Description
Savor Mediterranean comfort with this delightful One-Pot Italian Chicken and Orzo recipe that blends hearty chicken, aromatic herbs, and creamy orzo. Rich flavors and simple preparation make this dish a perfect weeknight meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt (more to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Warm a spacious skillet or Dutch oven with olive oil over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling cooking surface.
- Carefully arrange chicken pieces into the hot pan, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook thoroughly until exterior turns golden brown and interior becomes fully cooked, approximately 5-6 minutes. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
- Within the same pan, introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, releasing their aromatic essence.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning and dried basil across the pan. Add uncooked orzo, gently stirring to coat with herbs and allow grains to lightly toast, developing a rich, nutty flavor.
- Pour diced tomatoes and accompanying juice into the mixture, followed by chicken broth. Increase heat to generate a rolling boil.
- Reduce temperature to a gentle simmer. Cover the pan, allowing orzo to absorb liquid and soften, stirring periodically to prevent sticking. Continue cooking until grains reach perfect tenderness.
- Reintroduce cooked chicken pieces into the orzo mixture. Fold in grated Parmesan cheese, creating a creamy texture. If desired, incorporate fresh spinach leaves, stirring until they wilt and integrate seamlessly.
- Perform a final taste assessment, adjusting seasonings as necessary. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs for a vibrant presentation. Serve immediately while warm and inviting.
Notes
- Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for quicker cooking and easier preparation.
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F with a meat thermometer.
- Toast orzo carefully to enhance its nutty flavor without burning, stirring constantly during the 1-2 minute process.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute orzo with quinoa or cauliflower rice to maintain similar texture and cooking method.
- Add extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to boost nutritional value and create more colorful dish.
- Customize protein options by replacing chicken with shrimp, tofu, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate final presentation and add bright, fresh flavor just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg