EASY CHICKEN ORZO RECIPE

Imagine each grain of pasta, plump and perfectly cooked, mingling with tender, savory chicken in a light, flavorful sauce. This Chicken Orzo recipe isn’t just dinner; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl, ready to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. I promise, you’ll be amazed at how simple and delicious this can be!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp paprika

For the Orzo:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, but recommended!)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 cup chopped vegetables (e.g., spinach, bell peppers, zucchini)
• Lemon juice (a squeeze at the end brightens the flavor!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken:

1. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until evenly coated.
2. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Set aside.

Cooking the Orzo:

1. In the same skillet (no need to clean it!), heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
4. Add the orzo pasta and stir to coat it with the oil and onions/garlic.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Bringing it Together:

1. Stir in the cooked chicken, heavy cream (if using), and Parmesan cheese.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. If using, stir in any optional vegetables during the last few minutes of cooking until they are tender-crisp.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Troubleshooting Tips & Tricks

My Orzo is Sticking to the Pan!

This happens! Make sure you’re stirring frequently, especially during the simmering process. If it’s still sticking, you can add a little more chicken broth, a tablespoon at a time, until the orzo is cooked through and creamy.

The Sauce is Too Thick!

No problem! Thin it out with a splash of chicken broth or even a little milk until you reach your desired consistency.

The Sauce is Too Thin!

If the sauce is too runny, simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also add a little more Parmesan cheese to help thicken it up.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Absolutely! If you have leftover rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken, that works great! Just shred it and add it to the orzo in the final step to heat through.

Flavor Variations: Level Up Your Chicken Orzo

Lemon Herb Chicken Orzo

Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the orzo during the last few minutes of cooking. Stir in some fresh dill, thyme, or oregano for a bright, herbaceous flavor.

Spicy Chicken Orzo

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning, or stir in a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce to the orzo at the end. A little bit of diced jalapeño is a great addition too!

Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo

Stir in 1/2 cup of oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped) to the orzo along with the chicken. This adds a tangy, intense flavor that’s simply delicious.

Serving Suggestions: What Goes Well with Chicken Orzo?

Chicken Orzo is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing contrast to the richness of the orzo. Steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans, are also excellent choices. Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce!

Why This Recipe Works: The Science Behind the Deliciousness

This Chicken Orzo recipe is all about layering flavors. By browning the chicken first, you create a rich, savory base for the dish. Sautéing the onions and garlic in the same pan allows them to absorb the flavorful browned bits from the chicken, adding depth to the sauce. The orzo pasta cooks directly in the chicken broth, infusing it with flavor as it absorbs the liquid. Finally, the addition of heavy cream (optional, but highly recommended!) and Parmesan cheese creates a creamy, luxurious sauce that coats every bite.

Other Delicious Pasta Dishes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this Chicken Orzo recipe, you might also like these other easy and flavorful pasta dishes. For an extra creamy dish, check out Creamy Alfredo Chicken or Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine. If you’re looking for a quick and easy one-pan meal, you should definitely try Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta, Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta, or Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storing Leftovers:

Store leftover Chicken Orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating:

Reheat Chicken Orzo in the microwave or on the stovetop. If reheating in the microwave, add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent it from drying out. If reheating on the stovetop, heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a little more liquid to loosen the sauce.

Final Thoughts: Your Go-To Chicken Orzo Recipe

This Chicken Orzo recipe is truly a winner because it’s versatile, customizable, and incredibly easy to make. From busy weeknights to cozy weekend dinners, it’s a dish that everyone will love. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a comforting and satisfying meal that will quickly become a family favorite. Enjoy!

Easy Chicken Orzo Recipe

Alice Yowell

This Chicken Orzo recipe is a comforting and flavorful meal featuring tender chicken and perfectly cooked orzo pasta in a creamy sauce. It’s a simple and satisfying dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners and customizable with your favorite vegetables and flavors.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian-American

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Medium bowl
• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Ladle (optional)
• Pot holders

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp paprika
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 4 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream optional
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup chopped vegetables e.g., spinach, bell peppers, zucchini
• Lemon juice optional

Instructions

 

• In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until evenly coated.
• Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Set aside.
• In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
• Add the orzo pasta and stir to coat it with the oil and onions/garlic.
• Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Stir in the cooked chicken, heavy cream (if using), and Parmesan cheese.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• If using, stir in any optional vegetables during the last few minutes of cooking until they are tender-crisp.
• Garnish with fresh parsley.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Store leftover Chicken Orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if needed. For variations, try adding lemon zest and juice, red pepper flakes, or sun-dried tomatoes. If the orzo is sticking, add a little more chicken broth, a tablespoon at a time. If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a splash of chicken broth or milk. If the sauce is too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few minutes or add more Parmesan cheese.