One Pot Chicken Orzo is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and orzo pasta soaked in rich flavors. This one-pot meal is not only easy to make but also packed with nutrients, making it a fantastic option for a weeknight dinner or family gathering. With minimal cleanup, it allows you to spend more time enjoying the meal and less time in the kitchen.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for busy cooks who want a hearty meal without complicated steps. The use of one pot means fewer dishes to wash, and the combination of chicken and vegetables offers a balanced meal. You can easily adjust the recipe to fit your taste, and the inclusion of orzo gives it a unique twist. Plus, who doesn’t love a dish topped with creamy feta cheese?
How to Make One Pot Chicken Orzo
Making One Pot Chicken Orzo is straightforward. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 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 zucchini (cut into 1 cm / 1/3″ cubes)
- 1 red bell pepper (cut into 1 cm / 1/3″ cubes)
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth/stock (low sodium)
- 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 (for drizzling at the end)
- 1/2 cup (100g) Greek feta cheese (crumbled, not optional)
- Fresh oregano leaves (optional)
Directions:
- Marinade Chicken: Combine all the marinated chicken ingredients in a bowl and let it sit for 20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip this step or marinate overnight for better flavor.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F (160°C fan).
- Brown Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet or pot over high heat. Cook the chicken until lightly browned but still pink inside. Remove from the skillet.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic, and onion. Sauté for about 1 minute, then add the zucchini and bell peppers. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add Everything Else: Now, add the orzo, oregano, chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Place the browned chicken and cherry tomatoes on the surface without stirring.
- Bake for 15 Minutes: Once the liquid starts to simmer, transfer the dish to the oven (without a lid) and bake for 15 minutes, or until the orzo is tender but still firm. It’s okay if there’s some liquid left on the surface.
- Drizzle with Lemon: Remove from the oven, drizzle with lemon juice, and garnish with feta and fresh oregano leaves if desired. Serve and enjoy!
How to Serve One Pot Chicken Orzo
Serve One Pot Chicken Orzo hot from the oven. It pairs wonderfully with a simple salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. If you want, add a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of extra feta on top for added creaminess.
How to Store One Pot Chicken Orzo
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to restore moisture.
Tips to Make One Pot Chicken Orzo
- If you want a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can be used as a garnish for extra flavor.
Variation
You can easily customize this dish by adding other vegetables like spinach, carrots, or mushrooms. Feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp or add in some cooked sausage for a heartier meal.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?
Yes! If you don’t have orzo on hand, any small pasta like ditalini or even rice can be used, but cooking times may vary.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?
While marinating enhances the flavor, you can skip this step if you’re short on time. Just cook the chicken fully in the skillet before adding it to the dish.
Can I freeze One Pot Chicken Orzo?
Yes, you can freeze it. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
One Pot Chicken Orzo
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb chicken thighs (boneless skinless, cut into 2 cm pieces)
- 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Dish
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 zucchini (cut into 1 cm cubes)
- 1 red bell pepper (cut into 1 cm cubes)
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 2.5 cups chicken broth/stock (low sodium)
- 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1.5 cups orzo/risoni
- 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 tsp cooking salt (kosher salt)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (for drizzling at the end)
- ½ cup Greek feta cheese (crumbled) not optional
- Fresh oregano leaves (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Combine all the marinated chicken ingredients in a bowl and let it sit for 20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip this step or marinate overnight for better flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F (160°C fan).
Cooking
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet or pot over high heat. Cook the chicken until lightly browned but still pink inside. Remove from the skillet.
- In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic, and onion. Sauté for about 1 minute, then add the zucchini and bell peppers. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Now, add the orzo, oregano, chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Place the browned chicken and cherry tomatoes on the surface without stirring.
- Once the liquid starts to simmer, transfer the dish to the oven (without a lid) and bake for 15 minutes, or until the orzo is tender but still firm.
Finishing Up
- Remove from the oven, drizzle with lemon juice, and garnish with feta and fresh oregano leaves if desired. Serve and enjoy!
