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
Scale
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.
