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Hey y’all! If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, fuss-free dinner that brings everyone to the table with full hearts and happy bellies, look no further than this One Pot Chicken Orzo. Juicy chicken, tender orzo pasta, and vibrant veggies come together in a creamy, flavor-packed sauce—all in a single pot for super easy cleanup! Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Chicken Orzo

Quick & Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes from start to finish.

Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in a single pot for hassle-free washing up.
Packed with Flavor: Each bite is creamy, savory, and loaded with fresh herbs and veggies.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Makes great leftovers for lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Customizable: Easily swap in your favorite veggies or use different proteins.

One Pot Chicken Orzo Ingredients

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 1/2 cups (300g) orzo pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
3 garlic cloves, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced
1 cup (150g) frozen peas
1 cup (250ml) chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)

1 cup (250ml) whole milk or heavy cream
1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs

1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

How to Make One Pot Chicken Orzo

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika. Add chicken to the pot and cook for 4-5 minutes until lightly golden and almost cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics & Veggies

In the same pot, add the onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and Italian herbs, and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Orzo & Liquids

Pour in the orzo and stir to coat with the aromatics for about 1 minute. Add the chicken broth and milk (or heavy cream), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Finish Cooking & Add Chicken

Return the chicken (and any juices) to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Stir in Peas & Cheese

Stir in the frozen peas and Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking uncovered for 2-3 minutes, until peas are heated through and sauce is creamy. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Remove from heat, let sit for 2 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon, if using. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes for Perfect One Pot Chicken Orzo

For extra creaminess, use heavy cream instead of milk—check out Serious Eats’ guide to creamy sauces.
Don’t overcook the orzo; it continues to absorb liquid as it sits—add a splash more broth if needed.

Use rotisserie chicken for an even faster weeknight meal.

Variations of One Pot Chicken Orzo

Greek-Style: Add Kalamata olives, crumbled feta, and a sprinkle of oregano.
Spicy Cajun: Use Cajun seasoning and add sliced andouille sausage.

Vegetarian: Swap chicken for chickpeas or extra veggies, and use vegetable broth.

Required Equipment for One Pot Chicken Orzo

Large deep skillet or Dutch oven (at least 4 quarts)
Sharp knife and cutting board

Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon or spatula

Storage Instructions

Let leftovers cool completely before storing. Transfer One Pot Chicken Orzo to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or milk and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. Freezing is not recommended as orzo can become mushy.

Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Serve with a crisp green side salad or roasted asparagus.
Pair with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the flavors beautifully.

Pro Tips for the Best One Pot Chicken Orzo

For a golden, flavorful crust, avoid overcrowding the chicken during the initial sauté—learn more about searing technique here.
Stir the orzo frequently during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Finish with a generous squeeze of lemon for brightness and balance.

One Pot Chicken Orzo FAQ

Can I use brown rice or another pasta instead of orzo?: Orzo cooks quickly and has a creamy texture. Brown rice will require more liquid and a longer cook time; other small pasta shapes like ditalini can work but monitor cooking times.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?: Yes! Simply use unsweetened non-dairy milk and skip or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
How do I prevent the orzo from sticking to the pot?: Stir the orzo frequently during cooking and ensure there’s enough liquid in the pot. If needed, add a bit more broth as it cooks.

One Pot Chicken Orzo