This recipe for Creamy Chicken Orzo is packed with so much flavor! It has pan seared tender chicken that is perfectly seasoned, chewy orzo in a creamy sauce, and it’s topped with parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. This is a comforting meal that is sure to satisfy your taste buds!
About the Recipe
Make this chicken orzo pasta dish for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. It is something that the whole family will love and is sure to be a crowd pleaser!
I love making this on busy weeknights or entertaining. It's all made in a large pan with perfectly al dente orzo in a creamy sauce.
If you are looking for more chicken recipes, check out our: Paprika Chicken and Rice, Chicken Broccoli Fettuccine Alfredo, Tuscan Chicken Thighs or Air Fried Chicken Sandwiches.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
One pan - This entire recipe is made in one pan which makes cleaning up a breeze. It can also be served at the dinner table in the same skillet, making things even easier!
Simple - This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal preparation. You can have this meal whipped up in no time with basic ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
Kid friendly - With the cozy and comforting flavors in this dish, it is definitely going to a meal kids will love. This is a great recipe to make for a family dinner or gathering because it will be well loved by people of all ages!
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need for this creamy orzo pasta:
- Chicken: I recommend using boneless skinless chicken breasts in this recipe.
- Salt & black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Olive oil
- Onion: Use a diced white onion.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic cloves are going to be best.
- Orzo: Any variety of dry orzo is fine. You may also use whole wheat if you prefer.
- Chicken stock
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan
- Fresh herbs: Use fresh herbs you have on hand for serving.
Directions
Let's make this easy dish together!
Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Step 2: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with the garlic powder mixture.
Step 3: Heat a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the seasoned chicken to the pan. Cook for 5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 4: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 5: Add the onion and additional 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Sauté for 5 minutes or until the onion is soft.
Step 6: Add the garlic and orzo and toast until golden.
Step 7: Add the chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is soft.
Step 8: Add the heavy cream and mix well.
Step 9: Slice the chicken and lay it on top. Serve with parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.
Expert Tips and Tricks
Here are some expert tips to make this easy recipe:
Use a Thermometer - To be sure the chicken is cooked to the appropriate temperature, use an instant read thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches 165°F.
Complete the meal - Serve this meal with a roasted vegetable or green salad.
Utilize Leftovers - Pack up leftovers into airtight containers and enjoy them as lunch later in the week.
Kitchen Equipment
Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this delicious recipe. You can find all of these products on Amazon.
Large skillet - You'll want a high quality large skillet with high sides.
Meat Thermometer - A meat thermometer is one of the best ways to ensure perfectly cooked chicken. This one is an instant thermometer that works great!
Recipe Substitutions/Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this creamy orzo chicken.
Chicken - You can use boneless chicken thighs or chicken cutlets in place of the chicken breasts. Leftover or rotisserie chicken would also be a great substitute!
Additions - You can add in vegetables like fresh spinach, steamed broccoli or whatever veggies you may have on hand.
Garnish - You can garnish this finished dish with a sprinkle of fresh parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like fresh basil, thyme, rosemary or parsley.
What To Serve With
Here are some recipes to serve alongside this cozy meal:
Simple Lupini Beans - These mild, slightly nutty and nutrient rich beans are flavored with garlic and cooked in chicken broth until deliciously thickened. Top these lupini beans with fresh herbs and you have a perfect and healthy side!
Maple Hasselback Butternut Squash - With tender roasted squash and a cinnamon maple glaze, this is a great savory and sweet side dish. This one is perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas! Plus, it's pretty easy.
Vegan Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Pumpkin and Carrots - It's thick, naturally creamy, and VEGAN! Made with a whole butternut squash and a bunch of carrots to get a really good flavor from the veggies.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you wanted to use something besides orzo, you could use another small cut pasta like pastina, ditalini or anci de pepe.
To confidently determine when the chicken is done, insert an instant read thermometer into the thickest part. It is done when it reaches 165°F.
Yes! This is delicious without the addition of the heavy cream.
Recipe Storage and Reheating
Here are storage and reheating instructions for this recipe.
Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container and eat leftovers within 4-5 days.
Freezer Storage: Freeze in a freezer-safe, airtight container and keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as instructed below.
Reheating Instructions: The best way to reheat this recipe is to heat in a skillet with a little olive oil over low heat until warm. You can also reheat in the microwave.
Other Recipes to Try
Creamy Chicken Orzo
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts halved
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 white onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 3 cups orzo
- 4 cups chicken stock
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese for serving
- Fresh herbs for serving
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry. Combine salt, black pepper, garlic, powder, and onion powder in a small bowl. Season chicken on both sides.
- Heat a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and chicken and cook for 5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and transfer to a plate.
- Add onion and additional tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Sauté for 5 minutes, until soft. Add garlic and orzo and toast until golden.
- Add chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is soft. Add heavy cream and mix well.
- Slice chicken and top over over. Serve with parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.
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