Easy One-Pot Chicken Orzo Recipe

Imagine a dish so comforting that it wraps around you like a warm hug on a chilly evening. This One-Pot Chicken Orzo is exactly that—each spoonful transports you into a world where flavors dance together in harmony. The succulent chicken mingles with tender orzo pasta and fresh vegetables, creating a symphony of tastes that even your taste buds will applaud.

It’s a chaotic weekday evening, and you’re staring blankly at your fridge as if it holds the secrets to life itself. Suddenly, you remember this magical recipe! In just under an hour, your kitchen transforms into a culinary paradise filled with aromatic herbs and spices. Let’s dive into the delightful world of One-Pot Chicken Orzo and discover why it’s destined to become your new favorite dish.

This dish has brought smiles to my family’s faces more times than I can count; nothing beats hearing “Yum!” echoing through the house!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: I prefer thighs for their juiciness; they stay tender during cooking.
• Orzo Pasta: Choose whole wheat if you’re feeling healthy; it adds an earthy flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness and enhance the dish’s flavor.
• Fresh Spinach: Baby spinach wilts beautifully; it adds color and nutrients.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic elevates the aroma; don’t skimp on these little flavor bombs.
• Cherry Tomatoes: These add a burst of sweetness; slice them in half for maximum juiciness.
• Zucchini: Sliced thinly, zucchini adds texture and absorbs all those tasty flavors.
• Dried Oregano: A sprinkle brings Mediterranean vibes; it’s essential for that authentic taste.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil enhances richness; drizzle some over before serving!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Gather Your Ingredients: Start by assembling all your ingredients on the counter. This keeps things organized and speeds up your cooking time.

Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chicken thighs seasoned with salt and pepper until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Aromatics and Veggies: Toss in minced garlic followed by sliced cherry tomatoes and zucchini. Cook until fragrant—about 2-3 minutes while stirring constantly.

Add Broth and Orzo Pasta: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil before adding orzo pasta. Stir well so everything gets cozy together.

Simmer Until Perfectly Cooked: Reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Let everything simmer for about 10-12 minutes until orzo is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Toss in Spinach and Seasoning: Once cooked, fold in fresh spinach until wilted. Sprinkle oregano over top for that unmistakable Mediterranean flair.

Now you have a beautiful pot of One-Pot Chicken Orzo that’s ready to impress! Serve immediately with an extra drizzle of olive oil if you desire.

This easy yet scrumptious dish will surely become your go-to recipe for busy nights or when entertaining friends!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the chicken first to lock in flavors, then add aromatics before cooking the orzo with broth for maximum richness.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for turkey or add vegetables like spinach and bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover One-Pot Chicken Orzo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth to prevent drying out.

Creating One-Pot Chicken Orzo reminds me of family gatherings where everyone pitched in. The laughter and chatter always made dinner unforgettable, especially when the dish was a hit!

FAQ

What can I substitute for orzo in this recipe?

You can use rice or quinoa as alternatives if you’re looking for variety.

Can I make One-Pot Chicken Orzo ahead of time?

Yes, prepare it a day in advance; just store it properly to maintain freshness.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It stores well and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for weekly meal prep.

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One-Pot Chicken Orzo

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4.5 from 131 reviews

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One-Pot Chicken Orzo is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and orzo pasta, all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup and maximum taste.

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

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• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper; add to the pot and cook until golden brown on both sides (5-7 minutes). Remove chicken and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add minced garlic, cherry tomatoes, and zucchini. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Stir in orzo pasta.
4. Reduce heat to low and return chicken to the pot. Cover and simmer for about 10-12 minutes until orzo is al dente.
5. Fold in spinach until wilted; sprinkle with oregano before serving.

Notes

• For added nutrition, replace chicken with turkey or incorporate bell peppers.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days; reheat with a splash of broth.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (300g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 120mg