One-Pot Italian Chicken and Orzo

Imagine a cozy evening, the aroma of savory chicken wafting through your kitchen, and a delightful one-pot meal simmering on the stovetop. One-Pot Italian Chicken and Orzo is the answer to your weeknight dinner dilemma, bringing together tender chicken, al dente orzo, and vibrant vegetables in a harmonious blend of flavors. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also a surefire way to impress your family and friends with minimal effort.

With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a satisfying dish that’s packed with flavor and nutrition. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—it all cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for meal prep options, this dish is versatile enough to cater to all your needs.

Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing

One-Pot Italian Chicken and Orzo is a crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, the combination of tender chicken and hearty orzo creates a comforting and filling meal that appeals to all ages. The sweetness of cherry tomatoes complements the savory chicken, while the garlic and Italian seasoning add layers of flavor that make every bite enjoyable.

Moreover, the fact that it’s a one-pot meal means that you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your food with loved ones. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or even a cozy dinner date at home. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite veggies or herbs, ensuring that everyone at the table leaves satisfied.

Ingredient List

• 1 to 1.25 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness (cutlets, thin-sliced chicken, or bite-sized pieces can be used)
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, or as needed
• 1 cup red onion, finely diced (white or yellow onions or shallots may be substituted)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, or to taste (1.5 to 2 teaspoons recommended for more flavor)
• 3 to 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (grape tomatoes may be substituted, or use sun-dried tomatoes drained from oil and diced if preferred)
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 3 cups chicken broth (reduced sodium recommended; vegetable broth may be substituted)
• 1 cup orzo pasta (dry, uncooked)
• ½ cup fresh basil, thinly sliced, or as desired for garnishing
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, or as desired for garnishing

What You’ll Need (Gear)

• Large skillet or Dutch oven – for cooking everything in one pot.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – for stirring and ensuring even cooking.
• Meat mallet or rolling pin – to pound the chicken to an even thickness.
• Cutting board and knife – for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons – to accurately measure ingredients.

Step-by-Step: One-Pot Italian Chicken and Orzo

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness if using whole breasts. This ensures they cook evenly and quickly. Cut into bite-sized pieces or thin slices if desired.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Make sure every piece is well coated for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the diced red onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Brown the Chicken

Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet, cooking until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage as it will finish cooking later.

Step 5: Add the Tomatoes

Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.

Step 6: Thicken the Mixture

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mixture, stirring to combine. This step helps to thicken the broth later on.

Step 7: Pour in the Chicken Broth

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 8: Cook the Orzo

Add the uncooked orzo pasta to the pot, stirring to ensure it’s evenly distributed. Cover and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 10-12 minutes or until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through.

Step 9: Finish with Fresh Herbs and Cheese

Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the fresh basil and sprinkle with shredded Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, garnished with additional basil and cheese if desired.

If You’re Out Of…

• Cherry tomatoes: Substitute with grape tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes.
• Orzo pasta: Use any small pasta shape like couscous or ditalini.
• Chicken broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a suitable alternative.
• Fresh basil: Feel free to use dried basil or parsley in a pinch.

Troubles You Can Avoid

• Overcooking the chicken: Cut the chicken into smaller pieces to ensure it cooks through without drying out.
• Sticky orzo: Stir the orzo occasionally while it cooks to prevent it from sticking together.
• Under-seasoning: Taste as you go and adjust seasoning as needed for the best flavor.
• Burning garlic: Add garlic towards the end of sautéing the onions to avoid burning.

Meal Prep & Storage Notes

One-Pot Italian Chicken and Orzo is an excellent dish for meal prepping. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent the orzo from drying out. This dish also freezes well; simply store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reader Q&A

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

While fresh chicken is recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can use thawed frozen chicken. Just ensure it’s completely thawed before cooking for even results.

What can I serve with One-Pot Italian Chicken and Orzo?

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a more substantial feast.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

How can I customize the flavors?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as spinach or zucchini, or adjust the herbs and spices to suit your taste. Lemon zest or juice can also brighten the dish beautifully.

Serve with These

• Garlic Bread
• Simple Garden Salad
• Roasted Vegetables
• Italian Dressing

Bring It to the Table

Gather your loved ones around the table and serve this One-Pot Italian Chicken and Orzo with pride. The vibrant colors and mouthwatering aroma will entice everyone to dig in, making for a delightful meal that sparks conversation and joy. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just a few, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy every satisfying bite!