Easy Chicken Orzo Recipe for a Quick Weeknight Dinner

When life gets busy, the last thing you want to worry about is making dinner. That’s why this easy chicken orzo recipe is perfect for those hectic weeknights. Combining the rich, hearty flavour of chicken with the tender, pasta-like texture of orzo, this dish comes together quickly in one pot.

Not only does it save you time, but it also reduces the amount of washing up, making it a win-win for busy households.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Chicken Orzo?

Cooking can feel like a chore after a long day, but this chicken orzo recipe makes it enjoyable and effortless. From start to finish, you can whip up this dish in just 30 minutes.

The combination of tender chicken and perfectly cooked orzo pasta in a light, creamy sauce is hard to resist. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can easily tweak it by adding different vegetables or seasonings to suit your taste.

The real beauty of this recipe lies in its one-pan method. Everything – from searing the chicken to simmering the orzo – happens in the same skillet, allowing the flavours to meld together seamlessly. The ease of clean-up is a bonus, making this meal even more appealing for busy weeknights.

Ingredients for the Perfect Chicken Orzo Recipe

To make this simple yet flavour-packed dish, you’ll need just a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Here’s what you need to get started:

You can swap out or add in vegetables like zucchini, peas, or kale to give this recipe a unique twist based on what’s in your fridge.

How to Make Chicken Orzo in Just 30 Minutes?

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you prepare this delicious chicken orzo recipe in under 30 minutes.

1. Heat the oil: Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Season the chicken: While the oil heats, season your chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Cook the chicken: Place the chicken in the hot skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

4. Add orzo to the skillet: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add 1 cup of orzo pasta and stir it for 1-2 minutes until it starts to toast and turns slightly golden.

5. Add garlic: Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

6. Pour in the stock: Add 2 cups of chicken stock to the skillet with the orzo, stirring well.

7. Simmer: Bring the stock to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, until the orzo is tender and the stock is mostly absorbed.

8. Incorporate vegetables: Stir in your choice of vegetables, such as 200g of cherry tomatoes or 2 cups of spinach. Let them cook in the skillet for about 2-3 minutes until softened.

9. Return chicken: Add the seared chicken back to the skillet and stir to combine with the orzo and vegetables.

10. Add final touches: For a rich flavour, stir in 1 tablespoon of pesto and a squeeze of lemon juice. For a creamier finish, add ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.

11. Garnish and serve: Serve the chicken orzo hot, garnishing with additional Parmesan, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavour.

Famous Variations of the Chicken Orzo Recipe

This dish is endlessly adaptable to suit various tastes and dietary needs.

Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Instructions:

1. Sear the Chicken: Season 2-3 chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Cook the Orzo: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of butter, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 chopped onion. Cook until softened. Stir in 1 cup of orzo and cook for 1-2 minutes.
3. Add Liquids: Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir and bring to a simmer.
4. Return the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts back into the skillet and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the orzo is tender.
5. Finish and Serve: Stir in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan, a handful of chopped fresh basil, and 1 teaspoon of chili flakes. Serve hot.

Difference: This “Marry Me” variation uses heavy cream and Parmesan to create a rich, creamy sauce, making it comforting and indulgent.

Nigella Chicken Orzo

Instructions:

1. Sear the Chicken: Season 2-3 chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan and sear the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook Aromatics: In the same pan, add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook until softened, then stir in 1 tablespoon of dried oregano.
3. Add Orzo and Stock: Add 1 1/2 cups of orzo and 2 1/2 cups of chicken stock. Stir to combine.
4. Return the Chicken: Nestle the chicken thighs back into the pan. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the orzo is tender.
5. Serve: Stir in the juice of half a lemon and a handful of chopped parsley before serving.

Difference: Nigella’s recipe leans on simple, comforting flavors like oregano and lemon for a more classic and light Mediterranean touch.

Cajun Chicken Orzo

Instructions:

1. Season the Chicken: Coat 2 chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook the Orzo: In the same skillet, add 1 chopped onion, 1 chopped red bell pepper, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook until softened. Stir in 1 cup of orzo and cook for 1-2 minutes.
3. Add Stock and Cream: Pour in 2 cups of chicken stock and 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Stir and bring to a simmer.
4. Combine: Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Stir in 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning and simmer for 10-12 minutes until the orzo is cooked and the sauce thickens.
5. Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.

Difference: This Cajun version introduces bold, spicy flavors from Cajun seasoning, paired with bell peppers and a creamy sauce for a Southern-inspired twist.

Nutrition Table for the Chicken Orzo Recipe

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Orzo

This meal pairs perfectly with:

• Garlic bread or crusty baguettes for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• A simple green salad or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for added texture and nutrition.
• You can also complement it with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a non-alcoholic sparkling water for a refreshing touch.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Chicken Orzo

If you happen to have leftovers, this dish can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen the sauce as the orzo tends to absorb more liquid when it sits.

Conclusion

This Chicken Orzo Recipe is everything you need in a weeknight meal – quick, flavourful, and comforting. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavour, it’s bound to become a regular in your kitchen rotation.

Try it once, and you’ll see why this dish is a go-to for busy families. Its creamy texture, combined with the punch of well-seasoned chicken and tender orzo, makes for a truly satisfying meal that can be ready in under 30 minutes.

FAQs About Chicken Orzo Recipe

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can. This dish stores well in the fridge and can easily be reheated. When reheating, add a little extra stock to keep the orzo from drying out.

What vegetables work best with chicken orzo?

You can use spinach, cherry tomatoes, courgettes, peas, or even kale. Any fresh or frozen vegetable you have on hand will work well.

Can I freeze chicken orzo?

While possible, freezing may affect the texture of the orzo, making it a bit mushy. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh or after refrigeration.

How can I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free orzo or another grain like rice or quinoa. Make sure your chicken stock is also gluten-free.

Is orzo the same as risotto?

No, orzo is a pasta, while risotto is made from rice. However, orzo can mimic the creamy texture of risotto when cooked in a similar way.

Can I use a different protein?

Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with prawns, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

How can I adjust the recipe to be healthier?

Use lean chicken breast, reduce the amount of oil, and load up on extra vegetables. You can also reduce or skip the Parmesan for a lighter dish.

Chicken Orzo Recipe

Freya

This Chicken Orzo Recipe is everything you need in a weeknight meal – quick, flavourful, and comforting. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavour, it’s bound to become a regular in your kitchen rotation.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 People

Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 500 g Boneless chicken breasts
• 1 cup Orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 3 Pieces Garlic cloves minced
• 2 cups Chicken stock
• 200 g Cherry tomatoes halved
• 2 cups Spinach optional
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• ¼ cup Parmesan grated
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice optional
• 1 tablespoon Basil pesto optional

Instructions

 

• Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• While the oil heats, season your chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Place the chicken in the hot skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
• In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add 1 cup of orzo pasta and stir it for 1-2 minutes until it starts to toast and turns slightly golden.
• Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add 2 cups of chicken stock to the skillet with the orzo, stirring well.
• Bring the stock to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, until the orzo is tender and the stock is mostly absorbed.
• Stir in your choice of vegetables, such as 200g of cherry tomatoes or 2 cups of spinach. Let them cook in the skillet for about 2-3 minutes until softened.
• Add the seared chicken back to the skillet and stir to combine with the orzo and vegetables.
• For a rich flavour, stir in 1 tablespoon of pesto and a squeeze of lemon juice. For a creamier finish, add ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
• Serve the chicken orzo hot, garnishing with additional Parmesan, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavour.

Keyword chicken orzo