EASY CHICKEN ORZO RECIPE

Is your weeknight dinner routine feeling a little…blah? Imagine a bowl brimming with tender chicken, perfectly cooked orzo pasta, and a sauce so flavorful it practically dances on your tongue. This Chicken Orzo recipe is the answer to your culinary prayers, promising a delicious, comforting, and surprisingly easy meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Gather Your Ingredients

Alright, let’s get down to business. Before we start cooking up this magic, make sure you have everything you need. Don’t worry, the list is simple and straightforward!

Chicken & Seasoning

• 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces.
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil: For searing the chicken.
• 1 tsp Salt: Adjust to taste.
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper: Freshly ground is best!
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder: Because everything is better with garlic.
• 1/2 tsp Onion Powder: Adds a subtle sweetness.
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning: For that classic Italian flavor.

Orzo & Broth

• 1 tbsp Olive Oil: For toasting the orzo.
• 1 cup Orzo Pasta: Uncooked.
• 4 cups Chicken Broth: Low sodium preferred.

Veggies & Creaminess

• 1 tbsp Butter: Adds richness.
• 1/2 cup Diced Onion: Yellow or white will work.
• 2 cloves Garlic: Minced.
• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream: For that decadent finish.
• 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is always a win!
• 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish.

Optional Add-ins

• 1/2 cup Sun-dried Tomatoes: Adds a burst of flavor.
• 1/2 cup Spinach: For a healthy boost.
• Lemon wedges: For serving, adds a bright touch.

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, friend, now for the fun part! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious bowl of Chicken Orzo in no time. I promise, it’s easier than you think!

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Make sure everything is evenly coated.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer (don’t overcrowd!). Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Don’t worry about cooking it 100% through at this point, it will finish cooking later.

Step 3: Toast the Orzo

1. Add 1 tbsp olive oil to the same skillet. Add the orzo pasta and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until lightly golden brown. This step adds a nutty flavor to the orzo.

Step 4: Simmer in Broth

1. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds so much flavor!
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the 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.

Step 5: Add Aromatics & Creaminess

1. While the orzo is simmering, melt the butter in a separate small skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Pour the onion and garlic mixture into the skillet with the orzo.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 6: Combine & Garnish

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir to combine everything and heat through.
2. Stir in any optional add-ins like sun-dried tomatoes or spinach.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. A squeeze of lemon juice is also a fantastic addition!

Troubleshooting & Tips for Perfection

Even the best recipes can sometimes be a little tricky. Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure your Chicken Orzo turns out perfectly every time!

Avoiding Sticky Orzo

The key to avoiding sticky orzo is to stir it occasionally while it simmers in the broth. Also, be sure to use a large enough skillet or pot so the orzo has room to expand.

Chicken Dryness? Not on My Watch!

Overcooked chicken is a tragedy! Don’t worry about cooking the chicken completely through when you sear it initially. It will finish cooking in the creamy sauce, ensuring it stays tender and juicy.

Flavor Boosters

Want to take your Chicken Orzo to the next level? Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or a splash of white wine to deglaze the skillet after searing the chicken.

Variations to Make it Your Own

This recipe is delicious as is, but don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Vegetarian Delight

Omit the chicken and add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. You can also add a can of chickpeas or white beans for extra protein.

Spicy Chicken Orzo

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Lemon Herb Chicken Orzo

Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the sauce, along with a generous amount of fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano.

What to Serve with Your Chicken Orzo

Chicken Orzo is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also delicious served with a side salad or some crusty bread for dipping into that creamy sauce. Here are a few ideas:

• A simple green salad: With a light vinaigrette.
• Garlic bread: For soaking up all that delicious sauce.
• Roasted vegetables: Like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.

Other Delicious Chicken Pasta Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this Chicken Orzo recipe, you might also like these other delicious chicken pasta dishes:

• Creamy Alfredo Chicken: A classic comfort food that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
• Creamy Chicken Enchiladas: Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying.
• Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta: This recipe will transport you to Italy with its rich and creamy sauce.
• Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta: A simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
• Chicken Pasta Soup: Warm and comforting, perfect for a chilly day.
• Chicken Pot Pie Pasta: All the flavors of chicken pot pie in a comforting pasta dish.

Storing & Reheating

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Chicken Orzo stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to prevent it from drying out.

Chicken Orzo: Your New Weeknight Hero

And there you have it! A simple, delicious, and comforting Chicken Orzo recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked orzo, and a creamy, flavorful sauce, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and make your weeknights a little bit brighter. So grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a meal that everyone will love. Happy cooking!

Easy Chicken Orzo

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Easy Chicken Orzo recipe is a comforting and flavorful weeknight meal. Tender chicken and perfectly cooked orzo pasta are combined in a creamy, Parmesan-infused sauce that’s sure to please the whole family. Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon for a delightful finish.

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

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Small skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Spatula or spoon

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
• 4 cups chicken broth, low sodium preferred
• 1 tbsp butter
• ½ cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes optional
• ½ cup spinach optional
• Lemon wedges optional

Instructions

 

• In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Make sure everything is evenly coated.
• Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer (don’t overcrowd!). Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
• Add 1 tbsp olive oil to the same skillet. Add the orzo pasta and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until lightly golden brown.
• Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the 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.
• While the orzo is simmering, melt the butter in a separate small skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
• Pour the onion and garlic mixture into the skillet with the orzo.
• Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
• Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir to combine everything and heat through.
• Stir in any optional add-ins like sun-dried tomatoes or spinach.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges, if desired.

Notes

To prevent sticky orzo, stir occasionally while simmering. Sear the chicken but don’t fully cook it through, as it will finish cooking in the creamy sauce. For a flavor boost, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of white wine. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of broth or water. Variations include adding other vegetables, spices, or herbs, such as lemon zest and thyme.