One-Pan Chicken and Orzo Recipe

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One-Pan Chicken and Orzo Recipe

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This one-pan chicken and orzo is a flavorful and comforting dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. Tender, seasoned chicken is paired with toasted orzo, sautéed veggies, and a rich, savory broth, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this dish is sure to become a household favorite!

Total Time: ~30 minutes

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

2 chicken breasts, sliced thinly

1 cup orzo pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small onion, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 ½ cups chicken broth

1/2 cup tomato sauce

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1/2 teaspoon cumin (optional)

Fresh parsley for garnish

Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and oregano. Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown, then remove from the pan and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the onions and red bell pepper until soft (about 3–4 minutes). Stir in the garlic, cumin, and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute.

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Toast the Orzo
Add the orzo to the pan and toast it slightly for about 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently.

Simmer the Dish
Pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.

Return the Chicken
Nestle the cooked chicken back into the pan with the orzo. Cover and let it simmer for about 10–12 minutes until the orzo is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Finish and Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

One-Pan Chicken and Orzo Recipe – Tips & FAQs

💡 Cooking Tips:

  1. Sear the Chicken Well – Browning the chicken first adds a rich, deep flavor to the dish. Don’t skip this step!
  2. Toast the Orzo – Lightly toasting the orzo before adding liquid enhances its nutty flavor.
  3. Use Fresh Lemon – A squeeze of fresh lemon at the end brightens up the dish and balances the flavors.
  4. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – If using a smaller pan, cook the chicken in batches to get a proper sear.
  5. Add Greens – Stir in some spinach or kale at the end for added nutrition.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

🔹 Can I use a different pasta?
Yes! You can swap orzo for small pasta like ditalini, couscous, or even rice (adjust liquid and cooking time accordingly).

🔹 Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

🔹 Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time. Bone-in chicken will take longer to cook than sliced chicken breast.

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🔹 What other veggies can I add?
Bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes all work well in this dish.

🔹 How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth to keep the orzo from drying out.

One-Pan Chicken and Orzo Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Based on 4 Servings)

Calories: ~420 kcal

Protein: ~35g

Carbohydrates: ~45g

Fat: ~12g

Saturated Fat: ~2g

Fiber: ~4g

Sugar: ~5g

Sodium: ~600mg (varies based on broth used)

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