Description
A quick and flavorful one-pan Chicken Orzo recipe combining tender chicken pieces, toasted orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and cherry tomatoes simmered in savory chicken broth, finished with aromatic herbs. Perfect for a wholesome, comforting meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup spinach, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook the chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then cook them in the skillet for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Toast the orzo: In the same skillet, add the orzo pasta and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally to evenly toast the pasta and enhance its flavor.
- Simmer with broth: Pour in the chicken broth, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add remaining ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with cherry tomatoes, chopped spinach, garlic powder, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Final cooking: Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the flavors meld.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve the dish warm.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier texture.
- To make it spicier, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Use vegetable broth and omit chicken to make a vegetarian version.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley work well as additional garnishes.
- To save time, use pre-chopped spinach and halved cherry tomatoes.
