Warm, creamy, and satisfying, this One Pot Chicken Orzo brings all the comfort of homemade chicken soup with the richness of a creamy pasta dish. Tender chicken, fresh veggies, and savory herbs simmer together in a single pot for a delicious meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This One Pot Chicken Orzo
You’ll love this One Pot Chicken Orzo because it’s fast, wholesome, and made with everyday ingredients. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something cozy without the mess. The orzo cooks right in the broth, soaking up all the chicken flavor for a creamy, risotto-like texture without any heavy cream.
Each spoonful feels like comfort food but with a lighter touch. Plus, since it’s all cooked in one pot, cleanup is quick and easy. Families love the balance of tender chicken, soft vegetables, and lemony freshness that makes this meal both nourishing and deeply satisfying.
It’s a versatile recipe too—you can add greens, swap the protein, or make it dairy-free. However you customize it, this one-pot wonder always delivers comfort, warmth, and flavor.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
A few simple ingredients create this rich and satisfying meal.
Core Ingredients
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts add lean protein and tender bites in every spoonful. Orzo pasta gives the dish its creamy base, thickening as it cooks in flavorful broth. Fresh onion, garlic, celery, and carrots build a hearty, aromatic foundation, while low-sodium chicken broth ties everything together with a savory depth. Parmesan cheese melts in at the end for that creamy, velvety finish.
Seasonings & Add-ins
A blend of thyme, rosemary, parsley, and red pepper flakes seasons the dish with warmth and a gentle kick. Adjust the spice by skipping the flakes or adding a touch more for heat. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds brightness and lifts the flavors beautifully.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
This One Pot Chicken Orzo easily adapts to your preferences. For extra convenience, use rotisserie or leftover chicken instead of raw pieces—just stir it in near the end to warm through. If you’re avoiding gluten, swap orzo for gluten-free short pasta or rice and add a little more broth to maintain creaminess.
For more fiber, use whole wheat orzo. You can also toss in baby spinach, peas, or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for extra color and nutrients. Skip the parmesan and use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
If you prefer a soupier texture, simply add an extra cup of broth while simmering. This flexibility makes it a go-to recipe for weeknights when you want something hearty, healthy, and simple.
How to Make One Pot Chicken Orzo (Step-by-Step)
Prep the Ingredients
Start by cutting the chicken into small bite-sized pieces. Chop the onion, celery, and carrots, and mince the garlic. Gather your herbs, seasonings, and measure the orzo so it’s all ready to go.
Sauté for Flavor
Heat olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Cook for about 4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Next, add the chicken pieces and cook until they’re lightly browned on the edges. This step builds flavor that will deepen as the orzo simmers.
Simmer the Orzo
Add dry orzo, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and parsley. Stir to coat everything in the seasonings. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring often so the orzo doesn’t stick. The liquid will absorb, and the texture will turn creamy as the starch from the pasta thickens the broth.
Finish and Serve
Once the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in the lemon juice and grated parmesan cheese. Mix until everything is creamy and combined. If it looks too thick, add a splash of broth to loosen it. Serve hot, topped with extra parmesan or a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you like.
Pro Tips for Perfect Creamy Chicken Orzo
Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent sticking and uneven cooking. Stir the orzo often, especially near the end, to achieve a creamy texture. If you like a looser consistency, add more broth just before serving.
Taste and adjust salt and lemon at the end—the acidity brings everything to life. For deeper flavor, try using a mix of chicken and vegetable broth. Also, if reheating later, always add a splash of liquid to maintain that silky texture.
These small details make a big difference between a good and great bowl of creamy orzo.
What to Serve with Chicken Orzo
This dish shines on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides. Try a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables for a balanced plate. Crusty bread is also perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
For a cozy meal idea, serve it with a bowl of creamy leek and chicken soup or alongside your favorite creamy and juicy skillet chicken thighs. A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon makes it feel extra special.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The orzo will thicken as it sits, so add a bit of broth or water when reheating. Warm gently over medium heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally.
For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat with extra broth for best results. This method keeps the creamy texture and fresh flavor intact, so your leftovers taste just as comforting as day one.
Expert Notes
If you’re short on time, pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken works perfectly here. Add it in just before the parmesan step. You can also toss in quick-cooking veggies like peas or spinach to boost nutrition. Adjust spices for kids or milder tastes by skipping the red pepper flakes.
The magic of this dish is in its balance: creamy orzo, herby chicken, and a touch of lemon that brightens everything. It’s the kind of meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome, all made in one pot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chicken orzo healthy?
Yes, it’s a balanced dish with lean protein, whole grains, and veggies. Use low-sodium broth and whole wheat orzo for extra nutrition.
How to use orzo pasta with chicken?
Cook the orzo directly with the chicken and broth so it absorbs the flavor. It thickens naturally as it cooks.
How much orzo for 2 people?
Use about ½ cup of dry orzo for 2 servings.
What is in Chicken Orzo Soup?
Typically, it includes chicken, orzo pasta, carrots, celery, onion, broth, and herbs like thyme or parsley.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
- ultimate chicken pot pie soup comfort
- slow cooker chicken enchilada casserole
- cheesy mozzarella chicken bake
- chicken and zucchini skillet dinner
Conclusion
This One Pot Chicken Orzo proves that simple ingredients can make something truly special. It’s creamy, flavorful, and comforting without being heavy. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect answer to busy nights when you want warmth and ease in every bite.
You can save this recipe to your Pinterest board at Ellie’s Microwave Recipes and make it part of your weekly rotation—it’s that good!
One Pot Chicken Orzo
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent sticking.
- Wooden spoon Ideal for stirring orzo while simmering.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup dry orzo
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 0.5 piece lemon, juiced
- 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cut chicken into small pieces and chop the vegetables. Mince the garlic and set aside all ingredients for quick cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned.
- Stir in orzo, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, parsley, and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until orzo is tender.
- Stir in lemon juice and parmesan cheese until creamy. Adjust with more broth if needed. Serve hot with extra cheese or parsley on top.
