One Pot Chicken and Orzo Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with the magic of One Pot Chicken and Orzo, the ultimate answer to busy weeknights and comfort food cravings alike. This super-satisfying dish brings tender chicken, creamy orzo, and a burst of veggies together in one pan, delivering big flavor and minimal clean-up. Whether you’re cooking for family, a cozy date night, or just yourself, you’ll adore how quickly everything comes together with simple ingredients and almost no mess.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every item in this One Pot Chicken and Orzo recipe is thoughtfully chosen to play a role, from juicy chicken to fragrant herbs. The best part? There are no wild goose chases for obscure ingredients—just the everyday essentials that truly shine when they mingle together.

• Chicken thighs or breasts: Use boneless, skinless cuts for the juiciest flavor and easy shredding.
• Orzo pasta: This tiny rice-shaped pasta cooks right in the pot, soaking up all those savory juices for maximum flavor.
• Onion: Adds savory depth and a subtle sweetness to the base.
• Garlic: Elevates the aroma and adds that unmistakable warmth.
• Carrots: Bring sweetness, color, and gentle crunch.
• Cherry tomatoes: These burst into the sauce, lending juiciness and a pop of brightness.
• Chicken broth: The secret to rich, flavorful orzo that’s never dry.
• Lemon juice and zest: A splash of zing ties all the flavors together and keeps things lively.
• Fresh spinach: Wilts beautifully into the dish, adding nutrition and vibrant green color.
• Olive oil: For sautéing and rounding out the flavors.
• Salt and pepper: Enhance and balance every bite.
• Fresh parsley or basil: For that fragrant final flourish.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the orzo for a creamy, indulgent finish.

How to Make One Pot Chicken and Orzo

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season your chicken well with salt and pepper, then place it in the pan and cook until golden on both sides. Searing locks in the juiciness and creates that irresistible crust. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate—it’ll finish cooking later!

Step 2: Build the Flavors

Add a little more oil if needed, then toss in your chopped onion and carrots. Stir and sauté until they begin to soften and the onion turns translucent. Add your garlic next and cook just until fragrant—this is where the kitchen really starts to smell incredible.

Step 3: Add Orzo and Tomatoes

Stir in the orzo, making sure it gets a quick toast in the pan. This brings out its nutty undertones. Mix in the cherry tomatoes and cook until they just start to burst. The juices will begin melding with your aromatics, creating the base for a luscious sauce.

Step 4: Simmer Everything Together

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for maximum flavor. Return the seared chicken (and any juices) to the pot and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat, cover, and let it all cook for about 10–12 minutes, until the chicken is tender and the orzo is creamy but not mushy.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the fresh spinach until wilted. Add lemon juice and zest for a burst of freshness, then sprinkle in Parmesan cheese so it melts into a creamy sauce. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Finish with a handful of chopped fresh herbs and get ready to dig in!

How to Serve One Pot Chicken and Orzo

Garnishes

A handful of chopped fresh parsley or basil, a generous grating of Parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon over the top will take this dish from comforting to absolutely company-worthy. Each garnish adds freshness, richness, and color that really highlights what makes One Pot Chicken and Orzo irresistible.

Side Dishes

This dish is a standalone superstar, but if you’re feeling fancy, a simple green salad or some crusty warm bread makes an excellent sidekick. The salad adds crunch and brightness, while bread is perfect for soaking up every bit of that creamy, zesty orzo sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a little flair, serve One Pot Chicken and Orzo straight from your biggest, prettiest skillet at the table so everyone can help themselves—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Or, spoon it into shallow bowls and top with extra herbs, some cracked black pepper, and a lemon twist for a restaurant-worthy vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, tuck them in an airtight container in the fridge. One Pot Chicken and Orzo holds up beautifully for up to 3 days, and its flavors deepen as it sits—leftovers often taste even better!

Freezing

Want a jumpstart on future meals? Allow the dish to cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. While orzo may soften slightly upon thawing, the taste remains delicious. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, splash a bit of broth or water into the pan with your leftovers and warm gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. The added liquid helps restore the creamy texture and keeps the orzo from drying out. Microwave reheating works fine too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring between each.

FAQs

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

You can experiment with other small pasta shapes, like ditalini or small shells, but orzo gives this recipe its classic creamy texture and is designed to absorb all those savory flavors in just the right way.

Can I make One Pot Chicken and Orzo dairy-free?

Absolutely! Just skip the Parmesan or swap it for a dairy-free cheese alternative. The rest of the dish stays creamy thanks to the starch released from the orzo and the delicious chicken broth base.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Traditional orzo is made from wheat, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can use a gluten-free orzo or other small gluten-free pasta to make this one pot wonder suitable for all needs.

What if I want to add more veggies?

Go for it! Peas, zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms would all be tasty add-ins—just adjust the cooking time as needed and toss them in when you sauté the carrots and onions.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely—just omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. You can increase the quantity of vegetables or even add some white beans or chickpeas for extra protein and heartiness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to add a new superstar to your weeknight dinner rotation, One Pot Chicken and Orzo is the cozy, stress-free dish you’ve been waiting for. With wholesome flavors and simple clean-up, it’s sure to become a treasured favorite around your table. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

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