Chicken Orzo is the perfect blend of tender chicken, savory herbs, and comforting orzo pasta. The dish is simmered in a rich, flavorful broth, with a hint of garlic and lemon zest to elevate the taste. Every bite is a delightful mix of textures, from the soft pasta to the juicy chicken, making it an ideal meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Orzo Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Warm, flavorful, and perfect for all seasons.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, making it a great weeknight dinner.
- Customizable: Easily adapt this dish with different proteins, veggies, or flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this chicken and orzo recipe, gather these key ingredients:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Orzo: A small, rice-shaped pasta that soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing and adding richness.
- Garlic & Onion: Essential aromatics that deepen the flavor.
- Carrots & Celery: Adds a natural sweetness and texture.
- Chicken Broth: The base for a flavorful and well-balanced dish.
- Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh) bring a slight tang and depth.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens up the dish with a fresh, citrusy touch.
- Parmesan Cheese: For a creamy, umami-packed finish.
- Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, oregano, thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Fresh Parsley or Basil: For garnish and a burst of fresh flavor.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Chicken Orzo
- Use Chicken Thighs: They stay juicy and tender compared to chicken breasts.
- Stir Frequently: Orzo can stick to the bottom of the pot, so stir occasionally.
- Don’t Overcook: Orzo absorbs liquid quickly; remove from heat when al dente.
- Adjust the Consistency: If it gets too thick, add extra broth before serving.
Variations to Try
Creamy Chicken Orzo
- Add heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for a rich, creamy texture.
- Stir in extra Parmesan cheese for extra indulgence.
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
- Add more chicken broth to make it soupier.
- Increase the lemon juice and zest for a bright, citrusy kick.
Spicy Chicken Orzo
- Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for heat.
- Stir in hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne.
Greek-Style Chicken Orzo
- Stir in Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and fresh dill for a Mediterranean twist.
- Swap diced tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes.
How to Serve Chicken Orzo
- With Crusty Bread: A slice of warm sourdough or garlic bread pairs perfectly.
- Alongside a Fresh Salad: Try a simple Greek salad or a light cucumber-tomato salad.
- As a Side Dish: Serve with roasted vegetables or grilled meats.
How to Store & Reheat
Refrigerating:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Add a little broth when reheating to restore the texture.
Reheating:
- Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use rice instead of orzo?
Yes! Substitute orzo with long-grain rice or brown rice, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. Is orzo gluten-free?
Traditional orzo is made from wheat, but you can use gluten-free orzo if needed.
3. How do I make this dish vegetarian?
Replace the chicken with chickpeas, tofu, or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
4. Can I cook this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Sauté the chicken and veggies using the “Sauté” function, then add the broth and orzo. Seal and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, then do a quick release.
5. What’s the difference between orzo and rice?
Orzo is pasta shaped like rice, while rice is a grain. Orzo has a slightly firmer texture and absorbs flavors well.
Chicken Orzo
Chicken Orzo is the perfect blend of tender chicken, savory herbs, and comforting orzo pasta. The dish is simmered in a rich, flavorful broth, with a hint of garlic and lemon zest to elevate the taste.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Kosher salt & pepper to taste
- 1 lb uncooked orzo
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 32 oz chicken stock
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for finishing)
- Fresh parsley & parmesan for topping
Instructions
- Heat 3 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Pat chicken dry, season with salt & pepper, and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- If needed, add a little more butter or olive oil to the pan.
Stir in orzo & garlic, cooking until golden and fragrant. - Pour in chicken stock, then nestle the chicken back into the pan.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Drizzle with melted butter for extra richness.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley & parmesan and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 831Total Fat: 28gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 185mgSodium: 650mgCarbohydrates: 94gFiber: 4gSugar: 7gProtein: 49g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Orzo recipe is an easy, hearty, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you keep it classic or try one of the variations, you’re sure to have a new family favorite. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out!
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