Delicious and Easy Chicken Orzo Recipes for Every Occasion

If you’re looking for a cozy, delicious meal that’s easy to whip up, these chicken orzo recipes are exactly what you need. Packed with flavor and perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend comfort food, this one-pot wonder will quickly become a household favorite. Keep reading to discover mouthwatering twists that take this simple dish to the next level.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 small yellow onion diced
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 2 carrots peeled and sliced
• 1 celery stalk sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup dry orzo pasta
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Equipment

• Large Dutch oven or soup pot
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil and butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. The butter should sizzle gently and melt fully before adding the chicken.
2. Step 2: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. Add them to the pot and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest.
3. Step 3: In the same pot, add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir frequently so nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot.
4. Step 4: Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. You’ll know it’s ready when the aroma fills your kitchen.
5. Step 5: Add the dried oregano and thyme. Stir well so the herbs coat the vegetables and wake up their flavors with the warmth of the pot.
6. Step 6: Pour in the chicken broth and give everything a good stir, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. Raise the heat and bring to a gentle boil.
7. Step 7: Stir in the orzo. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir often so the orzo doesn’t stick.
8. Step 8: While the orzo cooks, shred the cooled chicken using two forks into bite-sized pieces. This step can also be a great time to sneak a quick taste.
9. Step 9: Add the shredded chicken back into the pot. Stir well and heat for another 2 to 3 minutes until warmed through.
10. Step 10: Finish with the lemon juice and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately with crusty bread or a crisp green salad.

Nutrition per serving

For extra flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan and do not skip the lemon zest. Leftovers keep well for 2 days in the fridge.

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Chicken Orzo Soup

A soul-satisfying, one-pot chicken orzo soup with tender chicken, delicate orzo, fresh vegetables, and a lemony-herb broth. Hearty, comforting, and perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 small yellow onion diced
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 2 carrots peeled and sliced
• 1 celery stalk sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup dry orzo pasta
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

 

• Heat the olive oil and butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the pot. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
• In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add the oregano and thyme, then stir to coat the vegetables with the herbs.
• Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
• Add the orzo pasta and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes until the orzo is tender, stirring occasionally.
• While the orzo is cooking, shred the cooked chicken using two forks.
• Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir to combine and heat through for 2 to 3 minutes.
• Finish with lemon juice and fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
• Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or a light green salad.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 28gFat: 12gSodium: 580mgFiber: 2g

Keyword chicken orzo, one pot dinner, easy chicken recipes, comfort food

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