One Pot Chicken Orzo
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless
skinless chicken breasts, or tenders cubed into 1” pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
divided
- ½ cup yellow onion)
chopped (about 1/2 a medium onion
- 2 cups fresh asparagus spears
cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
about 3 garlic cloves
- 8 ounces dry orzo
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
low or no salt
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
can sub 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- ⅓ cup half and half
can sub milk
- ⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for garnish
Directions
- 1
In a small bowl, combine chicken chunks, garlic powder, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes, toss to coat.
- 2
In a large high sided pan over medium high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and add the chicken. Cook for 10-12 minutes, until brown on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside in a bowl.
- 3
In the same pan, (no need to clean it!) add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the asparagus and sauté for 2 minutes, until tender but still crisp. Remove from the pan and set aside to the plate with the cooked chicken.
- 4
Add the onion to the pan and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the orzo and garlic and cook until the orzo starts to toast slightly, another 3 minutes.
- 5
Add in the broth and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally and scraping the bottom of the pan. (Tip: You can microwave your broth before adding to the pan to speed up cook time) Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 7 minutes, or until most of the liquid has been absorbed, stirring halfway.
- 6
Stir in the cooked chicken, asparagus, half and half, parmesan, spinach and thyme. Heat for one to two minutes more until heated through and spinach is wilted.
- 7
Serve immediately garnished with chopped parsley and extra grated parmesan.
One Pot Chicken Orzo
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 69 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Tired of complicated weeknight meals that leave a mountain of dishes? This One Pot Chicken Orzo recipe is your answer, delivering rich, creamy, and satisfying flavors without the fuss of multiple pans.
Why This One Pot Chicken Orzo Works
What makes this creamy chicken orzo truly special is its clever one-pot approach. Every ingredient, from the tender chicken to the delicate orzo and fresh vegetables, cooks beautifully together in a single pot, infusing maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. It’s a perfect balance of comfort food indulgence and healthy eating, proving that quick meals can be both deeply delicious and nourishing.
This recipe shines by combining succulent chicken, earthy asparagus, and fresh spinach with creamy orzo pasta. The orzo slowly absorbs the savory chicken broth and a touch of half and half, creating a velvety texture that coats every bite. A hint of garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes adds layers of inviting warmth and a subtle kick, while Parmesan cheese brings it all together with its irresistible umami.
Taste and Texture
Expect a dish that is wonderfully creamy and comforting, with perfectly al dente orzo nestled among tender, juicy chicken pieces. The crisp-tender asparagus provides a refreshing bite, contrasting beautifully with the wilted, mild spinach. Each spoonful offers a harmonious blend of savory, slightly herbaceous, and rich flavors, making it a wholesome and deeply satisfying meal.
Customization and Variations
Feel free to adapt this recipe to your pantry or preferences. You can easily swap boneless, skinless chicken breasts for chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces. For a lighter touch, use regular milk instead of half and half. If fresh thyme isn't available, a quarter teaspoon of dried thyme will work perfectly in its place. While the recipe is designed as is, other quick-cooking vegetables like peas or bell peppers could be added during the last few minutes of cooking for extra color and nutrients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty One Pot Chicken Orzo immediately, garnished generously with fresh chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It’s a complete meal on its own, ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner.