Quick and Easy Chicken Orzo Recipe

Alright, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to let you in on a little secret star of our dinner table – the Quick and Easy Chicken Orzo Recipe. It’s that perfect blend of cozy and impressive that’ll make you look like you’ve got it all together for once (even if we all know that’s a lie). This one’s got that creamy-yet-light thing going on and it’s got just enough pizzazz to make any Tuesday feel like a mini victory. Try it once, and I swear, you’ll be adding it to your weekly menu lineup.

So here’s how this whole thing started: my husband waltzed into the kitchen one night, swearing he was never eating pasta again. Enter this recipe, which isn’t even really pasta if you squint hard enough. Fast forward to a week later, I caught him literally scraping the pot clean after dinner. If that isn’t a glowing endorsement, I don’t know what is. It’s one of those meals that hit that sweet spot of being soulful enough that the kids and partner devour it, yet easy enough to not give you gray hairs during prep. A win-win, right?

Why You’ll Love This Quick and Easy Chicken Orzo Recipe

Alright, so here’s why this might just become your new BFF in the kitchen:

– It makes Rome-level tasty happen in your kitchen even if you’re half asleep after a long day.
– Kids love it. Honestly, it feels like tricking them into eating veggies, because hey, “it’s pasta!”
– Practically no dishes to do after. Okay, there are some, but it feels like none (my kind of math).

How to Make It

Okay, here we go. Imagine you’re here with me, sipping on that half-drunk cold coffee on the counter and let’s get cooking. First, grab the chicken that you hopefully remembered to defrost. Or not – isn’t that what the microwave is for? Rub it with some salt and pepper like it owes you money, then toss it into the pan until it’s nice and golden. Now, don’t even think about fancy flipping – we aren’t on a cooking show here.

Next, add your garlic and onions like you’ve got a vendetta against the vampires. In goes the orzo, letting it toast up juuust a bit. It should smell a bit nutty. Or maybe it smells burnt. Either way, keep going. Add broth, bring it all to a simmer, and let the magic happen. Stir occasionally if you remember, but let’s be real – life happens. Once the orzo is done soaking up all that goodness, throw in some spinach or whatever leafy greens you mistakenly bought for a salad that never happened.

Push everything around until the spinach gives up and wilts down. Splash in a hint of lemon to wake it all up, and you’re done! Wait, are those peas staring at you from the fridge shelf? Toss ’em in. Why not?

Ingredient Notes

– Chicken: You’re the meat star here. Cook it right and it’ll thank you with juicy goodness. Slash incisions if it cooks unevenly.
– Orzo: The carb hero that thinks it’s rice. Remember, don’t pour the whole box in. Or do, but you might be making a week’s worth.
– Spinach: This wilts faster than my motivation on a Monday morning, so pile it in.

Recipe Steps:
1. Season chicken and cook until golden.
2. Sauté garlic and onions; stir in orzo.
3. Add broth, simmer, and stir occasionally.
4. Mix in spinach until wilted; lemon squeezes for zestiness.
5. Serve and revel in your cooking prowess.

What to Serve It With

Tips & Mistakes

If you forget to season the chicken, just pretend you didn’t and act impressed when asked. Pro tip: child distraction with cheese solves many sins.

Storage Tips

So if you’ve got leftovers (lucky you), stick them in an airtight container. This one slides into the fridge like a charm and keeps nicely for a couple of days. Heat it up and, if you’re brave enough, eat it cold while standing at the open fridge door (no judgment).

Variations and Substitutions

Let me tell you, I’ve swapped the chicken for tofu on a whim (because honestly, who buys just enough groceries?), and it totally works if you’re into that. Once skipped the spinach – added peas instead. Also, if you’ve got some Parmesan, shave it on top. Practically changes the game.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick and Easy Chicken Orzo Recipe

This flavorful chicken orzo dish is perfect for a fast weeknight dinner, combining tender chicken with tender pasta and fresh herbs.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 1.5 cups orzo pasta
• ▢ 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces
• ▢ 2 tbsp olive oil
• ▢ 1 cup chicken broth low sodium
• ▢ 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• ▢ 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for garnish
• ▢ 2 cloves garlic minced
• ▢ 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped
• ▢ 0.5 tsp salt
• ▢ 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add orzo pasta and toast lightly for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Pour in chicken broth, stir, and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10 minutes until orzo is tender.
• Stir in cooked chicken, cherry tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
• Remove from heat, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

For a creamier texture, add 1/4 cup of heavy cream before serving.