Description
Savory one pot chicken orzo brings Mediterranean comfort right to dinner tables with minimal cleanup. Hearty ingredients meld together, creating a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Cooking Ingredients and Additions:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for freshness)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Liberally coat chicken pieces with a robust blend of seasonings, ensuring each morsel is thoroughly covered with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Ignite a large skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle with olive oil, and expertly sear chicken until a golden crust develops and meat is fully cooked through, approximately 5-6 minutes per side.
- Transfer chicken to a holding plate, reserving the flavorful skillet for subsequent cooking stages.
- Reduce heat and introduce butter, allowing it to melt and create a luxurious base for sautéing finely chopped garlic and onion until their aromatic essence permeates the kitchen.
- Cascade orzo pasta into the skillet, gently stirring to coat each grain with buttery essence and encouraging a light, golden toasting.
- Stream chicken broth and sprinkle Italian seasoning into the skillet, creating a harmonious liquid environment for the orzo.
- Maintain a gentle simmer, periodically stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, until orzo reaches a tender consistency and liquid reduces substantially.
- Incorporate heavy cream, creating a silky texture, then fold in Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and fresh spinach leaves.
- Reintroduce the perfectly cooked chicken to the skillet, gently nestling the pieces into the creamy orzo landscape.
- Brighten the dish with a vibrant squeeze of fresh lemon juice, awakening the flavors.
- Garnish with a flourish of chopped parsley and an additional dusting of Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately, presenting a comforting, one-skillet culinary masterpiece.
Notes
- Spice up the seasoning by experimenting with different herb blends like Herbs de Provence or za’atar for a unique flavor profile.
- Toast the orzo carefully to prevent burning, stirring constantly and watching for a light golden color that enhances nutty undertones.
- Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter, dairy-free alternatives that maintain creamy texture and add subtle tang.
- Keep extra broth nearby when cooking orzo, as it absorbs liquid quickly and might need occasional moisture to prevent sticking or drying out.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg