Description
This comforting Chicken Orzo recipe combines tender bite-sized chicken breast pieces with toasted orzo pasta simmered in flavorful chicken broth. Enhanced with fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, and aromatic herbs like oregano and garlic powder, this easy skillet dish comes together in just 30 minutes for a satisfying, wholesome meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Orzo
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
Vegetables and Seasoning
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup spinach, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken and toasting the orzo.
- Cook the Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Toast the Orzo: In the same skillet, add the orzo pasta and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning, which will enhance its flavor.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes. Cook until the orzo becomes tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped spinach, garlic powder, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir all ingredients to combine.
- Cook Until Spinach Wilts: Continue to cook the mixture for 2-3 more minutes until the spinach has wilted and the flavors meld together.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if using, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, include the red pepper flakes; omit for a milder dish.
- Substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different leafy green.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels.
- To make it gluten-free, replace orzo with a gluten-free pasta alternative.
- This dish can be prepared ahead; reheat gently on the stovetop.
