Description
This One Pot Chicken and Orzo recipe is a delicious and comforting meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, flavorful orzo, and fresh spinach come together in a creamy, cheesy sauce that is sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Orzo:
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
Other Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup baby spinach
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
- Cook the Orzo: In the same pot, sauté onion until softened, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes. Pour in chicken broth, return chicken to the pot, and simmer covered for 12–15 minutes until chicken is cooked through and orzo is tender.
- Finish the Dish: Remove chicken, stir in cherry tomatoes, spinach, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Return chicken on top, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute kale for spinach or add roasted vegetables for extra flavor.
- For a creamier dish, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about ¼ of recipe)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
