One-Pan Chicken Orzo: The Ultimate Easy & Delicious Weeknight Dinner
Discover the magic of a truly effortless meal with this incredible One-Pan Chicken Orzo Recipe! Simple to make, utilizing everyday staple ingredients, this dish is the perfect solution for a quick yet satisfying family dinner that delivers on flavor without the fuss. Imagine a hearty, comforting meal that comes together in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing deliciousness. This is it!
There’s nothing quite like the convenience of a good skillet meal. The ability to cook everything in one pot – from browning the chicken to simmering the pasta – is a game-changer for busy weeknights. This easy chicken and orzo skillet is not only packed with incredible flavors but also cooks up in under an hour, making it an ideal choice when time is precious. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or convenient grab-and-go lunches for work or school. Say goodbye to endless stacks of dirty dishes and hello to more time for what truly matters.
Orzo is truly one of the best pasta shapes to use for skillet meals. Its small, rice-like shape allows it to cook quickly and absorb all the delicious flavors of the broth and seasonings, creating a wonderfully creamy texture. Unlike some larger pasta varieties, orzo holds its structure exceptionally well, even after reheating, ensuring your leftovers are just as delightful as the fresh meal. If you’re a fellow fan of this versatile pasta, you absolutely must try some of our other popular orzo dishes, including my Lemon ChickenOrzoSoup Recipe, a refreshing Gluten Free Orzo Salad, or another one-pan favorite, my Marry Me Chicken Orzo. Each recipe highlights orzo’s unique ability to elevate simple ingredients into something special.
To complement this savory chicken orzo dish, we love serving it with a crisp, fresh side. Our top recommendations include the famously refreshing The Jennifer AnistonSalad or this vibrant Kale CaesarSalad. Both add a perfect textural contrast and a burst of freshness that balances the rich flavors of the main course.
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More Reasons To Love This Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe
Still not convinced? Here are a few more compelling reasons why this One-Pan Chicken Orzo Skillet will quickly become a cherished favorite in your recipe rotation:
- **A Family Favorite:** This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! My entire family devours this dish, and I often find them going back for seconds (or even thirds!). It’s a wholesome meal that appeals to all ages.
- **Pantry Staples:** Forget about making a special trip to the grocery store. This recipe relies on simple, everyday ingredients you likely already have on hand in your fridge and pantry. It’s truly a “what’s for dinner?” savior.
- **Beginner-Friendly:** Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting your culinary journey, this skillet chicken orzo is incredibly easy to follow and cook successfully. The one-pan method simplifies the entire process, making it a perfect recipe for beginners to build confidence in the kitchen.
- **Effortless Cleanup:** The beauty of one-pan cooking means significantly less washing up! All the magic happens in a single skillet, which translates to more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing pots and pans.
- **Versatile & Adaptable:** This dish is a chameleon in the kitchen. Easily adjust ingredients to suit dietary needs or simply to use up what you have. It’s a flexible recipe that invites creativity.
If you happen to pick up a large pack of chicken thighs for this recipe, you’ll be delighted to know they are incredibly versatile! You’ll have enough to whip up other delicious meals like our crispy Air FryerChickenThighs, the irresistibly sweet and savory Sticky Air FryerChickenThighs, or even this slow-cooked sensation, Asian Style Crock PotChicken. Chicken thighs are truly a culinary MVP!
Essential Ingredients for Your One-Pan Orzo
To create this incredibly flavorful and satisfying One-Pan Chicken Orzo, you’ll need just a handful of quality ingredients. For the full list of ingredients with precise measurements, make sure to check out the printable recipe card located at the bottom of this post.
- Butter: The foundation of flavor! I typically opt for salted butter in this recipe, as it adds a rich depth. If you only have unsalted on hand, simply increase the amount of salt added to the dish to taste. For a dairy-free version, vegan butter works perfectly.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential for that aromatic punch. It toasts beautifully in the pan, infusing the entire dish with its wonderful fragrance.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: These are my preferred choice for this recipe. Chicken thighs offer superior flavor and tend to stay juicier than chicken breasts, especially when cooked in a single pan. Their rich flavor pairs perfectly with the creamy orzo.
- Gluten-Free Orzo: The star pasta! I use gluten-free orzo to make this recipe accessible to more dietary needs, but traditional orzo pasta works just as well if gluten isn’t a concern for you. Its small size is key for quick cooking.
- Chicken Broth: This is the liquid base that cooks the orzo and enriches the flavor of the entire dish. Use a good quality chicken broth for the best results.
- Parmesan Cheese: For the ultimate creamy, cheesy finish, use freshly shredded Parmesan. Avoid pre-grated varieties, as they often contain anti-caking agents that can affect texture and flavor. Freshly grated melts much more smoothly.
- Fresh Parsley: A final flourish of fresh chopped parsley adds a vibrant pop of color and a touch of herbaceous freshness that brightens the entire meal.
- **Salt and Garlic Powder:** Simple seasonings to enhance the chicken’s natural flavor before browning, creating a delicious crust.
Customizing Your Dish: Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about this One-Pan Chicken Orzo recipe is how easily it can be adapted to your preferences or what you have available. Don’t hesitate to get creative!
- **Dairy-Free Option:** To make this dish completely dairy-free, simply use vegan butter instead of traditional butter and omit the Parmesan cheese. The dish will still be incredibly flavorful!
- **Broth Alternatives:** While chicken broth is recommended, bone broth is an excellent substitute that will add even more richness and nutritional benefits. Vegetable broth can also be used for a lighter flavor profile, especially if you’re trying to reduce the overall richness.
- **Chicken Cuts:** While boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for their juiciness and flavor, you can certainly use bone-in, skin-on thighs, or even chicken breasts. Just be aware that bone-in thighs will require a longer cooking time to ensure they cook through, and chicken breasts may dry out more quickly, so monitor them carefully. Cut breasts into bite-sized pieces for quicker, more even cooking.
- **Orzo Type:** If gluten is not an issue for you or your family, feel free to use regular orzo pasta. The cooking method remains the same.
- **Add Vegetables:** Boost the nutritional value and color of your dish by mixing in some fresh vegetables. Baby spinach wilts down beautifully when added with the chicken broth. Other great additions include frozen peas (add them during the last 5 minutes of cooking), diced bell peppers, or even sun-dried tomatoes for an extra layer of flavor.
- **A Touch of Wine:** For a sophisticated depth of flavor, add 1/4 cup of dry white wine to the skillet when you add the chicken stock. Allow it to simmer for a minute or two to burn off the alcohol before proceeding with the rest of the recipe. This adds a wonderful acidity and complexity.
- **Herb Power:** Experiment with different fresh or dried herbs. A sprinkle of dried oregano, thyme, or a bay leaf added to the broth can significantly alter the flavor profile. Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs can be added with the chicken for deeper infusion.
- **Spicy Kick:** If you enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic will give your orzo a delightful spicy edge.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Chicken Orzo
Creating this delicious One-Pan Chicken Orzo is straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect meal every time:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken. Start by patting the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps ensure a beautiful, even browning. Season generously with salt and garlic powder on both sides.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken. Melt 1.5 tablespoons of butter in a large cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken thighs to the hot pan. Cook for about 4 minutes per side until they are beautifully golden brown and have a nice sear. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 3: Toast Orzo and Garlic. Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in the uncooked orzo pasta and minced garlic. Toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the orzo begins to turn slightly golden and the garlic becomes fragrant. This step significantly enhances the nutty flavor of the pasta.
Step 4: Simmer and Finish. Pour the chicken broth into the skillet with the toasted orzo and then return the browned chicken thighs to the pan. Bring the liquid to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer gently for 12-15 minutes. Cook until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F or 74°C). Once cooked, remove from heat, stir in a generous amount of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. We love to serve this with roasted vegetables like broccoli.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
This One-Pan Chicken Orzo recipe is fantastic for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy delicious, homemade meals throughout the week with minimal effort. While it’s undeniably at its best right after cooking, it stores and reheats wonderfully.
Prep Ahead: You can certainly cook this entire recipe in advance for meal prep. It makes for a satisfying lunch or a quick dinner on those super busy days.
To Store: Allow the cooked chicken orzo to cool completely on the counter until it is no longer steaming. This prevents condensation from building up, which can make the dish watery. Transfer the cooled chicken and orzo to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. For best flavor and texture, I don’t recommend storing it longer than 3 days.
To Reheat: This dish reheats beautifully! For a quick reheat, pop individual portions into the microwave until hot. Alternatively, you can reheat it gently in a 250°F (120°C) oven or even an air fryer for a slightly crispier texture. When reheating, I highly recommend mixing in a little extra chicken broth or water to loosen things up a bit and restore some of the creamy consistency, as the orzo tends to absorb more liquid as it sits. Stir well before serving.
Recipe FAQs
Have questions about making this delightful One-Pan Chicken Orzo? We’ve got answers!
This dish is incredibly versatile! For a fun and flavorful side dish, serve it with my Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Parmesan, and Balsamic. The savory crunch pairs wonderfully with the creamy orzo. Another excellent option is a refreshing salad, such as my bright and zesty Copycat Panera Fuji AppleSalad, which adds a lovely crisp texture and fruity notes. You can also serve it alongside simple steamed green beans, a light cucumber salad, or with crusty bread for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Yes, you can! If you prefer chicken breast, I recommend cutting it into 1-inch pieces before seasoning and browning. This will ensure it cooks through at a similar rate to the orzo and prevents it from drying out. Chicken breasts are leaner, so they may be less forgiving than thighs in a one-pan dish, but they will still be delicious.
A large, heavy-bottomed skillet is ideal for this recipe. A cast iron skillet is perfect as it retains heat exceptionally well and helps achieve a beautiful sear on the chicken. A good quality nonstick skillet will also work wonderfully, ensuring nothing sticks to the bottom. Make sure your skillet has a tight-fitting lid to help the orzo cook evenly.
Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. Besides spinach (as mentioned in the variations), you can stir in finely diced carrots and celery with the garlic, or add frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers would also be delicious additions.
For an extra creamy texture, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half (about 1/4 to 1/2 cup) during the last few minutes of simmering, right before adding the Parmesan cheese. Alternatively, a tablespoon of cream cheese can be melted into the orzo for a rich, tangy creaminess.
We truly hope you adore this One-Pan Chicken Orzo recipe as much as we do! If you try it, please consider leaving a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating and a review in the comments section below. Your feedback means the world to us and helps other home cooks discover delicious, easy meals. Happy cooking!
One Pan Chicken Orzo
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter divided use
- 1 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 cup gluten-free orzo
- 3 cups of chicken broth
- parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley – garnish
Instructions
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Pat chicken dry with a paper towel then season with salt and garlic powder.
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In a large cast iron or nonstick skillet, heat 1.5 T butter over medium heat. Add in chicken to the hot pan and cook on both sides until golden – about 4 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.
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Add the remaining ½ T butter to the skillet and add in the uncooked orzo and garlic. Toast garlic and orzo for 1-2 minutes, until it begins to toast and it’s fragrant.
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Pour stock into the skillet with orzo and add chicken back in. Bring stock to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
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Cook for 12-15 minutes or until orzo is tender and cooked through.
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Top with parmesan cheese and serve with roasted veggies (broccoli is our favorite).