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I’ve always been a fan of meals that come together with minimal fuss, and that’s exactly what drew me to this One Pot Chicken Orzo the first time I made it. Picture this: a busy weeknight, kids running around, and you’re craving something comforting yet quick—enter the One Pot Chicken Orzo, a dish that simmers everything in one pan for tender chicken, fluffy orzo, and a burst of flavors that feel like a hug in every bite. In my experience, it’s the kind of recipe that saves dinner without sacrificing taste, and I’ve lost count of how many times it’s been my go-to for family gatherings.
What I love most is how versatile it is; you can tweak it with whatever’s in your fridge, but the core magic happens when the orzo soaks up that savory broth infused with herbs and veggies. Let’s be honest, who has time for a sink full of dishes? This One Pot Chicken Orzo changes the game, delivering restaurant-quality results in under 45 minutes. I’m excited to share it with you because once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too.
Key Takeaways:
- One Pot Chicken Orzo is a effortless weeknight dinner that combines protein and carbs in one flavorful dish.
- Ready in just 40 minutes with minimal cleanup, perfect for busy schedules.
- Rich, herby flavors from garlic, tomatoes, and spinach make every bite irresistible.
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for extra juiciness and depth in your One Pot Chicken Orzo.
- Stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, great for meal prep.
Why You’ll Adore This One Pot Chicken Orzo
Effortless One-Pan Magic: There’s something so satisfying about throwing everything into one pot and letting it work its wonders. This One Pot Chicken Orzo means no boiling pasta separately or juggling multiple skillets—it’s all about simplicity that doesn’t skimp on taste. I’ve made it countless times, and it never fails to impress even picky eaters.
Family-Friendly Comfort: Who doesn’t love a meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles? The tender chicken and creamy orzo create that cozy, home-cooked vibe we all crave. Plus, it’s packed with veggies, so you can feel good about serving it night after night.
Customizable and Forgiving: Whether you’re gluten-free or want to amp up the spice, this One Pot Chicken Orzo adapts easily. In my kitchen, I’ve swapped in different greens or cheeses, and it always turns out delicious. It’s the recipe that grows with your preferences.
Budget-Smart Ingredients: Using pantry staples like orzo and basic veggies keeps costs low without compromising flavor. You’ll be amazed at how such simple elements create a dish this gourmet. Trust me, it’s a win for your wallet and your taste buds.
Essential Ingredients for One Pot Chicken Orzo
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are the star here, providing juicy meat and crispy skin that infuses the entire dish with richness. They release fats that help build the flavorful base for your One Pot Chicken Orzo, making every element sing. I always opt for thighs over breasts because they stay tender without drying out during the simmer. Season them simply with salt and pepper before browning for that perfect start.
Orzo Pasta: This tiny rice-shaped pasta is ideal for one-pot meals as it cooks right in the broth, absorbing all the savory goodness. It adds a comforting, risotto-like texture to the One Pot Chicken Orzo without the constant stirring. In my experience, rinsing it first prevents clumping, ensuring even cooking. It’s a staple I keep on hand for quick dinners like this.
Fresh Spinach and Garlic: Spinach wilts beautifully into the mix, adding a pop of color and nutrition, while garlic brings that aromatic depth we all love. Together, they elevate the One Pot Chicken Orzo from good to unforgettable, balancing the heartiness with freshness. Chop the garlic finely to release its oils early, and stir in the spinach at the end to keep it vibrant. These ingredients make the dish feel light yet satisfying.
How to Make One Pot Chicken Orzo
Brown the Chicken
Start by heating a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil—this is where the flavor foundation for your One Pot Chicken Orzo begins. Pat the chicken thighs dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning. Place them skin-side down and let them sear for 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy, flipping once to brown the other side. The sizzle and aroma will fill your kitchen, promising something wonderful ahead. Remove the chicken and set aside, leaving those tasty bits in the pan for the next step. This browning step locks in juices and adds depth that plain boiling can’t match.
Sauté the Aromatics and Add Orzo
Lower the heat to medium and toss in diced onions and minced garlic, stirring for about 3 minutes until softened and fragrant—these build the savory backbone of the dish. Pour in the orzo and coat it in the oils for a minute, toasting lightly for extra nuttiness. Now, deglaze with chicken broth and diced tomatoes, scraping up those browned bits as you bring it to a simmer. The liquid should just cover the orzo; if not, add a splash more. This stage smells incredible, like a cozy Italian kitchen. Let it bubble gently while you nestle the chicken back in, skin-side up.
Simmer and Finish Your One Pot Chicken Orzo
Cover the pot and reduce heat to low, allowing everything to simmer for 15-20 minutes until the orzo is tender and the chicken reaches 165°F internally—stir occasionally to prevent sticking. In the last 2 minutes, stir in handfuls of fresh spinach until it wilts, adding a vibrant green touch to your One Pot Chicken Orzo. Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon for brightness. The orzo will have absorbed the broth, creating a creamy consistency without any cream. Remove from heat, sprinkle with grated Parmesan, and let it rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot, and watch it disappear—this is comfort food at its finest.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon (optional)
One Pot Chicken Orzo Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Brown skin-side down for 5-7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic for 3 minutes. Add orzo and toast for 1 minute. Stir in broth and tomatoes, scraping the pan. Bring to a simmer.
- Nestle chicken back in, cover, and simmer on low for 15-20 minutes until orzo is tender and chicken is cooked through. Stir in spinach to wilt. Finish with Parmesan and lemon juice if desired. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for the Best One Pot Chicken Orzo
Don’t Skip the Sear: Browning the chicken first adds layers of flavor that simmering alone can’t achieve—it’s worth the extra few minutes.
Toast the Orzo: A quick toast in the pan before adding liquid enhances the nutty taste and helps it stay separate in your One Pot Chicken Orzo.
Check Liquid Levels: If the orzo absorbs too much, add a bit more broth during simmering to keep things creamy without sogginess.
You Must Know
- This One Pot Chicken Orzo serves 4 people generously, with about 500 calories per serving.
- Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness, as the Parmesan adds plenty.
- The dish is naturally gluten-free if you swap regular orzo for gluten-free version.
- Fresh herbs like basil can be stirred in at the end for an extra flavor boost.
How to Store One Pot Chicken Orzo
Once cooled, transfer your One Pot Chicken Orzo to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days—it’s even better the next day as flavors meld. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer bags for up to 2 months, though the orzo might soften a bit upon thawing. To reheat, warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth to revive the creaminess, or microwave in short bursts, stirring halfway. Always ensure chicken reaches 165°F when reheating for safety.
Customizing Your One Pot Chicken Orzo
Feel free to swap chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer leaner meat, or go vegetarian by using chickpeas instead—your One Pot Chicken Orzo will still shine. Add veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms during the sauté step for more crunch and color. For a spicy kick, stir in red pepper flakes or swap tomatoes for fire-roasted ones. If you’re into creamy twists, a dollop of cream cheese at the end works wonders, inspired by recipes like our Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken.
What to Serve with One Pot Chicken Orzo
A simple green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness, adding freshness to your meal. Crusty bread is perfect for sopping up any extra sauce, while roasted veggies like broccoli complement the one-pot ease. For drinks, pair with a crisp white wine or iced tea to keep things light. If you’re feeling fancy, a side of garlic bread ties it all together beautifully.
One Pot Chicken Orzo
An Easy One Pot Chicken Orzo Recipe that is quick to make! this Creamy orzo with chicken is rich and delicious while still being healthy!
Timing
Recipe Details
Ingredients
- 01 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts ((or tenders cubed into 1” pieces))
- 02 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 03 ¼ teaspoon salt
- 04 ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 05 ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 06 2 tablespoons olive oil ((divided))
- 07 ½ cup diced yellow onion ((about 1/2 a medium onion))
- 08 2 cups chopped fresh asparagus spears ((cut into 1 inch pieces))
- 09 1 tablespoon minced garlic ((about 3 garlic cloves))
- 10 8 ounces dry orzo
- 11 2 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth
- 12 2 sprigs fresh thyme ((can sub 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme))
- 13 ⅓ cup half and half ((can sub milk))
- 14 ⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan
- 15 2 cups fresh spinach
- 16 Chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan (for garnish)
Instructions
In a small bowl, combine chicken chunks, garlic powder, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes, toss to coat.
In a large high sided pan over medium high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and add the chicken. Cook for 10-12 minutes, until brown on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside in a bowl.
In the same pan, (no need to clean it!) add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the asparagus and sauté for 2 minutes, until tender but still crisp. Remove from the pan and set aside to the plate with the cooked chicken.
Add the onion to the pan and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the orzo and garlic and cook until the orzo starts to toast slightly, another 3 minutes.
Add in the broth and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally and scraping the bottom of the pan. (Tip: You can microwave your broth before adding to the pan to speed up cook time) Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 7 minutes, or until most of the liquid has been absorbed, stirring halfway.
Stir in the cooked chicken, asparagus, half and half, parmesan, spinach and thyme. Heat for one to two minutes more until heated through and spinach is wilted.
Serve immediately garnished with chopped parsley and extra grated parmesan.
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NUTRITION FACTS (PER SERVING)
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
Frequently Asked Questions About One Pot Chicken Orzo
Can I make One Pot Chicken Orzo ahead of time?
Absolutely, this dish is great for prep—cook it fully, then cool and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before reheating gently on the stove. The flavors intensify overnight, making it taste even better. Just add a bit of broth when warming to loosen it up.
How long does One Pot Chicken Orzo last in the fridge?
Your One Pot Chicken Orzo stays fresh for 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container. Beyond that, freeze it to extend life up to 2 months. Always check for off smells before eating.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in One Pot Chicken Orzo?
Yes, breasts work fine, but they cook quicker, so add them later or slice them for even cooking. They’ll be leaner, so a touch more oil helps keep things moist. It’s a solid swap for lighter meals.
Is One Pot Chicken Orzo gluten-free?
Not with regular orzo, but use gluten-free orzo and ensure your broth is certified GF to make the whole One Pot Chicken Orzo suitable. It’s an easy adjustment that doesn’t alter the taste much. Check labels for hidden gluten in seasonings too.
What if I don’t have orzo for this recipe?
Substitute with small pasta like ditalini or even rice, adjusting liquid and cook time accordingly. The texture will vary, but the flavors remain spot-on. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice.
Can I add cheese to my One Pot Chicken Orzo?
Definitely—stir in Parmesan or feta at the end for creaminess, or top with mozzarella for a bubbly finish on your One Pot Chicken Orzo. It melts beautifully into the warm dish. Experiment with goat cheese for a tangy twist.
How do I make One Pot Chicken Orzo spicier?
Incorporate chili flakes during sautéing or use spicy sausage alongside the chicken for heat. A dash of hot sauce at serving amps it up without overpowering. It’s customizable to your spice level.
Can this be made in a slow cooker?
While it’s designed for stovetop, adapt by browning chicken first, then slow-cook on low for 4-6 hours with orzo added in the last 30 minutes to avoid mushiness. It’s convenient for hands-off days. For more slow-cooker ideas, check our Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the simplicity and satisfaction of this One Pot Chicken Orzo wrapping up a hectic day with its warm, flavorful embrace. From the first sear to the final stir of spinach, it’s a recipe that delivers joy in every step and bite. I encourage you to give it a whirl this week—it might just become your new favorite, and I’d love to hear how yours turns out in the comments.