One Pot Chicken Orzo Delight

One Pot Chicken Orzo

Introduction

One Pot Chicken Orzo is a delightful and comforting dish that combines tender chicken with soft orzo pasta and colorful vegetables. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, as it requires minimal cleanup with just one pot needed for the entire meal. The flavors meld together beautifully, making it a hit for the whole family.

Why Make This Recipe

Making One Pot Chicken Orzo is not just about convenience; it’s also about flavor and nutrition. The combination of chicken, fresh vegetables, and orzo creates a complete meal that is both satisfying and healthy. Plus, you can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices. This dish is particularly appealing because it’s quick to prepare, easy to cook, and delightful to eat.

How to Make One Pot Chicken Orzo

Follow these simple steps to create this delicious dish:

Marinade Chicken: Start by combining the marinade ingredients for the chicken in a bowl. Let it marinate for about 20 minutes. If you have time, you can even do this overnight for deeper flavor.
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F), or 160°C if using a fan.
Brown Chicken: In a large oven-proof skillet or pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until they are lightly browned on the outside but still pink inside. Remove the chicken from the skillet.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil along with minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for a minute, then add diced zucchini and red bell peppers. Cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
Add Everything Else: Next, add the orzo pasta, dried oregano, low-sodium chicken broth, canned crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
Scatter Chicken and Cherry Tomatoes: Place the browned chicken pieces and cherry tomatoes over the top of the mixture. Do not stir them in.
Bake: Once everything is simmering, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven without a lid. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and cooked through. It’s okay if there is some liquid remaining on the surface.
Drizzle with Lemon: Remove from the oven and drizzle with lemon juice. If desired, sprinkle crumbled Greek feta cheese and fresh oregano leaves on top before serving.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make One Pot Chicken Orzo:

1 lb (500g) chicken thighs, boneless skinless, cut into 2 cm (1") pieces
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1/2 tsp each salt and pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 medium zucchini, cut into 1cm (1/3") cubes
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1cm (1/3") cubes
1 tbsp dried oregano
2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth/stock
14 oz (400g) canned crushed tomatoes
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 1/2 cups orzo/risoni
1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes
1 tsp cooking salt (kosher salt)
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp lemon juice, drizzling at end
1/2 cup (100g) Greek feta cheese, crumbled (not optional)
Fresh oregano leaves (optional)

How to Serve One Pot Chicken Orzo

Serve the dish warm, straight from the pot. It pairs well with a simple side salad or crusty bread to soak up the flavors.

How to Store One Pot Chicken Orzo

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry.

Tips to Make One Pot Chicken Orzo

If you prefer more vegetables, feel free to add spinach or kale at the end of cooking.
You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts or even use shrimp for a different taste.

Variations

Experiment with different vegetables based on what you have at home. Mushrooms, carrots, or asparagus could add a great touch.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use other small pasta types, but cooking times may vary. Check the package instructions.

2. Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute regular orzo with gluten-free pasta.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance, but it’s best served fresh. You can reheat leftovers, but the orzo may absorb more liquid.

Enjoy your delicious One Pot Chicken Orzo!