Cooking can sometimes feel overwhelming, but let me tell you about my absolute favorite dish that makes weeknight dinners a breeze: One Pot Chicken Orzo! This dish is a life-saver for busy evenings when I want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The best part? Everything cooks in one pot, which means minimal cleanup—yay! My family loves it so much that it’s become a staple in our dinner rotation. The tender chicken, perfectly cooked orzo, and vibrant veggies come together beautifully, creating a comforting meal that warms the heart. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll be a go-to in your home too!
Ingredients List
To whip up this delightful One Pot Chicken Orzo, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color you like!)
- 4 cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium works great)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish, chopped
These simple, fresh ingredients come together to create a flavorful dish that you’ll absolutely adore!
How to Prepare One Pot Chicken Orzo
Now, let’s dive into making this scrumptious One Pot Chicken Orzo! It’s super straightforward, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together. First, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add the diced chicken. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s beautifully browned on all sides. Trust me, you want that golden color!
Next, toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper. Sauté everything together for another 3-4 minutes until the veggies are softened and fragrant. Now, here comes the fun part: stir in the orzo, chicken broth, dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This is where the magic happens—the orzo absorbs all that deliciousness!
Once time’s up, fluff the orzo with a fork and sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. And voilà! Your One Pot Chicken Orzo is ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add 1 pound of diced chicken breast and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.
- Stir in 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 diced bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until veggies are tender.
- Mix in 1 cup of orzo pasta, 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- After 15 minutes, remove from heat and fluff the orzo with a fork. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
That’s it! You’ve just made a comforting and delicious dish that’s sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- One pot means less mess and hassle during cleanup.
- Loaded with flavor from tender chicken, savory broth, and fresh veggies.
- Gluten-free option makes it suitable for various dietary needs.
- Comforting and satisfying, it’s a dish the whole family will enjoy!
Tips for Success
To make your One Pot Chicken Orzo truly shine, here are some handy tips! First, don’t hesitate to adjust the seasonings to your taste; a little extra oregano or a splash of lemon juice can elevate the flavors beautifully. If you want to switch things up, feel free to substitute the chicken with shrimp or even toss in your favorite veggies like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition. Also, remember that leftovers can be a bit thick the next day, so you might want to add a splash of chicken broth when reheating. Enjoy the deliciousness!
Variations of One Pot Chicken Orzo
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up your One Pot Chicken Orzo! For a colorful twist, try adding in some diced zucchini or cherry tomatoes along with the bell pepper. If you want a protein change, shrimp works beautifully—just toss it in during the last few minutes of cooking to keep it tender. You could even go vegetarian by replacing the chicken with chickpeas or lentils for a hearty meal. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative with your favorite ingredients!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the nutritional breakdown for each serving of this delightful One Pot Chicken Orzo. Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, 10g of fat, 25g of protein, and 45g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, as the actual numbers can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. It’s a wholesome meal packed with flavor and nutrition!
FAQ About One Pot Chicken Orzo
Can I use other types of pasta? Absolutely! While orzo gives a nice texture, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even quinoa for a gluten-free option. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
What can I add for extra flavor? Try adding a splash of white wine before you add the broth! It adds a lovely depth of flavor. You can also include grated Parmesan cheese just before serving for that creamy touch.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just remember to add a bit of broth when reheating since the orzo may soak up some liquid.
Is this dish kid-friendly? Definitely! The mild flavors and fun texture make it a hit with kids. You can even let them help with stirring or adding toppings!
How do I store leftovers? Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave!
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!
For a great side dish, consider making honey-glazed carrots to complement your meal!
For more information on the health benefits of chicken, visit Healthline.
Print
One Pot Chicken Orzo: A Heartwarming Dinner Delight
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and flavorful one pot chicken orzo dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and cook until browned.
- Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until softened.
- Stir in orzo, chicken broth, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Fluff orzo with a fork and garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Can substitute chicken with shrimp or vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: One Pot Chicken Orzo, Chicken Recipe, One Pot Meal