Chicken Orzo Recipes

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 04, 2025

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Chicken Orzo Recipes: A Delicious and Versatile Dish

Orzo pasta, with its tiny grain shape resembling rice, offers a delightful versatility that makes it a perfect base for countless dishes. When paired with chicken, you unlock a world of flavor combinations, from light and lemony to rich and creamy. This post explores several delicious chicken orzo recipes, covering various tastes and skill levels.

Simple Chicken Orzo Recipe (Beginner-Friendly)

This recipe is perfect for beginners or those short on time. It’s quick, easy, and delivers satisfying results.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned.
2. Add onion and garlic, and cook until softened.
3. Stir in orzo and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until orzo is cooked through and liquid is absorbed.
4. Stir in parsley, salt, and pepper. Serve warm.

Lemon Herb Chicken Orzo (Intermediate)

This recipe elevates the simple chicken orzo with bright lemon flavors and fragrant herbs.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as oregano, thyme, and basil)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned.
2. Add lemon zest, garlic, and herbs. Cook for 1 minute.
3. Stir in orzo and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until orzo is cooked through and liquid is absorbed.
4. Stir in lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Top with feta cheese (optional) and serve warm.

Creamy Tomato Chicken Orzo (Advanced)

This recipe uses a creamy tomato sauce to create a richer, more decadent dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned.
2. Add onion and garlic, and cook until softened.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, orzo, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until orzo is cooked through and sauce has thickened.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Garnish with fresh basil (optional) and serve warm.

Tips and Variations for Your Chicken Orzo Recipes

• Add vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and flavor by adding vegetables like spinach, zucchini, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes.
• Spice it up: Incorporate red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• Use different cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, goat cheese, or provolone.
• Make it a one-pot meal: Simplify the process by cooking everything in a single pot or Dutch oven.
• Adjust the broth: Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or white wine for a more sophisticated flavor.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique chicken orzo recipe. Enjoy!