Looking for the ultimate comfort dish that’s creamy, cozy, and made in just one pan? The Creamy Chicken and Orzo Bake is pure magic for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without fuss. With juicy chicken, tender orzo, and a luxuriously cheesy sauce, this bake brings together familiar flavors in a way that feels both homey and special. It’s guaranteed to become a regular on your family’s dinner table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Creamy Chicken and Orzo Bake plays a vital role—nothing fussy, just real food that comes together beautifully. Each item adds its own texture, color, or savory depth to transform simple pantry staples into a satisfying one-pan meal.
- Olive oil: Perfect for searing the chicken and gently softening the onions, setting up rich base flavors.
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Bite-sized pieces cook quickly and stay juicy—choose thighs for extra succulence, or breasts for a lighter touch.
- Salt and black pepper: Keep it simple here; seasoning the chicken well ensures every bite is savory.
- Onion: Diced onion adds subtle sweetness and rounds out the sauce.
- Garlic: A couple of cloves infuse the bake with that irresistible, cozy aroma.
- Orzo pasta: This little pasta cooks up tender and creamy, almost like a shortcut risotto without the stirring.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Delivers savory backbone and keeps the dish from getting too salty.
- Heavy cream: Just half a cup is all you need to create a luxuriously creamy texture.
- Milk: Balances the cream so the bake is rich, but not overly heavy.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings salty, nutty flavor and melts seamlessly into the sauce.
- Dried thyme or Italian seasoning: These herbs add earthiness and a gentle aroma that pairs beautifully with chicken.
- Baby spinach or frozen peas: Optional for a pop of color and freshness—either are good ways to sneak in extra greens!
- Shredded mozzarella (optional): For a gooey, golden crust if you love that baked, melty finish.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A final sprinkle for brightness and a touch of color on top.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Orzo Bake
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces liberally with salt and black pepper. Add them to the hot oil and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden brown and mostly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside—you want every savory bit for later!
Step 2: Build Flavor with Onion, Garlic, and Orzo
Don’t clean the pan! Add your diced onion straight into the same skillet. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes; it’ll pick up all the tasty browned bits left behind. Stir in the garlic and the uncooked orzo pasta, letting the orzo toast for about a minute. This quick toasting step takes the Creamy Chicken and Orzo Bake up a notch with a subtle, nutty flavor.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Seasoning
Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and milk. Add your herbs—either dried thyme or a good Italian seasoning blend. Stir well, scraping up the bottom of the pan to loosen any flavorful bits. This is where the orzo soaks up every drop of goodness and starts forming the soul-warming sauce you’ll crave.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Return the chicken pieces (and all their juices!) to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on the stovetop, then stir in the grated Parmesan. If you love greens, now’s the time to add the baby spinach or frozen peas. Cover tightly with a lid or foil and transfer to the oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the orzo is perfectly tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, making the Creamy Chicken and Orzo Bake irresistibly creamy.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Broil (Optional)
If you’re in the mood for a melty, golden crust, sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top. Just a few minutes under the broiler (2 to 3 minutes) and you’ll have a bubbly, browned finish that makes this dish extra comforting. Let the bake rest for 5 minutes so the sauce can set up perfectly, then serve garnished with chopped parsley if you like.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Orzo Bake
Garnishes
After pulling your Creamy Chicken and Orzo Bake from the oven, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley makes the colors pop and adds a hint of freshness. Grated Parmesan or a pat of butter melted over the top also never hurts if you’re feeling indulgent.
Side Dishes
Though this bake is a complete meal, you can round out the table with a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or a basket of warm, crusty bread to scoop up every creamy bite. Even simple steamed broccoli or garlicky green beans work beautifully on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Try portioning the Creamy Chicken and Orzo Bake into individual ramekins for a dinner party-worthy twist. Or, you can bake and serve it directly in a rustic cast-iron skillet for that cozy, homey feeling we all love during family dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Chicken and Orzo Bake keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply cover the pan or transfer the rest into an airtight container—you’ll thank yourself when lunch or dinner is sorted out ahead of time.
Freezing
To freeze, let the bake cool fully, then wrap it tightly with foil or place individual portions in freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to two months. For the best texture, add the garnish fresh after reheating rather than freezing with parsley or any greens on top.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F, loosely covered with foil to prevent drying out, until warmed through (about 20 minutes). For a quick meal, microwave individual servings with a splash of extra broth or milk to restore that signature creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are extra-juicy and flavorful, and they stay incredibly moist during baking. Both cuts work beautifully in the Creamy Chicken and Orzo Bake, so use whichever you prefer or happen to have on hand.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
You can adapt this recipe using your go-to non-dairy milk (like oat or almond) and a plant-based cream. There are fantastic vegan parmesan substitutes out there, so you can still enjoy a version of Creamy Chicken and Orzo Bake if you’re avoiding dairy.
Can I add extra veggies?
Yes, feel free to toss in mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, zucchini, or extra greens when building your sauce. The bake is flexible and perfect for sneaking in a few more veggies—especially handy if you’re feeding picky eaters!
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
No worries! Just prepare everything up to the baking step in a regular skillet, then transfer the mixture into a casserole or baking dish before popping it in the oven. The bake will turn out just as delicious.
Can I make the Creamy Chicken and Orzo Bake ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble everything up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, let it sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before transferring to the oven. This is a lifesaver for meal planning or prepping for guests.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a one-pan dish that’s equal parts cozy, creamy, and completely satisfying, you simply can’t beat this Creamy Chicken and Orzo Bake. Grab your skillet and treat yourself to a meal that delivers on comfort, flavor, and pure home-cooked joy. Let me know how it turns out—you’re going to love it!
Print
Creamy Chicken and Orzo Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Creamy Chicken and Orzo Bake. Tender chicken and orzo pasta in a rich, creamy sauce, baked to perfection with a cheesy topping. A satisfying one-pan meal the whole family will love!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 1 cup baby spinach or frozen peas (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for topping)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook Chicken: Brown seasoned chicken in olive oil, then set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Orzo: Cook onion, garlic, and orzo in the same skillet.
- Add Liquids: Pour in broth, cream, and milk. Return chicken to skillet.
- Bake: Cover and bake for 20–25 minutes.
- Optional Toppings: Add mozzarella and broil until golden. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- You can prepare this dish ahead and refrigerate before baking.
- For extra flavor, consider adding mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
