If you’re looking for a quick, comforting, and delicious meal that doesn’t require a lot of time or clean-up, look no further than this One Pot Chicken Orzo. This dish is packed with tender chicken, perfectly cooked orzo pasta, and a flavorful, savory broth that brings everything together in a single pot. It’s an all-in-one meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make!
Not only is this dish a crowd-pleaser, but it also offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The chicken is juicy and tender, the orzo pasta absorbs all the delicious flavors from the broth, and a few simple ingredients like garlic, lemon, and herbs elevate this meal into something special.
Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family, meal prepping for the week, or making a last-minute meal, this One Pot Chicken Orzo will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ One Pot Wonder – Less clean-up and hassle!
✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
✅ Packed with Flavor – Juicy chicken and tender orzo in a savory broth.
✅ Comfort Food – The ultimate cozy meal for any time of the year.
✅ Customizable – Add your favorite vegetables or herbs for extra flavor.
Ingredients (in grams)
For 4 servings, you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (600g)
- 1 medium onion, chopped (150g)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (10g)
- 1 medium carrot, diced (100g)
- 1 celery stalk, diced (50g)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (2g)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (2g)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (2g)
- ½ teaspoon salt (3g)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (1g)
- 1 cup orzo pasta (200g)
- 3 cups chicken broth (720ml)
- 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped (30g)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15ml)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot.
- Brown the chicken on both sides for about 5 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pot, add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery.
- Sauté the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes, or until they begin to soften.
Step 3: Add Broth and Orzo
- Sprinkle in the dried thyme, oregano, and lemon zest, then stir to combine.
- Add the orzo pasta and chicken broth to the pot. Stir everything together, making sure the orzo is evenly distributed.
- Nestle the chicken breasts back into the pot, making sure they’re submerged in the broth.
Step 4: Simmer & Cook
- Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover.
- Let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside to rest for a few minutes.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
- Add the chopped spinach or kale to the pot and stir until wilted.
- Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the pot.
- Stir in the lemon juice and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
(Nutrition values may vary based on ingredient choices and portion sizes.)
Tips & Tricks for Perfect One Pot Chicken Orzo
✔️ Brown the Chicken First – Browning the chicken helps to lock in flavor and gives it a golden crust.
✔️ Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor – If you prefer, you can use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Just be sure to remove the bones after cooking.
✔️ Add Extra Veggies – Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or peas to the mix for extra veggies and color.
✔️ Don’t Overcook the Orzo – Orzo cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t become mushy.
✔️ Make it Creamy – For a creamier texture, stir in 2-3 tablespoons of cream cheese or heavy cream after cooking.
Delicious Variations to Try
🍋 Lemon Herb Chicken Orzo – Add more lemon zest and fresh herbs like basil or thyme to amp up the freshness.
🍗 Garlic Parmesan Chicken Orzo – Stir in grated Parmesan and garlic for a rich, garlicky twist.
🌿 Greek Style Chicken Orzo – Add olives, feta cheese, and cucumbers to bring in a Mediterranean flair.
🥘 Spicy Chicken Orzo – Add red pepper flakes or chili powder for a touch of heat.
What to Serve with One Pot Chicken Orzo
🥗 With a Fresh Salad – Pair this dish with a simple green salad or Greek salad for a light, refreshing contrast.
🍞 With Garlic Bread – Serve with a slice of warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up any extra broth.
🍷 With White Wine – A crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with this dish.
How to Store & Reheat
🛑 Store – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
🔥 Reheat – Warm leftovers on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra broth or water if necessary to loosen up the pasta.
🧊 Freeze – Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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