Chicken Orzo Skillet is a delightful one-pan meal that brings together tender chicken, toasted orzo, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. This Chicken and Orzo Skillet is not only comforting but also incredibly easy to prepare. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Imagine the aroma filling your kitchen as you sauté the chicken and garlic, creating a warm atmosphere that invites everyone to the table. Let’s dive into this fantastic recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Orzo Skillet

This Chicken Orzo Dish is destined to become a favorite for several reasons. First, it’s a quick chicken orzo dinner that can be made in about 35 minutes, making it ideal for those hectic weeknights. Second, the creamy sauce with Parmesan adds a richness that elevates the dish, perfect for both kids and adults. Third, it’s a one-pot chicken orzo recipe, which means less cleanup! Additionally, it’s versatile; you can customize it with your choice of vegetables or spices. The healthy ingredients in this chicken orzo skillet with vegetables make it a nutritious choice that satisfies everyone’s cravings.

Ingredients for Chicken Orzo Skillet

Gather these items:

• 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or lemon juice for garnish (optional)

How to Make Chicken Orzo Skillet Step-by-Step

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Add orzo and stir for 1–2 minutes until lightly toasted and fragrant.
3. Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Lower heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most liquid is absorbed and orzo is tender.
4. Step 4: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the orzo evenly.
5. Step 5: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Serve warm directly from the skillet.

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Orzo Skillet

Keep these in mind:

• This dish is ideal for quick weeknight meals.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or peas for more nutrition.
• For a creamy chicken orzo skillet, use more cream.
• Make sure to deglaze the pan thoroughly to capture all the flavors.

Best Ways to Serve Chicken Orzo Skillet

Here are some serving ideas:

• Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
• Serve alongside garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Top with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs for added flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Orzo Skillet

To store, place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess as it may thicken in the fridge. Heat gently on the stovetop until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Orzo Skillet

What’s the secret to perfect Chicken Orzo Skillet?

The secret lies in toasting the orzo before adding the broth. This enhances the flavor and gives it a lovely nutty taste, making this orzo with chicken recipe even more delicious.

Can I make Chicken Orzo Skillet ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and orzo mixture in advance, but it’s best to add the cream just before serving to maintain the creamy texture. This makes it a great quick chicken orzo dinner option!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Chicken Orzo Skillet?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure you don’t overcook the chicken and keep an eye on the orzo to prevent it from becoming mushy. Stir regularly for even cooking in this one-pan chicken orzo meal.

Variations of Chicken Orzo Skillet You Can Try

Here are a few twists to consider:

• Add diced tomatoes and spinach for a healthy chicken orzo skillet.
• Incorporate seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
• Use different proteins such as shrimp or sausage for a flavor change.
• Make it a chicken orzo casserole by baking it with cheese on top until bubbly.

For more delicious recipes, check out our Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil or Mediterranean Chickpea Salad.

For more tips on cooking chicken, visit Chicken.ca.

Delicious Chicken Orzo Skillet for Quick Dinners

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A creamy and comforting Chicken and Orzo Skillet made in one pan with tender chicken, toasted orzo, Parmesan cheese, and a rich, savory sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.

• Author: Robert
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or lemon juice for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
2. In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Add orzo and stir for 1–2 minutes until lightly toasted and fragrant.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Lower heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most liquid is absorbed and orzo is tender.
4. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the orzo evenly.
5. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Serve warm directly from the skillet.

Notes

• This dish is ideal for quick weeknight meals.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or peas for more nutrition.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 100mg