There's nothing quite like the comfort of a one-pot meal, especially when that meal is packed with tender, juicy chicken, creamy orzo, and a medley of fresh, vibrant flavors. This One Pot Chicken Orzo Recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, delivering restaurant-quality flavor with minimal cleanup.

I first came across a version of this dish on a rushed weekday when I needed something quick, hearty, and soul-satisfying. The magic of cooking everything in one pot made it a staple in my kitchen, and it’s now a must-have in my rotation. Let's get into why this dish deserves a spot in your weeknight meal plans!
Why You'll Love This One Pot Chicken Orzo
Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to dinner recipe. This One Pot Chicken Orzo is not only packed with flavor but is also incredibly convenient for anyone craving a delicious meal without a mountain of dirty dishes.
First, the simplicity of this recipe is unmatched. Everything cooks together in one pot, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully. You won’t spend hours scrubbing multiple pans, which makes cleanup a breeze, even on the busiest nights.
It's also a crowd-pleaser that both adults and kids will adore. The orzo becomes lusciously creamy as it cooks, absorbing all the flavors from the chicken and seasonings. If you have picky eaters at home, this dish is a sure winner that’ll keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Another big plus? This dish is incredibly versatile. You can customize the vegetables, adjust the seasonings, or add a sprinkle of your favorite cheese on top for an extra layer of indulgence. It’s the kind of recipe that works perfectly for whatever you have on hand.
Lastly, the cooking process is delightfully efficient. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it all comes together, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. From prep to table, you’re looking at a comforting, flavor-packed meal in under 45 minutes.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this One Pot Chicken Orzo lies in using simple yet flavorful ingredients that come together effortlessly to create a delicious meal. Each element serves a vital purpose, ensuring you get the best flavor and texture in every bite.
Chicken thighs are my top choice for this recipe. They're juicier and more forgiving than chicken breasts, ensuring your dish stays moist and flavorful. If you prefer chicken breasts, just be cautious not to overcook them.
Orzo is the star of the dish. It’s a rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and soaks up all the rich flavors of the broth, vegetables, and chicken. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Chicken broth adds a savory depth of flavor to the orzo and ensures a creamy, rich consistency. You can use low-sodium broth if you prefer more control over the saltiness. If you’re in a pinch, vegetable broth works too, but chicken broth is ideal for the best flavor.
Fresh vegetables like diced onions, minced garlic, and baby spinach add brightness and nutrition to the dish. The onions and garlic are sautéed to build a flavorful base, while the spinach wilts down perfectly at the end, adding a burst of color and freshness.
Finally, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan complete the dish. The lemon brightens everything up, while the Parmesan provides a salty, umami-rich finish. Don’t skip these final touches – they truly elevate the flavors.
Equipment note: You'll need a large skillet or Dutch oven with a lid to make this one-pot wonder. A heavy-bottomed pot works best for even heat distribution, preventing the orzo from sticking.
How To Make This One Pot Chicken Orzo

Creating this One Pot Chicken Orzo is simpler than you might think. Let’s walk through the process step by step, so you can get it right every time.
Start by heating a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a generous drizzle of olive oil and let it heat until shimmering. Season your chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of dried Italian herbs. Add them to the pot, skin-side down if using bone-in thighs, and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. The goal here is to develop a flavorful crust. Once seared, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
Next, in the same pot, add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan as you go – these are packed with flavor and will add depth to your dish.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the orzo, making sure it’s evenly distributed in the pot. Nestle the seared chicken back into the pot, cover with a lid, and let everything cook for about 10-12 minutes. The orzo will absorb the broth and become tender while the chicken finishes cooking through.
Once the orzo is perfectly cooked, stir in a couple of handfuls of baby spinach. The residual heat will wilt the spinach in no time, adding a lovely burst of green. Squeeze over the fresh lemon juice, and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan. Give it all a final stir, taste, and adjust the seasonings if needed.
Serve your One Pot Chicken Orzo hot, with a little extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley if desired. The whole dish is ready in about 35-40 minutes, perfect for busy nights when you need something comforting and satisfying.
Storage Options
Storing leftovers of your One Pot Chicken Orzo is easy and convenient, making it a great option for meal prep or next-day lunches. Here’s how to keep it tasting fresh:
- Refrigerate: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The orzo will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so you may need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen it up.
- Freeze: If you want to freeze portions, let the dish cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding more liquid as needed.
To reheat, simply warm the orzo in a skillet over low heat, adding broth or water until it’s back to its creamy consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and enjoy a quick and delicious meal with minimal effort.
Variations and Substitutions
This One Pot Chicken Orzo is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to get creative with what you have on hand. Here are some ideas to customize it to your liking:
- Protein swap: You can easily swap out the chicken thighs for chicken breasts, turkey, or even shrimp. If using shrimp, add them towards the end of cooking to prevent overcooking.
- Vegetable additions: Feel free to add more veggies, like cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Sauté them with the onions and garlic to build even more flavor.
- Cheese alternatives: If you’re not a fan of Parmesan, try crumbled feta or shredded mozzarella for a different take. Each cheese will give a unique flavor profile to the dish.
- Herb variations: Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or dill can brighten up the dish. Add them at the end for a burst of freshness. Dried herbs work well too if that’s what you have.
- Spice it up: Love a bit of heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic, or serve with hot sauce on the side for those who like a little kick.
This recipe is perfect for experimenting, so feel free to adapt it based on your taste and pantry staples. Enjoy making it your own, and I hope it becomes a staple in your household, just like it has in mine!
PrintOne Pot Chicken Orzo Recipe
This One Pot Chicken Orzo recipe is a simple, flavorful meal that combines tender chicken with savory orzo, all cooked in one pot. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish saves time and cleanup, making it a family favorite!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes, then remove from the pot.
- In the same pot, add diced onion and cook until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, oregano, and basil. Stir to combine.
- Add orzo and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes or until the orzo is tender.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir in chopped spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts.
- Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream before serving.
- Adjust the seasoning to your preference or add chili flakes for a bit of spice.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 920mg
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