What’s your go-to dinner? What is the best chicken orzo recipe? Is it a warm hug in the bowl? My kids cheer when they hear me making it! Isn’t it a cross between Chicken Noodle soup and risotto? If you love comfort food but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this is the one. I swear, it’s faster than ordering takeout and a million times more satisfying. What is your version of chicken orzo?

What is chicken orzo?

What is Chicken Orzo? What is an orzo pasta dish? Orzo is that tiny, rice-shaped pasta that just begging to soak up all the flavors you love. Think of it as the perfect little flavor sponges! What is a creamy chicken sauce? What are some of the best ingredients to read? ), and a whole lot of comforting goodness. The name “orzo” is Italian for barley because of its resemblance of it.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are some good reasons to make chicken orzo? Let me break it down for you: “What is a good way to describe the world to

The Flavor, Oh The Flavour!We’re talking savory chicken, a hint of garlic, creamy parmesan, and just A touch of lemon. How can I brighten everything up? What a flavor explosion in every bite.
Is it so easy it’s almost a crime?Is this a one-pot wonder? What are some of the best ingredients in the world?
Budget-Friendly BIs chicken thighs cheaper than chicken breasts? Orzo is inexpensive, and the other ingredients are all pantry staples. Hello, deliciousness on a dime!
Is Versatility the Key toCan you customize this Chicken Orzo Recipe to your liking? Add veggies, swap out the cheese, use different herbs – the possibilities are endless! Is it good to eat cold or hot?

What I love the most is how comforting and satisfying it is. What is the perfect dish to make on a chilly evening when you want something warm and cozy, but also delicious? I want to keep it healthy. Is it a hug in the bowl that everyone loves? Compared to, say, a traditional risotto, which requires constant stirring and babysitting, this is an easy recipe. What is a set-it-and-for Much less fuss, all the flavor!

How do you make chicken orzo?

Quick Overview

Okay, here’s the super simple lowdown: What is We’re going to sauté some chicken until it’s nice and golden brown, then we’ll build a delicious chicken. How do I make sauce in the same pot? Add the orzo, let it simmer until it’s perfectly cooked and creamy, and then stir in some Parmesan cheese. What are some great cheese and lemon juice recipes? What is a good chicken orzo recipe? Even on busy weeknights, I can get this on the table in under 45 minutes. What is the best chicken orzo recipe you’ve ever made?

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Base:

5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces. (Chicken legs add so much flavor) Can I use chicken breast?
1 tbsp olive oil. 1 cup
1 medium onion, chopped.
2 cloves garlic, minced (I’m generous with garlic but you do you)
1/2 tsp dried thyme.
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, but adds a nice little kick!)
Salt and pepper to taste.

What’s the recipe for Orzo & Creamy Sauce?

1 cup orzo pasta. 1 teaspoon org
4 cups chicken broth (Low-sodium is best, so you can control the salt level)
1/2 cup heavy cream (This is my secret ingredient for ultra-creamy orzo! Is it better to sub with half and half?
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (Freshly Grated is always best)
2 tablespoons lemon juice (Freshly squeezed, please) .

What are the steps to

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

In a Dutch Oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Do not burn garlic, as it can become bitter!

Step 3: Add the Orzo and Broth

Stir in the orzo pasta and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until thickened. The orzo is cooked through and the liquid has been absorbed. I always stir it every few minutes to prevent sticking!

Step 4: Make it Creamy

Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Cook for another minute or two, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and heated through. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 5: Add the Chicken Back In

What is the best way to cook chicken in a pot?

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired. What is your favorite chicken orzo recipe?

What should I serve it with?

What is a good chicken orzo recipe? What are some of my favorite pairings?

What is a simple side salad?A light and refreshing salad with mixed greens, a simple vinaigrette, and maybe some crumbled feta. What is the best contrast between cheese and orzo?
Roasted VegetWhat are some good options for roasting broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts? The slight char from roasting adds a great depth of flavor.
Garlic Bread: Because, let’s be honest, who can resist garlic bread? It’s perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce!
Crusty Bread: A simple slice of crusty bread is also a great option for sopping up the sauce.

In my family, we often serve it with a big green salad and some crusty bread. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that everyone loves. Sometimes, I’ll even add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for a little extra crunch!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Orzo Recipe

Okay, friends, I’ve made this Chicken Orzo Recipe countless times, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way. Here are my top tips for making it absolutely perfect:

Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Nobody likes mushy orzo! Keep a close eye on it while it’s simmering and test it frequently. You want it to be cooked through but still have a slight bite to it – al dente, as they say in Italy.
Use Good Quality Chicken Broth: The chicken broth is the foundation of the sauce, so use the best quality you can find. I prefer low-sodium broth so I can control the salt level.
Freshly Grated Parmesan is a Must: Pre-shredded Parmesan cheese often contains cellulose, which prevents it from melting smoothly. Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully and adds a much richer flavor.
Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: The lemon juice adds a bright acidity that balances out the richness of the sauce. It’s a small addition, but it makes a big difference!
Get Creative with Veggies: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to this dish! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes would all be delicious additions.
Adjust the Creaminess to Your Liking: If you prefer a less creamy dish, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute it with half-and-half or even milk. Just keep in mind that it won’t be quite as rich.
Make it Ahead of Time: This dish is great for meal prepping because it tastes even better the next day! The orzo absorbs more of the sauce and the flavors meld together beautifully.

One time, I accidentally added too much salt to the broth. Luckily, I caught it before it was too late and added a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of sugar to balance out the flavors. It worked like a charm! So don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust the recipe to your own taste. Cooking should be fun!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Here’s how to keep your Chicken Orzo Recipe delicious for days to come:

Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving it at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover Chicken Orzo Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s great for meal prepping lunches! The flavors actually meld together even more overnight.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the orzo. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave the orzo for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen it up. I often add a little extra Parmesan cheese when I reheat it to freshen it up.

I’ve found that freezing the orzo can sometimes change the texture slightly, making it a bit softer. But it’s still perfectly delicious! Just be sure to thaw it completely before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free orzo pasta. Just be sure to check the packaging to ensure that it’s certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. I have tested it with a gluten-free orzo, and it tastes just as great.

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breast, but I highly recommend using chicken thighs for the best flavor and tenderness. Chicken thighs are more flavorful and stay moist during cooking. If you use chicken breast, be sure not to overcook it, or it will become dry.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to this Chicken Orzo Recipe. Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, peas, or asparagus would all be delicious additions.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can make this dish dairy-free by using dairy-free heavy cream (such as coconut cream) and dairy-free Parmesan cheese. You can also omit the Parmesan cheese altogether. I have made it with coconut cream and it gives it a very light and sweet taste, which is delicious!

How long does this Chicken Orzo Recipe last in the fridge?

Leftover Chicken Orzo Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s great for meal prepping lunches!

Final Thoughts

Okay, friends, I truly hope you give this Chicken Orzo Recipe a try. It’s a dish that’s near and dear to my heart, and I know you’ll love it just as much as my family does. It’s a weeknight winner, a crowd-pleaser, and just plain delicious. If you’re looking for more easy and delicious recipes, be sure to check out my other blog posts. And if you try this recipe, please let me know how it turns out in the comments below! I love hearing your feedback and seeing your creations. Happy cooking!