This Creamy Chicken Orzo is an easy one pot recipe that makes the perfect weeknight dinner. Comes together quickly with simple ingredients and creates a creamy, flavorful pasta that everyone will enjoy. It's a comforting family dinner that will satisfy everyone.
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Why We Love This Creamy Chicken Orzo
- Quick and easy: ready in about 30 minutes making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- One pot wonder: made all in one pot makes clean up a breeze.
- Family approved: creamy, comforting, and loved by kids and adults.
- Hearty and comforting: creamy orzo with tender chicken makes a complete meal that is all around comfort in a bowl.
- Leftovers reheat well: a great option for meal prep or packed in a thermos for lunches.
Chicken Orzo Recipe Ingredients
- Olive Oil
- Chicken Breast, boneless and skinless
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Yellow Onion
- Button Mushrooms
- Garlic
- Orzo Pasta
- Dried Parsley
- Dried Thyme
- Chicken Broth
- Heavy Cream
- Parmesan Cheese
Substitution Suggestions
- Olive Oil: Any type of neutral oil will work. Avocado, vegetable or canola are decent options.
- Chicken Breast: My family likes chicken breast best so I use it the most. However, chicken thighs would be delicious too!
- Onion: If you don't want chunks of onion in your pasta you can use a teaspoon of onion powder or a tablespoon of dried minced onion.
- Button Mushrooms: I really like cremini mushrooms too. Either will work well in this recipe. You can also use a drained can of sliced mushrooms.
- Garlic: No fresh garlic? No problem, use a teaspoon of garlic powder or 2 teaspoons of dried minced garlic.
- Chicken Broth: Using chicken broth adds more flavor, but you could use just water too. Or use water with some chicken bullion.
- Heavy Cream: This gives the orzo the best rich and creamy texture. If you need to substitute, use half and half or whole milk. The dish won't be as rich but it will still be creamy.
- Parmesan: I think parmesan cheese pairs the best with these flavors but you could also use Pecorino, Asiago, or Fontina cheeses. Mozzarella cheese will make it stringy rather than creamy.
How to Make One Pot Chicken Orzo
- First, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Then add the diced chicken and season it with salt and pepper.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, turning it a few times. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Now add the remaining oil to the skillet along with the onions, mushrooms and minced garlic. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the onions and mushrooms are soft.
- Then stir in orzo, parsley, thyme, salt, black pepper and chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release any bits of flavor.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook until the orzo is al dente, about 8-10 minutes, and stirring occasionally.
- Once the pasta is al dente, stir in the heavy cream and cheese until fully combined.
- Then stir the chicken back in and heat through, about 1-2 minutes.
- Remove skillet from heat and let stand 5 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy!
What to Serve with Creamy Chicken Orzo
This chicken orzo is delicious served with a simple green salad, roasted veggies or a side of bread. Here are some of our favorites:
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Garlic Parmesan Green Beans
- Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower
- Garlic Cheese Drop Biscuits
- Homemade Garlic Parmesan Focaccia
Storing Chicken Orzo
Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. You may have to add a little chicken broth or milk to help make it creamy again.
Heather's Favorite Tools for this Recipe
- This is my favorite deep skillet for making one pot dinners or this cast iron skillet.
- A box grater to grate your own cheese. I use mine almost every day!
- A garlic press works great if you want to use fresh garlic and not have to chop it. I use a Pampered Chef one but this garlic press from OXO is a great one too!
Tips for One Pot Chicken Orzo
- Use a large at least 12 inch deep sided skillet that has a lid. It'll make stirring a lot easier and avoid any unwanted messes on the stove.
- Different brands of orzo pasta can be different sizes. Check your package for the time it takes to make al dente pasta and use that so you don't get hard or mushy pasta.
- Let the skillet rest 5 minutes to allow the chicken to warm through and let the sauce thicken.
More One Pot Recipes:
- Easy Skillet Lasagna
- Taco Pasta Skillet
- Baked Potato Soup
- Instant Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni
- Ham Fried Rice
- Easy Skillet Goulash
- Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
- Chicken Dumpling Soup
- Homemade Hamburger Helper
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Creamy Chicken Orzo
Creamy Chicken Orzo is an easy one pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. This comforting family dinner is creamy, flavorful, and ready within 30 minutes.
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1½ pounds chicken breast, boneless and skinless, cubed into 1" pieces
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 small onion, diced
- 8 ounces sliced button mushrooms
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 cup orzo
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Then add the diced chicken and season it with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, turning it a few times. Remove chicken to plate and set aside.
- Now add the remaining oil to the same skillet along with the onions, mushrooms and minced garlic. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the onions and mushrooms are soft.
- Then stir in orzo, parsley, thyme, remaining salt and black pepper, and chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release any bits of flavor.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook until the orzo is al dente, about 8-10 minutes, and stirring occasionally.
- Once the pasta is al dente, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until fully combined.
- Then stir the chicken back in and heat through, about 1-2 minutes.
- Remove skillet from heat and let stand 5 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
Calories: 407kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 104mg | Sodium: 1353mg | Potassium: 673mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 408IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 112mg | Iron: 1mg
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