If you’re searching for a delicious dinner that ticks all the boxes—flavorful, comforting, easy to throw together, and hardly any cleanup—the One-Pot Chicken Orzo Skillet is about to become your new weeknight hero. With tender chicken, creamy orzo, and a luxurious hint of Parmesan, every bite is simply cozy perfection. The whole meal comes together in just one pan, making it just as practical as it is crave-worthy. Say hello to rich, creamy textures and zesty Italian-inspired seasoning, without any fuss or frustration!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in the One-Pot Chicken Orzo Skillet is carefully chosen to create the perfect balance of taste, texture, and comfort. You won’t need anything fancy—just accessible staples that make each step of the recipe shine.
- Chicken (1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs): Thighs make it extra juicy, but breasts keep it lean; use whichever you have on hand!
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the meat brown beautifully and adds a subtle fruity flavor.
- Onion (1 small, diced): Lays down a sweet and savory foundation for the whole dish.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Packs a wonderful punch and brings depth with just a few cloves.
- Orzo pasta (1 cup, uncooked): The star grain, with its creamy, risotto-like texture—don’t skip it!
- Low-sodium chicken broth (2 1/4 cups): Adds flavor to the orzo as it cooks and soaks up all the savory notes.
- Milk or heavy cream (1/2 cup): Makes everything irresistibly silky—opt for cream if you want extra richness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): For a salty, nutty finish and a luscious cheesy sauce.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Brings just the right hint of Mediterranean flair with herbs like oregano and basil.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances every other flavor in the pan.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a gentle heat to complement the creamy sauce.
- Baby spinach (1 cup, optional): Fold it in at the end for fresh color and a bonus veggie.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a burst of vibrant green and a fresh finish right before serving.
How to Make One-Pot Chicken Orzo Skillet
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat. Add your chicken pieces in a single layer, sprinkle with a little salt and pepper, and let them sizzle undisturbed for a few minutes. Once they’re golden and cooked through with just the right amount of sear, scoop them out and set aside; this ensures juicy, flavorful bites waiting to shine in the final dish.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Lower the heat to medium and toss in the diced onion, letting it sauté gently for a couple of minutes. As soon as the onion softens and starts to smell sweet, add the minced garlic. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds—just until you can smell that garlicky goodness wafting through your kitchen, but don’t let it burn.
Step 3: Toast the Orzo
Pour the uncooked orzo right into the skillet with your onion and garlic. Stir it around for a minute or two so the grains get a little toasty and fragrant. Toasting the orzo helps add a rich, nutty flavor to your One-Pot Chicken Orzo Skillet that will surprise and delight everyone at the table.
Step 4: Simmer the Orzo
Pour in the chicken broth and milk (or cream), scraping up any browned bits from the pan’s bottom—those bits are pure flavor! Sprinkle over the Italian seasoning, bring it all to a gentle simmer, and let it cook uncovered for about 8 to 10 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally so nothing sticks, and watch as the orzo soaks up the liquids and transforms into a tender, creamy base.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the beautifully browned chicken to the skillet, followed by the Parmesan cheese and baby spinach if you’re using it. Gently stir everything together, letting the cheese melt into the sauce and the spinach wilt down until glossy and vibrant. Give it a taste and adjust the salt and pepper if you like—then bask in one-pan meal satisfaction!
How to Serve One-Pot Chicken Orzo Skillet
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley over each serving instantly brightens the plate and adds a pop of freshness. If you’re a cheese lover (who isn’t?), add a little extra shaved Parmesan right before serving for a touch of salty, melty luxury that brings out the creamy richness of the dish.
Side Dishes
Though this meal is hearty all on its own, the One-Pot Chicken Orzo Skillet pairs beautifully with simple green salads, roasted vegetables, or warm, crusty bread to soak up any remaining creamy sauce. Even steamed broccoli or sautéed zucchini turns dinner into a colorful, complete feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party touch, ladle the One-Pot Chicken Orzo Skillet into stylish shallow bowls and top each with a swirl of olive oil or a few toasted pine nuts for crunch. Or serve family-style, letting everyone dig right in from the skillet for a cozy, homey vibe that guarantees second helpings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Simply pop the cooled One-Pot Chicken Orzo Skillet into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld beautifully, and the texture remains lovely for quick lunches or a reheated dinner.
Freezing
To freeze, scoop portions of the One-Pot Chicken Orzo Skillet into freezer-friendly containers. It freezes well for up to 2 months—just remember that the orzo may soften a bit upon thawing, but it will still taste deliciously creamy.
Reheating
When you’re ready to reheat, simply warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce, and stir frequently so the orzo heats through evenly and stays creamy instead of drying out.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
Absolutely! If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, just skip the first browning step and stir the chopped cooked chicken in at the end. It’ll still infuse the One-Pot Chicken Orzo Skillet with rich, savory flavor and save you a little time.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to get creative! Mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, peas, or even bell peppers work well in the One-Pot Chicken Orzo Skillet. Sauté sturdy vegetables along with the onions, and add quick-cooking veggies like peas or spinach at the end.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can! Substitute your favorite unsweetened plant-based milk for the dairy and use a vegan Parmesan alternative, or simply skip the cheese for a lighter meal. The One-Pot Chicken Orzo Skillet will still be satisfying and full of flavor.
Is orzo gluten-free?
Traditional orzo is made with wheat and does contain gluten. If you need a gluten-free version of the One-Pot Chicken Orzo Skillet, look for specialty gluten-free orzo or substitute with gluten-free short pasta or rice—cooking times may vary a bit.
What’s the best way to add extra protein?
You can easily bump up the protein by adding cooked white beans or chickpeas to the One-Pot Chicken Orzo Skillet. Stir them in along with the chicken at the end for a heartier, more filling meal.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Chicken Orzo Skillet is proof that weeknight dinners can be easy, comforting, and downright exciting all at once. If you’re looking for a new favorite that won’t wear you out or leave you with a sinkful of dishes, give this recipe a try—your future self will thank you, and so will everyone around your table!
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One-Pot Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This One-Pot Chicken Orzo Skillet is a delicious and creamy dish that is easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender chicken, flavorful orzo pasta, and spinach come together in a cheesy, comforting skillet meal.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Orzo:
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
Other Ingredients:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook the chicken until golden, then set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add Orzo: Toast the orzo in the skillet, then pour in broth and milk.
- Cook Orzo: Simmer until orzo is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Finish Dish: Return chicken to skillet, stir in Parmesan and spinach, adjust seasoning.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For added flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the orzo.
- Variations: Add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or peas for a different twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
