Description
This One-Pot Chicken Orzo is a quick, creamy, and flavorful dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Made in just one pan, it combines juicy chicken, tender orzo, and a bright, savory sauce for a meal that’s both comforting and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
- Additional Parmesan and fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Sear until golden brown on all sides, about five to seven minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add diced onion and garlic. Sauté for two to three minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Toast the Orzo: Stir in the orzo and cook for about one to two minutes, allowing it to lightly toast. This deepens its flavor and prevents it from becoming too mushy.
- Simmer the Dish: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally and let the orzo cook for eight to ten minutes, absorbing the broth and thickening into a creamy texture.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the pan, along with the lemon juice and Parmesan cheese. Stir until well combined. Add the spinach if using, letting it wilt into the dish. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from heat and garnish with additional Parmesan and fresh herbs. Serve warm and enjoy a comforting, one-pot meal with minimal cleanup.
Notes
- If the dish thickens too much upon standing, add a small splash of broth or water before serving.
- For extra creaminess, stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or heavy cream.
- Feel free to add vegetables like cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
- To make it dairy-free, omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative like nutritional yeast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 85mg