Go Back
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup baby spinach - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat) In this dish, the main stars are the chicken thighs, orzo pasta, and chicken broth. Chicken thighs give a rich taste. They are tender and juicy. The orzo pasta cooks well in the broth, soaking up all the flavors. Chicken broth adds depth to the dish. Next, we have our aromatics. The onion and garlic are key. They add a sweet and savory base. Start by cooking the onion until it is soft. Then, add the garlic for that wonderful aroma. This step builds the flavor for the whole dish. Now, let's look at the vegetables and seasoning. Cherry tomatoes add a pop of color and sweetness. Baby spinach brings a fresh taste and bright green color. Italian seasoning gives the dish its classic flavor. If you like a little heat, red pepper flakes add a nice kick. You can adjust the amount based on your taste. These ingredients blend together to create a warm and hearty meal. The colors and textures make this dish not only tasty but also visually appealing. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Start by chopping 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. This makes cooking quick and easy. - Next, finely chop 1 medium onion and mince 3 cloves of garlic. The onion adds sweetness, while garlic brings flavor. - Measure out 1 cup of orzo pasta and 2 cups of chicken broth. These are key to making this dish hearty and tasty. - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Wait until the oil shimmers. - Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it turns translucent. Stir often to keep it from burning. - Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. This step fills your kitchen with a lovely scent. - Increase the heat to medium-high and add the chicken pieces. Season with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like it spicy. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown. - Pour in the chicken broth and stir to mix. Bring this to a gentle boil. - Once boiling, add the orzo pasta and halved cherry tomatoes. Stir well to combine everything. - Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes. Stir gently and check until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed. - When the orzo is just right, fold in 1 cup of baby spinach until it wilts. This adds a nice color and nutrition. - Taste your dish and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. Enjoy the aroma as you serve it hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a lovely finish. Using fresh herbs can really boost the taste of your dish. Fresh basil leaves add a nice touch when you serve the chicken orzo. You can tear them gently and sprinkle them on top just before serving. The fresh scent makes the meal feel special. You can also change the spice levels to suit your taste. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. If you prefer a milder dish, skip them or use less. Always remember to taste as you cook. This way, you can adjust flavors as needed. Stirring regularly is key while cooking. It helps prevent the orzo from sticking to the pot. When you add the orzo, mix it well to ensure it cooks evenly. Stir gently but often for the best results. Check for the doneness of the orzo as it cooks. It should be tender but still have a slight bite, known as al dente. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. If it looks dry, add a little more broth or water. When serving the chicken orzo, shallow bowls work best. This allows you to show off the vibrant colors of the dish. Make sure to include a mix of chicken, orzo, and veggies in each serving. Adding garnishes can enhance the visual appeal. Extra basil leaves on top not only look great but also add flavor. You can even drizzle a little olive oil for a shiny finish. Enjoy making your dish as beautiful as it is tasty! Pro Tips Ingredient Quality: Use high-quality chicken and fresh vegetables for the best flavor and texture in your dish. Broth vs. Water: Always use chicken broth instead of water for cooking the orzo to enhance the overall taste. Vegetable Variations: Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for more variety and nutrition. Leftovers Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid overcooking the orzo. {{image_4}} You can swap chicken thighs for chicken breast. Chicken breast is leaner and cooks faster. Just remember, it may be less juicy. If you need a gluten-free dish, look for gluten-free orzo. Many brands offer this now. It cooks similarly to regular orzo. Adding veggies is a great way to boost flavor and nutrition. You can toss in peas, bell peppers, or zucchini. Each of these adds a nice crunch and color. Try adding peas during the last few minutes of cooking. Bell peppers can go in just after the chicken browns. Zucchini should be added with the orzo for even cooking. If you want to change the protein, shrimp is a great choice. It cooks quickly and pairs well with orzo. Just add it at the end, so it doesn’t overcook. Tofu is another option for a plant-based dish. Use firm tofu, cut into cubes. Sauté it the same way as the chicken for a tasty meal. These variations keep your dish fresh and exciting. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste! To store your One Pot Chicken Orzo, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, just take it out and enjoy. You can freeze One Pot Chicken Orzo too. To do this, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to eat it, take it out and thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheating One Pot Chicken Orzo is easy. You can use a pot or a microwave. If using a pot, add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Heat it on low, stirring often. This avoids overcooking. If using a microwave, heat it in short bursts. Stir in between to make sure it heats evenly. Enjoy your meal just as tasty as the first time! You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Use mushrooms or firm tofu instead of chicken. Both options add great flavor and texture. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a full vegetarian experience. This way, you keep the dish tasty and satisfying. Yes, you can use other types of pasta. Just keep in mind that cooking times may change. For example, if you use penne or fusilli, they might take a bit longer to cook. Always check the pasta package for directions. Make sure to adjust the liquid amount if needed. Many sides work well with this dish. A simple salad is always a great choice. You can also serve garlic bread for a hearty meal. Roasted vegetables add color and nutrition. Pair your meal with a light wine for a nice touch. This blog covered how to make One Pot Chicken Orzo. We discussed key ingredients, like chicken thighs and orzo pasta. I shared easy steps, tips for great flavor, and storage suggestions. In conclusion, this dish is simple and flexible. You can change ingredients to suit your tastes. Enjoy making this warm, comforting meal that brings everyone together.

One Pot Chicken Orzo Delight

A delicious and easy one-pot meal featuring chicken, orzo pasta, and fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm until it shimmers.
  • Add the finely chopped onion to the pot, sautéing it until it turns translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
  • Next, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, stirring constantly until it becomes fragrant.
  • Increase the heat to medium-high, then add the chicken pieces along with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you desire some heat. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is golden brown on all sides.
  • Carefully pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  • Once boiling, add the orzo pasta and halved cherry tomatoes to the pot. Stir thoroughly to ensure everything is well mixed, then reduce the heat to low.
  • Cover the pot and let it simmer for approximately 10-12 minutes. Check occasionally, stirring gently, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  • When the orzo is cooked to your liking, fold in the baby spinach gently until it wilts, creating a beautiful green contrast.
  • Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
  • Serve the delightful dish hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves on top for an aromatic finish.

Notes

For an appealing presentation, serve the chicken orzo in shallow bowls, ensuring a good mix of chicken, orzo, and colorful veggies in each portion, and sprinkle extra basil on top for a fresh pop of color.
Keyword chicken, easy recipe, one pot, orzo