Chicken Orzo Recipe
This Chicken Orzo Recipe is everything you need in a weeknight meal – quick, flavourful, and comforting. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavour, it’s bound to become a regular in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients
- 500 g Boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 3 Pieces Garlic cloves minced
- 2 cups Chicken stock
- 200 g Cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 cups Spinach optional
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- ¼ cup Parmesan grated
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice optional
- 1 tablespoon Basil pesto optional
Instructions
- Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- While the oil heats, season your chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken in the hot skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add 1 cup of orzo pasta and stir it for 1-2 minutes until it starts to toast and turns slightly golden.
- Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add 2 cups of chicken stock to the skillet with the orzo, stirring well.
- Bring the stock to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, until the orzo is tender and the stock is mostly absorbed.
- Stir in your choice of vegetables, such as 200g of cherry tomatoes or 2 cups of spinach. Let them cook in the skillet for about 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the seared chicken back to the skillet and stir to combine with the orzo and vegetables.
- For a rich flavour, stir in 1 tablespoon of pesto and a squeeze of lemon juice. For a creamier finish, add ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve the chicken orzo hot, garnishing with additional Parmesan, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavour.