Description
This One Pot Chicken and Orzo is a flavorful and easy-to-make meal combining tender bite-sized chicken pieces with tender orzo pasta cooked in a savory broth infused with aromatic herbs. Finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh spinach, it’s a comforting and wholesome dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Base
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Orzo and Seasonings
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Finishing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until lightly browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same pan, add the finely chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add orzo and broth: Pour in the orzo pasta, chicken broth, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Simmer with chicken: Return the chicken pieces to the pan and cover. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Finish the dish: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh spinach, and parsley until the spinach wilts and all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Serve: Serve the One Pot Chicken and Orzo warm as a comforting main course.
Notes
- You can substitute frozen peas or other vegetables for the spinach if desired.
- For a creamier version, stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream or Greek yogurt at the end.
- Using bone-in chicken thighs will require longer cooking time but adds extra flavor.
