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To make One Pot Chicken Orzo, you need these main ingredients: - 1 lb (450g) 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) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These ingredients create a warm, savory dish that is both filling and tasty. The chicken thighs add rich flavor, while the orzo provides a fun texture. You can add more flavor with these optional ingredients: - 1 cup mushrooms, sliced - 1 bell pepper, diced - 1 tablespoon lemon juice for brightness Mushrooms and bell peppers add depth to the dish. A splash of lemon juice brightens up the flavors. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have. Having these pantry staples on hand makes cooking easier: - Olive oil for sautéing - Italian seasoning for a blend of herbs - Red pepper flakes to spice things up - Chicken broth for a rich base These staples help you whip up meals quickly. Always check your pantry before starting. This ensures you have what you need and can make any dish shine! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start with your chicken. Use 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Next, chop one medium onion finely. Mince three cloves of garlic. These will add great flavor. For veggies, grab 1 cup of cherry tomatoes. Halve them for easy eating. You will also need 1 cup of baby spinach. This will add color and nutrients. Gather all your ingredients before you start. It makes cooking smoother. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add your chopped onion. Sauté it for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want it to turn translucent. Then, add the minced garlic. Cook it for 1 minute until it smells good. Now, turn up the heat to medium-high. Add the chicken pieces. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you like heat. Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes. You want it browned on all sides. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth. Bring it to a gentle boil. Next, stir in 1 cup of orzo pasta and the halved cherry tomatoes. Mix everything well. Lower the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally. The orzo should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed. Once the orzo is cooked, gently fold in 1 cup of baby spinach. It will wilt quickly. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve it hot in bowls. Top each serving with fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor. Enjoy your one pot chicken orzo! To make your chicken tender, choose boneless, skinless thighs. They stay juicy when cooked. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Sear the chicken in hot oil until browned, about 5-7 minutes. This locks in flavor and moisture. Avoid overcooking the chicken. Remove it from heat as soon as it reaches 165°F (75°C). Cooking orzo is easy, but it needs attention. Add orzo to the pot when the broth starts to boil. Stir it well to prevent sticking. Simmer on low heat for 10-12 minutes. Check for doneness by tasting a piece. The orzo should be tender but still have a slight bite. If you want creaminess, add a splash of broth just before serving. You only need a large pot for this recipe. A heavy-bottomed pot helps cook evenly. A wooden spoon is great for stirring without scratching the pot. A lid is vital to trap steam while cooking. If you have a meat thermometer, use it to check chicken doneness. This simple tool takes the guesswork out of cooking. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil adds a burst of flavor. Add it just before serving to maintain its vibrant taste. Cook Orzo Al Dente: To prevent overcooking, cook the orzo until it's just tender. It will continue to absorb liquid even after being taken off the heat. Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and color. Leftover Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to revive the dish. {{image_2}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of One Pot Orzo. Instead of chicken, use firm vegetables like zucchini or eggplant. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth. These swaps keep the dish hearty and flavorful. You can also add chickpeas for extra protein. This makes the dish filling without meat. To boost the flavor, try adding spices. Smoked paprika gives a warm, smoky taste. Cumin adds an earthy flavor, while turmeric brightens the dish with color. You can sprinkle in some fresh herbs, too. Adding fresh thyme or parsley at the end can really brighten the meal. Just use what you like and adjust to your taste. Incorporate seasonal vegetables for variety. In spring, add asparagus or peas for a fresh taste. Summer is perfect for bell peppers or corn. In the fall, try pumpkin or butternut squash. Winter calls for hearty greens like kale or Swiss chard. These changes keep the dish exciting all year long! Store any leftover One Pot Chicken Orzo in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Before you store it, let it cool down to room temperature. This helps avoid moisture build-up. If you want to keep it for longer, consider freezing. To freeze your One Pot Chicken Orzo, use freezer-safe containers. Portion it out for easy meals later. Let it cool completely before sealing the containers. This way, you prevent ice crystals from forming. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat your One Pot Chicken Orzo on the stove for even heat. Add a splash of broth or water to help it warm up. Stir frequently to avoid sticking. You can also use a microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the dish moist and tasty. Enjoy your meal! Yes, you can use other pasta types. Small shapes like ditalini or shells work well. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose. If you use larger pasta, it may need more time to cook. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just cook it a bit longer to ensure it’s done. Start with a lower heat to thaw it, then raise the heat to cook through. Make sure to cut it into smaller pieces for even cooking. You have many options for veggies. Carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini can add flavor and color. You can also use peas or broccoli for a pop of green. Just remember to adjust the cooking time to keep them tender. This article covered how to make a tasty One Pot Chicken Orzo. We looked at key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and handy tips for great results. I shared variations and storage info to help you adapt the dish. In the end, you can enjoy this meal any time with ease. Trust yourself in the kitchen, and don't be afraid to experiment!

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
Calories 450 kcal

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)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Increase heat to medium-high, add the chicken pieces, and season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  • Add the orzo pasta and cherry tomatoes to the pot. Stir well and reduce the heat to low.
  • Cover and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, stirring occasionally.
  • Once the orzo is cooked, gently fold in the baby spinach until wilted.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves on top.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the spice level by omitting or adding red pepper flakes.
Keyword chicken, easy meal, one pot, orzo