A light and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, fluffy orzo pasta, and fresh vegetables. This Chicken Orzo is a simple, one-pan meal that’s perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner. Packed with protein, fiber, and vibrant flavors, this dish is both comforting and nutritious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Meal – Minimal cleanup makes this dish a hassle-free option for busy nights.
- Quick and Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Healthy and Balanced – A great combination of lean protein, whole grains, and fresh vegetables.
- Versatile – Easy to customize with different veggies, herbs, or spices.
- Full of Flavor – Garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes add a delicious depth of taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the orzo and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, to lightly toast the pasta.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, along with the cherry tomatoes, spinach, garlic powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and everything is heated through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Variations
- Cheesy Twist – Stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese for a creamy, cheesy texture.
- Lemon-Garlic Orzo – Add fresh lemon zest and juice for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Mushroom Addition – Sauté sliced mushrooms with the chicken for an earthy taste.
- Greek-Inspired – Toss in kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
- Vegetarian Option – Skip the chicken and add chickpeas or white beans for a protein boost.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing – Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating – Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat orzo?
Yes! Whole wheat orzo is a great option for added fiber and nutrition. Just note that it may take a few extra minutes to cook.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness.
What other vegetables can I add?
You can add zucchini, bell peppers, peas, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! This dish is naturally dairy-free, but if you plan to add cheese, use a dairy-free alternative.
What can I serve with Chicken Orzo?
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or garlic bread.
How do I prevent the orzo from sticking?
Stir occasionally while cooking and make sure there is enough liquid in the skillet.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, vegetable broth works well as a substitute if you prefer a lighter or vegetarian version.
Is orzo the same as rice?
No, orzo is a small pasta that resembles rice but has a different texture and taste.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes! Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the orzo and chicken ahead of time, then reheat and add fresh spinach and tomatoes before serving.
Conclusion
Chicken Orzo is a delicious, light, and easy one-pan meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With tender chicken, flavorful orzo, and fresh vegetables, this dish is both comforting and nutritious. Try different variations to suit your taste and enjoy a quick and satisfying homemade meal!
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Chicken Orzo
This Chicken Orzo is a light and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, orzo pasta, and fresh vegetables. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy dinner is perfect for busy weeknights. Healthy, delicious, and customizable, it’s a meal the whole family will love!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup spinach, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Toast the Orzo:
- In the same skillet, add orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Simmer the Orzo:
- Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Combine Everything:
- Add cooked chicken, cherry tomatoes, spinach, garlic powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Stir and cook for 2-3 more minutes until the spinach wilts.
Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
Notes
- For a creamy version, stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
- For a citrusy twist, add lemon zest and juice.
- For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with chickpeas or white beans.
- For extra veggies, add bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Courses
- Method: One-Pan, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, American
