There's nothing quite like the simplicity of a one-pot meal to bring joy to a busy evening. This One Pot Chicken Orzo recipe is a comforting, flavorful dish that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum satisfaction. Imagine tender, juicy chicken pieces simmered in a savory broth alongside creamy, perfectly cooked orzo pasta. It’s a dish that practically cooks itself, leaving you with only one pot to clean.

I first fell in love with this recipe during a particularly hectic week. With a mountain of dishes to do and no energy left to cook a complicated dinner, this one-pot wonder came to the rescue. Since then, it’s become a weeknight staple, loved by the whole family for its rich, delicious flavors and by me for its no-fuss cleanup

Why You'll Love This One Pot Chicken Orzo

Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to weeknight dinner. This One Pot Chicken Orzo is more than just a meal; it’s a game-changer for those seeking delicious, hearty comfort food without the hassle.

First of all, this recipe is incredibly easy and convenient. With everything cooked in one pot, there’s no need for multiple pans or complicated steps. You’ll save time not just in cooking but also in cleaning, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

The flavors are unbeatable. The chicken and orzo are cooked together with aromatic herbs, garlic, and a splash of lemon, creating a rich and savory meal. The orzo absorbs all the chicken juices and spices, transforming into a creamy, risotto-like delight that’s simply irresistible.

Plus, it’s a versatile dish that’s easy to customize. You can add vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms to up the nutrition or adjust the spices to suit your taste. It’s a great way to use up what’s in your fridge and make it uniquely yours.

Finally, this meal is a crowd-pleaser. Picky eaters? No problem! The simple, comforting flavors of this dish appeal to all ages, from kids to adults. Trust me, it’s hard to find someone who doesn’t come back for seconds.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this One Pot Chicken Orzo lies in its simple ingredients that pack a flavorful punch. Here's a closer look at what you’ll need to make this recipe shine:

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best in this dish because they remain juicy and flavorful even after simmering. However, if you prefer, you can use chicken breasts or even leftover rotisserie chicken for added convenience.
Orzo: This small, rice-shaped pasta is the star of the dish. It cooks quickly and soaks up all the delicious flavors of the broth. Be sure to stir frequently to keep the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Chicken Broth: Using a good-quality chicken broth enhances the flavor of the entire dish. Opt for low-sodium broth if you want to control the saltiness or make your own for an even richer flavor.
Garlic and Onion: These aromatics lay the foundation of the dish. Minced garlic and finely diced onion are sautéed until fragrant, adding depth to the final result.
Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon brightens the flavors, cutting through the richness and adding a refreshing touch. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your preference for acidity.
Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary elevate the dish with an earthy, aromatic touch. You can also use dried herbs if that’s what you have on hand. Don’t forget the freshly chopped parsley for garnishing!

No special equipment is needed for this recipe – just a sturdy pot or Dutch oven that can handle both stovetop and oven cooking.

How To Make This One Pot Chicken Orzo

Creating this delicious One Pot Chicken Orzo is easier than you think. Here’s how to bring it all together in a few simple steps:

Start by heating a generous drizzle of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season your chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika. Place the chicken in the hot oil, searing for 4-5 minutes per side until they develop a golden crust. Don't worry about cooking them through; they’ll finish cooking later. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

In the same pot, add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until fragrant. This step releases all the delicious, aromatic flavors that will infuse the entire dish.

Next, pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These bits add tons of flavor to your dish, so don’t skip this step! Bring the broth to a gentle simmer and stir in the orzo. Return the chicken to the pot, nestling it into the broth and orzo mixture.

Let everything simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking. The orzo should be tender, and the chicken cooked through. Stir in a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and garnish with chopped parsley.

The whole process should take no more than 30 minutes, from start to finish. The result? A comforting, flavorful dish that’s sure to become a household favorite.

Storage Options

Leftovers of this One Pot Chicken Orzo store beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The orzo will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so you may need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
Freeze: If you want to freeze this dish, let it cool completely and then place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Warm the dish on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit more broth or water as needed to loosen up the orzo. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully versatile and easy to customize. Here are some ideas for making it your own:

Add Vegetables: Stir in fresh spinach, kale, or chopped broccoli for added nutrition. You can also mix in sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
Make It Creamy: If you’re craving something even richer, add a splash of heavy cream or a handful of grated Parmesan cheese at the end. It will take the dish to the next level of indulgence.
Switch Up the Protein: Feel free to use shrimp, sausage, or tofu instead of chicken. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure your protein is perfectly cooked.
Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like dill, basil, or oregano to change the flavor profile. Dried Italian seasoning is another great option that pairs well with orzo and chicken.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap the orzo for a gluten-free pasta alternative. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pasta shapes may require adjustments.

Don't be afraid to get creative with this recipe! Whether you’re adding seasonal veggies or playing with spices, the possibilities are endless. Enjoy experimenting and making this dish your own.