A creamy, comforting skillet dinner that combines tender chicken, chewy orzo pasta, and tangy feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken Orzo Skillet is a weeknight dinner dream come true. It’s a complete meal in one pan, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening. The combination of creamy orzo, succulent chicken, and tangy feta creates a dish that feels indulgent yet balanced. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights but sophisticated enough for casual entertaining. Even picky eaters tend to enjoy this mild yet flavorful dish, and you can easily adapt it by adding more vegetables or adjusting the seasonings to suit your family’s preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Olive oil is the foundation for building flavor in this dish, used to sauté the chicken and vegetables to golden perfection without sticking to the pan.
Chicken breast provides lean protein and becomes tender and juicy when cut into bite-sized pieces and cooked properly. It absorbs the flavors of the other ingredients beautifully.
Onion creates an aromatic base for the dish, adding natural sweetness and depth as it softens and caramelizes slightly in the pan.
Garlic adds essential aromatic flavor that permeates the entire dish. Fresh is always best, but pre-minced garlic from a jar will work in a pinch.
Orzo pasta is the star carbohydrate in this recipe. This small, rice-shaped pasta absorbs flavors wonderfully and creates a creamy texture when cooked directly in the broth.
Chicken broth infuses the orzo with savory flavor as it cooks, creating a much more flavorful dish than if you’d cooked the pasta in plain water.
Heavy cream transforms this dish from a simple pasta to a luxuriously creamy meal. It adds richness and helps create the silky sauce that coats each piece of orzo.
Spinach incorporates a nutritious green element that wilts perfectly into the hot dish, adding color, nutrients, and a slight earthiness without overpowering the dish.
Feta cheese provides a tangy, salty punch that balances the creaminess of the dish. It softens slightly when stirred in but maintains some of its crumbly texture for interest.
Salt and pepper are essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors in the dish. Always taste before serving to make sure the seasoning is to your liking.
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the orzo pasta and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the heavy cream, spinach, and feta cheese. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and the cream to thicken.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional feta if desired.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 4 generous servings, perfect for a family dinner. Each serving provides approximately 400 calories. The dish comes together quickly with just 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, for a total time of 25 minutes from start to finish. It’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Variations
Mediterranean Version: Add halved cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of oregano for a Greek-inspired twist.
Vegetable Boost: Incorporate diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms when sautéing the onions for extra nutrition and color.
Lemon Bright: Add lemon zest and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end for a bright, citrusy variation.
Herb Garden: Stir in fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or basil just before serving for a fresh flavor profile.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño with the onions for heat lovers.
Protein Swap: Substitute the chicken with shrimp (added in the last few minutes of cooking) or use Italian sausage instead.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so the dish may become thicker over time.
Freezing: While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the orzo and cream sauce may change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, store in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the pasta, then warm gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. If the dish seems dry after reheating, stir in a small amount of cream or broth to restore creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, you can substitute small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even pearl couscous. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the pasta shape, so check for doneness as you cook.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and replace the feta with a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a tangy flavor.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and often stay more tender and juicy. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and follow the same cooking instructions.
How can I make this a vegetarian dish?
Skip the chicken and double the vegetables. Consider adding chickpeas or white beans for protein, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.
What can I use instead of spinach?
Kale, Swiss chard, arugula, or baby kale are excellent alternatives. Just remember that heartier greens like kale may need an extra minute or two to wilt properly.
My orzo is still firm but the liquid is absorbed. What should I do?
Add another ¼ to ½ cup of broth or water, continue simmering, and stir frequently until the orzo reaches your desired tenderness.
Can I prepare components of this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can cube the chicken, dice the onion, and mince the garlic up to a day in advance. Store these prepped ingredients separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
What if I don’t have feta cheese?
Goat cheese, crumbled queso fresco, or even grated parmesan can work as substitutes. Each will provide a different flavor profile, but all will add a nice savory element to the dish.
Can I make this spicier?
Definitely! Add red pepper flakes to taste, incorporate a diced jalapeño with the onions, or stir in some hot sauce at the end of cooking.
Why is my sauce splitting or looking curdled?
This can happen if the heat is too high when adding the cream. Be sure to lower the heat before adding dairy components, and stir constantly as you incorporate them into the hot mixture.
Conclusion
This One-Pot Chicken Orzo Skillet is more than just a recipe—it’s a solution for busy evenings when you want something homemade and delicious without the fuss. The combination of tender chicken, creamy orzo, and tangy feta creates a balanced meal that satisfies comfort food cravings while still feeling somewhat sophisticated. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility—it’s easy to adapt based on what you have on hand, making it a reliable recipe to return to again and again. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, this skillet dinner is sure to become a well-loved addition to your regular meal rotation. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, it exemplifies what weeknight cooking should be: simple, delicious, and satisfying.
Print
One-Pot Chicken Orzo Skillet
A delicious one-pan Chicken Orzo Skillet recipe combining tender chicken, creamy orzo, spinach, and feta cheese for a quick and easy meal.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the orzo pasta and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the heavy cream, spinach, and feta cheese. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and the cream to thicken.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional feta if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for optimum flavor and nutrition.
- For a healthier option, use low-fat cream and cheese.
- Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste preferences.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs if preferred.
- Adding a pinch of red chili flakes can elevate the flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Calorie
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
