Description
This One-Pot Chicken and Orzo recipe is a quick and delicious meal combining tender chicken pieces, garlic-infused orzo pasta, and a savory blend of herbs and parmesan cheese. Perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner, it is cooked entirely in one skillet or Dutch oven, making cleanup a breeze. The dish offers a flavorful, comforting experience with minimal fuss and is ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 Tbsp garlic and herb seasoning
- 2 lbs raw chicken tenderloins
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
Vegetables & Seasonings
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley leaves
Pasta & Broth
- 2¾ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle the garlic and herb seasoning evenly over the chicken tenderloins. Cut the tenderloins into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy eating.
- Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Add the chicken pieces and cook them until they are golden brown on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Add garlic and onion: Once the chicken is browned, add the minced garlic and dried minced onion flakes to the skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring to prevent burning.
- Add broth and orzo: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and add the orzo pasta. Stir to combine all ingredients. Reduce the heat to medium and let the mixture simmer gently for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
- Finish with parsley and parmesan: Stir the chopped fresh parsley and grated parmesan cheese into the cooked orzo and chicken mixture. Mix well until the cheese melts evenly throughout the dish.
- Serve immediately: Plate the one-pot chicken and orzo hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, you can add a splash of heavy cream or a few tablespoons of cream cheese before serving.
- If fresh parsley is unavailable, dried parsley can be used but reduce quantity to 1 tablespoon as it is more concentrated.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the saltiness of the dish.
- Orzo can be substituted with other small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or pastina.
- Ensure not to overcook the orzo to avoid mushy texture; check doneness at around 15 minutes.
