Orzo Chicken
Orzo Chicken: A Cozy, Flavor-Packed One-Pot Dinner
This Orzo Chicken is a simple yet luxurious one-pot meal that gives you juicy, seasoned chicken nestled in a creamy, flavorful bed of tender orzo pasta.
With bright lemon, garlic, herbs, and parmesan, every bite tastes like comfort meets elegance — and it cooks in one pan, making it perfect for weeknights.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One pot = easy cleanup
- Creamy, cozy, and family-approved
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Juicy chicken + tender orzo in one skillet
- Mediterranean-inspired flavors
- Great for leftovers and reheats beautifully
🧄 Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4–6 chicken thighs (boneless or bone-in)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Orzo
- 1 ½ cups orzo
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- ½ cup grated parmesan
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp dried basil or Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (optional)
🍳 Instructions
1. Season & Sear the Chicken
Season chicken thighs with garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden.
Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, add onion and garlic. Cook until fragrant and softened.
3. Add Orzo & Liquids
Stir in orzo and let it toast for 1 minute.
Add:
- chicken broth
- heavy cream
- lemon juice
- dried basil
Stir well.
4. Add Chicken Back In
Nestle chicken thighs into the orzo mixture.
5. Simmer
Cover and cook on medium-low heat for 12–15 minutes, or until orzo is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
6. Finish With Parmesan
Stir in parmesan until creamy and melted.
Top with fresh parsley if desired.
🔥 Expert Tips
- For extra flavor, brown chicken deeply at the start
- Add spinach at the end for a veggie boost
- Substitute half-and-half for a lighter version
- If orzo thickens too fast, add a splash of broth
- Bone-in thighs add the most flavor but take slightly longer
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Serve with lemon wedges
- Add roasted veggies or a simple side salad
- Pairs great with garlic bread
- Top with extra parmesan and black pepper
❓ FAQ
Can I use chicken breasts?
Yes — just sear lightly so they don’t dry out.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Replace cream with coconut milk and skip parmesan.
Can I use rice instead of orzo?
Yes, but increase broth and cook time.
🧮 Nutrition (Approx per serving)
- Calories: ~520
- Carbs: 42g
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 36g
