Indulge in a creamy chicken orzo one pot, perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner. This recipe features tender chicken, savoury orzo, and plenty of veggies all made in one pot for easy cleanup.
You just can't beat a one pot dinner. They're easy to make, great for cutting down on washing up and taste amazing.
This one is such a favourite in our house and we make it regularly on weeknights when we needs something quick, nourishing and delicious. It also makes really good leftovers so you can even meal prep it for the week.
I like to use chicken thighs for extra flavour but chicken breast would also work if you prefer them. The chicken is seared in the pan then the orzo pasta simmers in the chicken stock and becomes perfectly flavourful and super tender. Oh it's so tasty.
What I love about a one pot meal like this is that you don't really need any extras for a complete dinner but if you do want something on the side then I would recommend this tomato and cucumber salad or this kale salad with croutons.
Related: If you're looking for other one pot recipes then make sure you try out this sausage gnocchi with creamy tomato sauce
Ingredients
- Skinless Boneless Chicken Thighs: Using chicken thighs helps to add a bit more flavour and richness to the dish but if you'd rather use chicken breasts then this will still work, just use a meat thermometer to make sure they're cooked all the way through
- Olive Oil
- Lemon Juice
- Garlic
- Spices: Dried oregano, smoked paprika and chilli flakes perfectly flavour this dish
- Onion
- Mushrooms: I used white button mushrooms but go for your favourite type
- Tomato Puree
- Orzo
- Chopped Tomatoes
- Chicken Stock
- Baby Spinach: You could switch this for another leafy green if you prefer
- Double Cream
- Parmesan
- Salt and Pepper
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Put the chicken in a bowl with all of the marinade ingredients and set aside for at least 20 minutes.
Heat a pot over a medium high heat and add the chicken thighs. Cook the chicken for 5 minutes on each side until browned and charred. Remove the chicken to a plate.
Add the onion to the pot and cook for a couple of minutes then add the mushrooms and cook until both are very soft.
Add the tomato puree and oregano, stir well then add the dry orzo, chopped tomatoes and chicken broth.
Nestle the chicken back into the sauce then simmer for 10 minutes until the orzo is al dente and has soaked up the liquid.
Stir the cream and spinach into the orzo and cook for another minute until the spinach has wilted.
Hint: putting a lid on the pan helps the spinach to wilt
Substitutions
- Try using a gluten free orzo or even switch for rice if you want to make this recipe without gluten
- This could make a tasty vegetarian meal by leaving the chicken and parmesan out. You'll still have a tasty creamy orzo one pot recipe
- If you don't want to use chicken thighs you could try switching it for shredded rotisserie chicken and just stir it through the orzo before serving
- Make this recipe without dairy by leaving out the parmesan and cream - it'll still be delicious!
Variations
- Try different vegetables in this orzo dish. Sliced bell pepper, broccoli florets or green beans would all be great additions
- Turn this into an orzo pasta bake by sprinkling the finished dish with shredded mozzarella and baking for 10 minutes before serving
If you love orzo as much as I do then try out this greek orzo salad - so good and so easy to make!
Equipment
I like to make this chicken orzo recipe in a large enamelled cast iron pot.
Storage
Leftovers of this recipe can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days. This is also a great recipe for freezing - just store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost thoroughly before reheating.
FAQ
Yes, you could definitely use chicken breasts instead of skinless chicken thighs. Chicken breasts take a little longer to cook than thighs so bear that in mind when making this dish and use a meat thermometer to make sure they're fully cooked.
Admittedly the double cream in this recipe isn't the healthiest but you can make a few simple switches and additions to make this a healthy dinner. Try leaving out the cream and adding extra veggies.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Recipe
Creamy Chicken Orzo One Pot
Ingredients
- 500 g Chicken Thighs skinless boneless
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- ½ Lemon
- 2 cloves Garlic crushed
- 1 teaspoon Oregano
- 2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- Pinch Chilli Flakes
- Salt and Pepper
- 1 Onion finely chopped
- 200 g Mushrooms thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoon Tomato Puree
- 400 g Orzo
- 1 400g tin Chopped Tomatoes
- 750 ml Chicken Stock
- 1 teaspoon Oregano
- 100 g Baby Spinach
- 75 ml Double Cream
- Fresh Parsley to serve
- Parmesan to serve
Instructions
- Start by marinating the chicken. Pat the chicken dry then place in a large bowl and add the olive oil, lemon, garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, chilli flakes and plenty of salt and pepper. Mix together well then set aside and marinate for at least 20 minutes.
- Once the chicken has marinated heat a large pot over a medium high heat. Brown the chicken for 5 minutes on each side. Remove and place on a plate.
- In the same pot add the onion (you might need to add a little more oil if there isn’t enough left from the chicken) and cook for a couple of minutes until beginning to soften. Add the mushrooms and cook for another 5-10 minutes until both are very soft.
- Add the tomato puree and oregano and stir through the vegetables then add the uncooked orzo, chopped tomatoes and chicken stock. Season with plenty of salt and pepper. Stir everything together well, nestle the chicken thighs into the sauce and bring to a boil then simmer for about 10 minutes until the orzo has almost completely cooked.
- Stir the spinach and cream through the orzo and cook for another minute or so to allow time for the spinach to wilt and until the orzo is cooked. Serve topped with chopped parsley and grated parmesan.
Notes
Like the look of this recipe? Make sure you pin it for later!
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