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
Scale
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.
