Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my Chicken Pot Pie Orzo! This dish is like a warm hug on a chilly evening—it’s comforting, hearty, and just bursting with flavor. I mean, who doesn’t love a classic chicken pot pie? But when you throw in orzo pasta, it takes everything to a whole new level! The orzo adds a fun twist, making it even more satisfying, and it absorbs all that delicious, savory sauce perfectly. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked. It’s one of those meals that not only fills your belly but also warms your soul. Perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need a little cozy in your life! So, grab your apron and let’s dive into making this delightful dish together!

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious Chicken Pot Pie Orzo. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating that cozy, comforting flavor we all love!

2 cups cooked orzo
1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup mixed vegetables (peas and carrots work perfectly, but feel free to mix it up!)
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup milk
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Don’t worry if you don’t have every single ingredient on hand! This recipe is super flexible, so you can swap in your favorite veggies or even use leftover roast chicken. Just keep in mind the ratios to maintain that lovely creamy sauce. Now, let’s get cooking!

How to Prepare Chicken Pot Pie Orzo

Getting ready to make your Chicken Pot Pie Orzo? It’s easier than you think! Let’s break it down step-by-step so you can get that warm, cozy dish on the table in no time. Just follow along, and I promise you’ll be a pro in no time!

Step 1: Create the Base

First things first, grab a saucepan and melt your butter over medium heat. You want it to get all bubbly and golden—about 2 minutes should do the trick! Once that butter is melted, add in the flour and stir constantly. This is where we create a nice paste, or roux, which is key for that creamy texture. Keep stirring for about a minute until it’s smooth and well combined. Don’t rush this part; it helps to build flavor!

Step 2: Add Liquids

Now, it’s time to whisk in the chicken broth and milk. But here’s the trick: do it gradually! Start with a little broth, whisking until it’s smooth, then add more. This helps prevent lumps—you want a silky sauce! Continue until all the liquids are incorporated, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Trust me; the smell will be amazing!

Step 3: Seasoning and Filling

Next up, season that sauce! Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. This is where the magic happens! Then, add your shredded chicken and mixed vegetables. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is coated in that creamy goodness. The balance of flavors here is essential, so a little taste test won’t hurt!

Step 4: Combine with Orzo

Finally, it’s time to mix in your cooked orzo. Gently fold it into the sauce, making sure every little pasta piece is covered. Cook everything together for about 5 minutes, just until it’s heated through. Be careful not to overcook it, or those lovely orzo pieces could get mushy! And there you have it—your Chicken Pot Pie Orzo is ready to serve warm and enjoy!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness of this Chicken Pot Pie Orzo! While comfort food often gets a bad rap, this dish keeps things balanced without sacrificing flavor. Here’s the estimated breakdown per serving:

Calories: 350
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 600mg
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 20g

Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, especially if you swap out any veggies or adjust the chicken. But overall, this dish gives you a comforting meal that’s packed with protein and will keep you feeling satisfied. Enjoy every bite, knowing it’s a tasty choice!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting Delight: This Chicken Pot Pie Orzo is like a warm blanket on a cold night—there’s something so satisfying about digging into a creamy, hearty dish that just wraps you in comfort!
Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can whip this up in about 35 minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen!
Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables or even throw in some extra spices. This recipe is all about what you love, making it easy to customize to your taste!
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this dish! The creamy sauce and tender orzo make it a hit with everyone at the dinner table.
Leftover Magic: If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), they’re just as tasty the next day. This dish stores well in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prep!
One-Pot Wonder: Everything comes together in one pot, which means less cleanup for you! Just imagine enjoying a cozy meal and not having a mountain of dishes waiting afterward.

Tips for Success

Want to take your Chicken Pot Pie Orzo to the next level? Here are some tried-and-true tips that I swear by to make this dish even more amazing!

Experiment with Veggies: Don’t shy away from mixing in your favorite vegetables! Zucchini, corn, or even some diced bell peppers can add a delightful twist. Just remember to cut them into small pieces so they cook evenly and blend well with the dish.
Use Fresh Herbs: For an extra pop of flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley right at the end. They can brighten up the creamy sauce and give it a fresh taste that’s simply irresistible!
Make it Cheesy: If you’re a cheese lover like me, sprinkle in some shredded cheese such as cheddar or mozzarella just before serving. It melts beautifully into the dish, adding a deliciously gooey texture that makes every bite heavenly.
Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Keep an eye on your orzo! Since it’s already cooked before mixing it in, you want to warm it through without letting it get mushy. A gentle fold and a few minutes on the heat should do the trick!
Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier dish, don’t hesitate to add a splash more milk or a dollop of sour cream. It’ll elevate the richness and make it even more comforting!
Prep Ahead: You can prep some components ahead of time! Cook your orzo and veggies earlier in the day, then just combine and heat when you’re ready to serve. This makes dinner a breeze!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re set to make a Chicken Pot Pie Orzo that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Happy cooking!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

So, you’ve made this delicious Chicken Pot Pie Orzo and now you’re left with some tasty leftovers? No problem! Storing and reheating this dish is super easy, and I’ve got all the tips you need to keep that comforting flavor intact!

First things first, let your Chicken Pot Pie Orzo cool down to room temperature before you store it. This will help prevent condensation, which can make it soggy. Once it’s cooled, transfer the leftovers into an airtight container. I like to use glass containers because they’re durable and easy to reheat in the microwave. Just make sure it’s tightly sealed to keep out any unwanted odors from the fridge!

Your Chicken Pot Pie Orzo will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer—maybe for those unexpected busy nights—consider freezing it! To freeze, portion out the orzo into individual servings and store them in freezer-safe bags or containers. Just label them with the date so you know how long they’ve been hanging out in there. It should keep well for about 2-3 months.

Now, when it comes to reheating, I recommend using the stovetop for the best results. Just add your portion to a pan over medium heat and stir in a splash of milk or chicken broth to help loosen it up and prevent it from drying out. Heat it through for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed to your liking. If you’re in a rush, you can also pop it in the microwave. Just remember to cover it with a microwave-safe lid or wrap to keep the moisture in—heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until everything is nice and hot.

And there you have it! With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your Chicken Pot Pie Orzo even after the first delightful serving. Dig in and savor every comforting bite!

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen mixed vegetables are a fantastic option and can save you time. Just toss them in straight from the freezer during the cooking process. They’ll thaw and heat up beautifully in the creamy sauce!

How do I make Chicken Pot Pie Orzo gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening the sauce. Also, make sure your chicken broth is labeled gluten-free. Easy peasy!

What can I substitute for orzo if I can’t find it?
If you can’t find orzo, you can use other small pasta shapes like ditalini, acini di pepe, or even quinoa if you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative. Just keep an eye on the cooking times, as they may vary!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the entire dish ahead of time, then store it in the fridge for up to a day before serving. Just give it a little stir and heat it gently when you’re ready to dig in.

Is Chicken Pot Pie Orzo a good option for meal prep?
Absolutely! It’s perfect for meal prep! You can portion it out into individual containers for an easy grab-and-go lunch or dinner. Just reheat as needed, and you’ll have a cozy meal ready in no time!

Chicken Pot Pie Orzo: 5 Soul-Warming Comfort Tips

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting chicken pot pie dish made with orzo pasta.

Instructions

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Add flour, stirring constantly until it forms a paste.
Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk until smooth.
Add onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Stir in shredded chicken and mixed vegetables.
Add cooked orzo and mix well.
Cook for 5 minutes until heated through.
Serve warm.

Notes

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: Chicken Pot Pie Orzo, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner

Spread the love