If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful dish that comes together quickly and with minimal cleanup, this One-Pot Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Imagine tender, juicy chicken pieces mingling with creamy, perfectly cooked orzo pasta, accented by fresh spinach and tangy feta cheese—all cooked in a single skillet. This recipe balances hearty ingredients with vibrant flavors, making it an irresistible dinner that’s both simple and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s beautiful about this One-Pot Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe is how straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen the ingredients are. Each one plays a crucial role, bringing texture, richness, and brightness that make this dish unforgettable.
- Olive oil: The base fat for cooking that adds subtle fruitiness and helps create a golden crust on the chicken.
- Chicken breast, cubed: Provides lean protein and soaks up all those savory flavors perfectly.
- Onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauté, building the aromatic foundation.
- Garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a warm, robust flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Orzo pasta: A delightful, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and creates a lovely, creamy consistency.
- Chicken broth: Essential for cooking the orzo, it infuses extra savory notes throughout the dish.
- Heavy cream: Introduces a luscious creaminess that rounds out the flavors and coats the orzo perfectly.
- Spinach, chopped: Adds a fresh, vibrant green color and a mild earthiness.
- Feta cheese, crumbled: Gives a sharp, salty tang that elevates every bite.
- Salt and pepper: To season and bring out all the natural flavors.
How to Make One-Pot Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken cubes, letting them brown and cook through—this usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. The goal here is to develop a nice golden exterior that locks in juices. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for now.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, without adding more oil, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Let them soften over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step builds a fragrant base that’s key to layering flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Orzo
Now stir in the orzo pasta to the skillet with the softened onion and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to help the orzo absorb the flavorful broth until it’s tender and the liquid mostly evaporates.
Step 4: Add Cream, Spinach, and Feta
Reduce heat slightly and stir in the heavy cream, chopped spinach, and crumbled feta cheese. Cook for another 2 minutes, just enough for the spinach to wilt and the sauce to thicken and become silky smooth.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Final Seasoning
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and give everything a good stir to combine all elements evenly. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your preference. The feta adds saltiness, so season gradually.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the One-Pot Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe hot, straight from the pan for the best cozy vibes. If you want, sprinkle some extra feta or chopped herbs on top to jazz it up even more.
How to Serve One-Pot Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill adds brightness and a pop of green that lifts the entire plate. Additional crumbled feta or a squeeze of lemon juice can add tang and freshness, rounding out the rich flavors.
Side Dishes
Because this skillet recipe is so hearty on its own, light side dishes work best. Think crisp cucumber salad, roasted asparagus, or a simple mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette. These sides add crunch and refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a beautiful presentation, serve the chicken orzo in shallow bowls to show off the creamy texture and colorful spinach. You can also transfer portions into small ramekins, broil with a bit more feta for a few minutes, and make mini gratins—perfect for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The orzo may thicken as it chills, so you might want to loosen it with a splash of broth or water when reheating.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, although the texture of spinach and cream may change slightly. Cool the skillet completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. For best quality, enjoy within 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a little chicken broth or cream to bring back the creamy texture and prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! Small pasta shapes like couscous, small shells, or even broken spaghetti can work, but cooking times and liquid amounts may vary slightly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add more spinach or other veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers for heartiness.
Can I substitute cream with a lighter option?
You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or even a creamy plant-based milk, but keep in mind this will slightly change the texture and richness.
How do I know when the orzo is perfectly cooked?
Orzo should be tender but still have a slight bite—al dente. Taste a few pieces around the 10-minute mark to check doneness and adjust cooking time as needed.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep ingredients like chopping onions, garlic, and spinach in advance, or even cook the chicken and store separately. However, for best texture, it’s ideal to cook the entire dish fresh when possible.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe has everything I love about easy weeknight meals—delicious, quick, and fuss-free with that extra comfort factor. Once you try it, you’ll see why it quickly becomes a family favorite. Go ahead, treat yourself to this creamy, cozy skillet that’s bursting with flavor and ready in a flash!
Print
One-Pot Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This One-Pot Chicken Orzo Skillet is a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breast is cooked with orzo pasta, spinach, and creamy feta cheese in a single skillet, making for an easy cleanup and a delicious, satisfying dinner in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Proteins
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into cubes
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup spinach, chopped
Pasta & Grains
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
Dairy
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Liquids & Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Cook the Orzo: Stir the orzo pasta into the skillet with the onions and garlic, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add Cream and Greens: Stir in the heavy cream, chopped spinach, and crumbled feta cheese. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the spinach to wilt and the cream to thicken slightly, creating a rich sauce.
- Combine Chicken and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix everything together well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Dish out the hot chicken orzo skillet onto plates or bowls and garnish with extra crumbled feta if desired. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different leafy green variety.
- For a lighter alternative, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the sodium content.
- Cooking time may vary slightly depending on orzo brand; check for tenderness to avoid overcooking.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water.
