Description
Chicken Orzo is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken pieces sautéed with toasted orzo pasta, simmered in savory chicken broth, and finished with vibrant cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, and aromatic herbs. This comforting dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup spinach, chopped
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Dry and Pantry Items
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, which prepares the pan for cooking the chicken evenly.
- Cook the chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Toast the orzo: In the same skillet, add 1 cup of orzo pasta. Toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning and to bring out a nutty flavor.
- Simmer the orzo: Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add remaining ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped spinach, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes if using. Mix everything thoroughly.
- Finish cooking: Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften slightly, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Season and serve: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and freshness. Serve warm straight from the skillet.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes according to your preference or omit for a milder dish.
- Feel free to substitute chicken breasts with thigh meat for a juicier texture.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content in the dish.
- To make this meal gluten-free, substitute orzo with a gluten-free pasta alternative or rice.
- Fresh spinach can be swapped for kale or swiss chard if preferred.
- This dish can be easily doubled to serve more people or saved as leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
