why make this recipe
One Pot Chicken Orzo is a fantastic dish for busy weeknights. It combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy orzo pasta all cooked in one pan. This means less time spent on cleanup and more time enjoying a delicious meal with your family. The flavors come together beautifully, and it’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
how to make One Pot Chicken Orzo
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or tenders cubed into 1” pieces)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- ½ cup diced yellow onion (about 1/2 a medium onion)
- 2 cups chopped fresh asparagus spears (cut into 1 inch pieces)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 garlic cloves)
- 8 ounces dry orzo
- 2 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (can sub 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme)
- ⅓ cup half and half (can sub milk)
- ⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for garnish
Directions:
- In a small bowl, mix together chicken chunks, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 10-12 minutes, until it is browned on all sides. Then, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside in a bowl.
- In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Next, add the asparagus and sauté for 2 minutes, until it is tender but still crisp. Remove the asparagus and place it with the chicken.
- Add the diced onion to the pan and sauté until it softens, about 3 minutes. Stir in the orzo and garlic, cooking for another 3 minutes until the orzo starts to toast slightly.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir occasionally and scrape the bottom of the pan to combine. (Tip: You can microwave your broth before adding it to the pan to speed up cooking time). Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 7 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed, stirring halfway through.
- Stir in the cooked chicken, asparagus, half and half, parmesan, spinach, and thyme. Heat for one to two more minutes until everything is warmed through and the spinach has wilted.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and extra grated parmesan.
how to serve One Pot Chicken Orzo
This dish is best served warm straight from the pan. You can plate it and top it with fresh parsley and additional parmesan for a nice touch. It pairs well with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
how to store One Pot Chicken Orzo
To store leftovers, place the One Pot Chicken Orzo in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
tips to make One Pot Chicken Orzo
- Customize your veggies: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like bell peppers or peas based on what you have on hand.
- Add more seasoning: If you like extra flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or additional herbs like basil or oregano.
- Don’t skip the resting: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking can help it absorb more flavors and improve the texture.
variation
You can easily make a vegetarian version by replacing the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This keeps the meal hearty and satisfying without the meat.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken; just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking throughout.What’s orzo?
Orzo is a type of small pasta that resembles rice. It cooks quickly and is perfect for one-pot meals.Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients in advance and store them separately. Just cook them together on the day you want to serve.
