparation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
