The Juiciest Chicken and Orzo Recipe Everyone Will Love

Creamy chicken orzo has been my secret weapon for quick, satisfying dinners that never disappoint hungry crowds.

Mediterranean kitchens inspired this delightful one-pot wonder packed with comforting flavors.

Tender chicken pieces nestle between soft pasta pearls, creating a luxurious texture that feels both familiar and exciting.

We crave meals that come together effortlessly without sacrificing taste or nutrition.

Subtle herbs and garlic weave through each spoonful, promising a meal that feels like a warm culinary embrace.

Professional chefs might spend hours crafting complex dishes, but this recipe delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal effort.

Dive into this simple yet spectacular chicken and orzo creation that will become your new weeknight favorite.

Why Chicken And Orzo Deserves A Spot

• Speed Demon Cooking: Whip up this delightful chicken and orzo dish quickly with minimal prep and straightforward steps that anyone can master.
• Flavor Explosion Guaranteed: Packed with robust seasonings like Italian herbs, hot sauce, and multiple cheeses, this recipe delivers an incredible taste experience that will excite your taste buds.
• Comfort Food Perfection: Creamy sauce, tender chicken, and hearty orzo combine to create a satisfying one-skillet meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Includes protein-rich chicken and nutrient-packed broccoli, offering a balanced meal that doesn't compromise on flavor while providing essential nutrients for your body.

Ingredients For Chicken And Orzo

• Chicken Strips: Tender meat that becomes golden and delicious.

• Half and Half: Creamy liquid for rich sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese for extra flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty and nutty cheese for finishing touch.

• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasoning duo for balanced taste.
• Italian Seasoning: Herbal blend for chicken enhancement.
• Hot Sauce: Spicy kick for sauce depth.
• Mustard Powder: Tangy ingredient for sauce complexity.
• Onion Powder: Savory background flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Aromatic seasoning.
• Paprika: Mild pepper spice with warm color.

• Parsley: Fresh green herb for garnish.

• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking fat for searing.
• Wine: Flavorful liquid for deglazing pan.
• Chicken Broth: Savory base for sauce.

• Butter: Rich ingredient for roux creation.
• Garlic: Aromatic and flavorful.
• Flour: Thickening agent for sauce.
• Orzo: Small pasta for hearty base.
• Broccoli: Green vegetable for nutrition and texture.

Steps To Make Chicken And Orzo

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning

Sear the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, flipping once during cooking.

Transfer chicken to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 2: Build Flavor Foundation

Pour wine into the same skillet, scraping up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom.

Let the wine reduce by half.

• Butter
• Minced garlic

Sprinkle flour into the pan and stir to create a smooth roux.

Step 3: Craft Creamy Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Half and half

Whisk continuously to prevent lumps.

• Hot sauce
• Mustard powder
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Dried parsley
• Paprika

Simmer until the sauce starts to thicken.

Step 4: Prepare Pasta and Vegetables

Boil orzo in a separate pot according to package directions.

During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets.

Drain the pasta and vegetables together.

Step 5: Combine and Melt

Add orzo and broccoli to the creamy sauce.

• Cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Stir until the cheeses melt completely and create a smooth, creamy texture.

Step 6: Final Assembly

Return the seared chicken to the skillet.

Cover and simmer for a few minutes to heat everything through.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Serve the skillet hot, with an optional sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley on top.

Tips For Chicken And Orzo Success

• Pat chicken strips dry before seasoning to ensure a golden, crispy exterior that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Stir orzo frequently while cooking and rinse with cold water after draining to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
• Grate cheese freshly and add gradually to create a smooth, creamy sauce without lumps or graininess.
• Add broccoli during the last few minutes of orzo cooking to maintain its bright green color and crisp-tender texture.
• Adjust sauce thickness by simmering longer to reduce or adding extra broth if it becomes too thick, ensuring perfect creamy results.

Reheat And Save Chicken Orzo

• Transfer leftover chicken and orzo to an airtight container, cooling completely before sealing. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Package meal in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 2 months, labeling with date and contents.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent sauce from breaking. Stir frequently until heated evenly.
• Reheat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat. Add small amount of liquid to prevent drying out, ensuring chicken remains tender and sauce stays creamy.

What Goes With Chicken And Orzo

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the rich, creamy sauce and cut through the cheesy complexity of the dish.
• Elevate with Herbal Cocktail: Mix a refreshing gin-based cocktail with rosemary or thyme to mirror the Italian seasoning and enhance the chicken's flavor profile.
• Create Rustic Bread Sidekick: Serve warm, crusty sourdough or garlic bread to soak up the luxurious sauce and add textural contrast to the creamy orzo.
• Match Bright Side Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a tangy, fresh counterpoint to the rich and creamy chicken dish.

Twists On Chicken And Orzo

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Option: Replace orzo with riced cauliflower, creating a lighter, keto-friendly version that maintains the creamy sauce and protein-rich chicken.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap half and half with coconut milk, use nutritional yeast instead of cheese, and select plant-based butter for a complete dairy-free experience that preserves the dish's rich flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, marinating alternative protein in same seasonings before searing, ensuring a hearty plant-based meal that matches the original recipe's texture and taste.
• Mediterranean Style: Introduce Mediterranean herbs like oregano and thyme, replace cheddar with feta cheese, and add kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired transformation that brings new regional dimensions to the classic recipe.

FAQs

• What equipment do I need for this recipe?

You’ll need a large skillet, a separate pot for orzo, measuring spoons, a wooden spoon or spatula, and basic kitchen tools like cutting boards and knives.

• Can I use different types of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken strips with chicken breasts or thighs. Just ensure they’re cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking and slice them against the grain.

• Is this recipe gluten-free friendly?

Not in its current form. The recipe uses flour for the roux, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, replace wheat flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.

• How spicy is this dish with the hot sauce?

The hot sauce adds a mild kick, but you can control the heat level by adjusting the amount. Start with a small quantity and add more to taste if you prefer more spice.

Chicken And Orzo Recipe

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4.5 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory chicken and orzo delights palates with Mediterranean charm, blending tender poultry and perfectly seasoned pasta. Hearty ingredients mingle in a comforting dish that promises satisfaction with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into strips
• 3/4 pound (340 grams) orzo pasta
• 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated

Seasonings and Spices:

• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder

Liquid and Vegetable Ingredients:

• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1/3 cup dry white wine (e.g., Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup half and half

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, coating the surface with olive oil for a golden chicken sear.
2. Massage chicken strips with a blend of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, creating a flavorful exterior.
3. Cook chicken pieces until they develop a rich, caramelized surface and reach complete internal doneness, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
4. Transfer cooked chicken to a holding plate, preserving its juicy texture.
5. Deglaze the skillet with wine, using a wooden spatula to lift the concentrated flavor-packed browned remnants from the pan’s surface.
6. Allow wine to reduce by half, concentrating its aromatic essence.
7. Introduce butter and minced garlic, sautéing until their fragrance permeates the kitchen.
8. Dust flour over the mixture, stirring to create a smooth, silky roux.
9. Gradually incorporate chicken broth and half and half, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
10. Enhance the sauce with hot sauce, mustard powder, onion powder, garlic powder, fresh parsley, and paprika.
11. Simmer the sauce until it reaches a luxurious, velvety consistency.
12. In a separate pot, prepare orzo according to package guidelines, introducing broccoli during the final three cooking minutes.
13. Drain the orzo and broccoli, ensuring minimal moisture remains.
14. Fold orzo and broccoli into the creamy sauce, integrating cheddar and Parmesan cheeses.
15. Stir until cheeses melt completely, creating a smooth, rich coating.
16. Reintroduce chicken to the skillet, allowing everything to warm through.
17. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
18. Plate immediately, offering an optional garnish of extra Parmesan or fresh parsley for added visual appeal and flavor.

Notes

• Perfectly sear chicken by patting it dry before seasoning to ensure a golden-brown crust without steaming.
• Prevent orzo from becoming mushy by cooking it al dente and rinsing with cold water immediately after draining to stop the cooking process.
• Customize the dish for dietary needs by substituting dairy-free milk and vegan cheese alternatives for a lactose-free or plant-based version.
• Create a gluten-free option by using cornstarch instead of flour for thickening the sauce and choosing gluten-free orzo pasta.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 545
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 890 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg