Description
This Chicken Orzo recipe is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal combining tender chicken breasts with toasted orzo pasta simmered in savory chicken broth. Enhanced with cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, and aromatic herbs like garlic powder and oregano, it offers a wholesome and comforting dish perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s both simple and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup spinach, chopped
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Dry Ingredients and Seasonings
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Liquids and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Cook the Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken turns golden brown and is cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Toast the Orzo: In the same skillet, add the orzo pasta and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. This helps enhance the nutty flavor of the orzo.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the 2 cups of chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the orzo for 8-10 minutes until it is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped spinach, garlic powder, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Cook Until Spinach Wilts: Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the flavors meld.
- Finish and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish the dish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm for a delicious and hearty meal.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier texture.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a tablespoon of cream or grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
