If you’re craving a dinner that’s comforting, vibrant, and downright satisfying, you’ve got to try this One-Pot Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of tender chicken, creamy feta, and tender orzo pasta all cooked together in a single skillet, making your weeknight meal super easy without sacrificing any flavor. Imagine juicy chicken bites mingling with silky orzo and those fresh bursts of spinach and garlic—this dish is a total winner that will quickly become your go-to for busy evenings or casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this One-Pot Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe plays a crucial role, keeping the dish balanced with fresh, creamy, and savory notes. The simplicity of the ingredients also means you can find them easily and whip this up without a second thought.
- Olive oil: Adds a smooth, fruity base for sautéing the chicken and aromatics, enhancing every flavor.
- Chicken breast: Provides lean protein that cooks quickly and stays tender when cubed.
- Onion: Brings a subtle sweetness and depth when softened with garlic.
- Garlic: Infuses the dish with that irresistible savory punch you’ll love.
- Orzo pasta: Small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks perfectly and soaks up all the flavors.
- Chicken broth: The cooking liquid that keeps the orzo moist and imparts a rich, meaty taste.
- Heavy cream: Creates a luscious, velvety sauce to tie all the ingredients together.
- Spinach: Adds a fresh, slightly earthy green boost and beautiful color contrast.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled on top for tangy, salty bursts of flavor that elevate the whole skillet.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing every element to life.
How to Make One-Pot Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook it until it’s golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. This step is key because those browned bits at the bottom of the pan add so much flavor to the dish. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In the same skillet, toss in your diced onion and minced garlic. Let them cook until they soften and become fragrant, which should take around 2 to 3 minutes. This combination creates an aromatic base that’s essential for building the comforting flavor profile of the recipe.
Step 3: Simmer the Orzo
Next, stir the orzo pasta right into the onion and garlic mixture. Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Keep stirring occasionally as the orzo cooks for 10 to 12 minutes, or until it’s tender and the broth has mostly absorbed. This technique ensures your pasta soaks up all those delicious flavors.
Step 4: Add Cream, Spinach, and Feta
Once the orzo is perfectly cooked, stir in the heavy cream, chopped spinach, and crumbled feta cheese. Let the skillet cook for an additional 2 minutes so the spinach wilts gently and the cream thickens into a rich, dreamy sauce. This step adds creaminess and a pop of fresh green color that makes the dish irresistible.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Season
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and give everything a good stir to combine. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste, balancing out the creaminess and brightness of the feta and spinach.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the One-Pot Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe hot, perhaps with an extra sprinkle of feta on top for good measure. This meal is a total crowd-pleaser, hearty yet light, and perfect for any night of the week.
How to Serve One-Pot Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your dish even further, consider topping it with a handful of freshly chopped herbs like parsley or dill. A dusting of extra crumbled feta or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can also brighten the flavors and make the skillet taste even more special.
Side Dishes
This One-Pot Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe is quite the all-in-one meal, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some crusty garlic bread can round out the plate wonderfully. Steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus also make a nice, healthy complement.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve the chicken orzo directly from a colorful ceramic skillet on the table. You can also plate it in shallow bowls to showcase the creamy orzo and tender chicken pieces, garnished with those vibrant greens and feta for a photo-ready presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld wonderfully overnight, making this dish just as enjoyable the next day for a quick lunch or dinner.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the One-Pot Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that frozen cream-based dishes may change texture slightly, but reheating gently helps maintain the best consistency.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. This keeps the orzo creamy and the chicken tender without drying out the dish.
FAQs
Can I use another type of pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! Small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells work well, but remember cooking times might vary slightly. Orzo is great because it mimics rice in this recipe, absorbing the broth beautifully.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or chickpeas. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can prep the chicken and chop the vegetables ahead of time to save cooking time. The dish itself is best cooked fresh for optimal creaminess and flavor, but reheats well if made earlier.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, try using half-and-half or a mixture of milk with a bit of flour to thicken. Coconut cream is also an option for a dairy-free twist but will add a different flavor.
How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
Cutting the chicken into even cubes and not overcooking them helps retain juiciness. Also, cooking the chicken first and setting it aside prevents it from sitting in the hot pan too long and becoming tough.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the One-Pot Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe enough for anyone seeking a fuss-free, flavor-packed meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s straightforward to make, hits all the right notes with creamy, savory, and fresh flavors, and cleans up in a snap. Give it a try and watch it become a favorite in your weekly dinner rotation!
Print
One-Pot Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This One-Pot Chicken Orzo Skillet is a comforting and creamy dish featuring tender chicken breast, orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and tangy feta cheese. Cooked in a single skillet, it’s a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights, delivering delicious Mediterranean-inspired flavors in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Protein and Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup spinach, chopped
Liquids and Dairy
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until softened, about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
- Cook the orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add cream and greens: Stir in the heavy cream, chopped spinach, and crumbled feta cheese. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and the cream to thicken slightly for a creamy texture.
- Combine and season: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and gently stir everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Serve the dish hot, optionally garnished with additional crumbled feta for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for the best texture; baby spinach works well for quick wilting.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- For a richer dish, add a splash of white wine before the chicken broth.
- Be careful not to overcook the orzo to avoid mushiness; it should be tender but still slightly firm.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
