What are some comfort food recipes? What’s your favorite recipe for Creamy Chicken and Orzo? From the inside out. Think of it like chicken noodle soup, but upgraded. We’re talking tender chicken, pasta that’s perfectly al dente, and a creamy sauce that will have you swooning for hours. Is it okay to lick a bowl clean Is this dinner easy enough for a weeknight dinner? What is your favorite chicken orzo recipe?
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What is chicken orzo recipe?
What is the best way to break it down.? Chicken and Orzo, at its heart, is a pasta dish where tender pieces of chicken meet orzon pasta. What is that rice-shaped pasta that’s so cute? ), all swimming in a creamy sauce. What is the best of both worlds? How do you combine the hefty pasta with the comforting protein of chicken? What is the beauty of this dish? What is the core of herbs? What is a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? I have so many reasons for why you’ll adore this dish! The biggest reason is the flavor, of course! The creamy sauce is rich and comforting, while the orzo provides a delightful textural contrast to the tender chicken. It’s a flavor explosion that will keep you coming back for more. What I love most about this is how incredibly easy it is to make! Seriously, even on my busiest weeknights, I can whip this up without breaking a sweat. The ingredients are simple and the steps are straightforward.
Another reason this Chicken and Orzo Recipe is a winner is the cost-efficiency. Chicken thighs (my personal preference) are super affordable, and the rest of the ingredients are pantry staples. This is a budget-friendly meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. I actually made this once when I only had a little bit of heavy cream, and I ended up using a mixture of chicken broth and parmesan cheese to thicken the sauce at the end. Turned out amazing. This recipe is very forgiving. Finally, this is such a versatile recipe. You can add your favorite veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or even sun-dried tomatoes. Feel free to experiment and make it your own! It’s also great served hot or cold, making it perfect for lunch the next day. It’s a total crowd-pleaser. Honestly, it’s just a fantastic recipe, I know you’ll make it over and over!
How do I make chicken and orzo recipe?
Quick Overview
What is the best chicken orzo recipe? How do I cook a chicken? How do onions and garlic add flavor? Next, you’ll add the orzo, broth, seasonings, and let it simmer until the pasta is cooked. When you’re ready to serve, stir in the cream and any extra goodies you want to add. What are some of the best recipes for a comforting dish? Is it easier to order online than takeout? What is your favorite “add-to-your-favorites” recipe?
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
I almost always use chicken thighs for this because they’re so juicy and flavorful! What are some good ways to cook chicken breasts?
For the Orzo:
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup orzo pasta
* 4 cups chicken broth
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
I always use low-sodium chicken broth so I can control the saltiness. Fresh thyme is also great if you have it on hand!
What is Creamy Sauce?
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* Salt and pepper to taste
What is Parmesan? It adds so much flavor to the sauce. I love adding lemon juice at the end for a little brightness.
How do I get good
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. I always do this first because it gives the chicken such a nice color and seals in the juices. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of sear. If you need to cook chicken in batches, do so before serving.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the onion and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. What is the best way to burn garlic? I always use a wooden spoon to stir the onions and garlic to prevent them from sticking to the pan. What is the bottom of the pan? Where the foundation of flavor is built, don’t rush it!
Step 3: Add Orzo, Broth & Seasonings
Add the orzo pasta, chicken broth, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. If you have an orzo, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes. What happens if the liquid has been absorbed? I always set a timer so I don’t forget about it! Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pan. If the orzo is absorbing the liquid too quickly, add a little more broth.
Step 4: Stir in Cream, Cheese & Chicken
Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Set aside. Return the chicken to the skillet and heat through. Season with salt and pepper. I always taste the sauce at this point and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you want a richer sauce, add more cream. If you want a cheesier sauce, add some Parmesan.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Serve hot and garnish with Parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired. What is the best chicken orzo recipe? Can you store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days? Is it as good as reheated? I love serving this with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the creamy sauce. What is the perfect comfort food for a night in?
What should I serve it with?
This Chicken and Orzo Recipe is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the right side dishes. For a complete meal, I love serving it with a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette. The acidity of the dressing cuts through the richness of the creamy sauce.
If you’re serving this for brunch, consider pairing it with a side of roasted asparagus or grilled zucchini. These veggies add a touch of freshness and color to the plate. For a cozy night in, I like to serve this with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the sauce. My family loves this, especially the kids!
As a starter, a light tomato soup or a Caesar salad complements the creamy texture beautifully. And for dessert? Something light and fruity, like a lemon sorbet or a fresh berry tart, would be the perfect ending to a comforting and satisfying meal. Honestly, there are endless possibilities. Get creative and find what you love!
What are some tips for perfecting chicken and orzo recipes?
Okay, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty! Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make this Chicken and Orzo Recipe truly shine. First, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of chicken. I usually use chicken thighs because they’re more flavorful and stay moist, but chicken breasts work just as well. Just make sure not to overcook them, or they’ll become dry.
When it comes to the orzo, I always rinse it before cooking to remove any excess starch. This helps prevent it from becoming gummy. Also, be sure to use low-sodium chicken broth so you can control the saltiness of the dish. Another tip is to add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to brighten up the flavors. I always do this – trust me, it makes a difference!
If you want to add veggies, feel free to get creative. Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, bell peppers, and mushrooms all work well. Just add them to the skillet along with the onions and garlic. For a richer sauce, use heavy cream instead of milk. And for an extra cheesy flavor, add a handful of shredded mozzarella cheese along with the Parmesan. Honestly, this recipe is so versatile, you can really make it your own!
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
Alright, let’s talk leftovers! This Chicken and Orzo Recipe is just as delicious the next day, so don’t be afraid to make a big batch. For room temperature storage, I wouldn’t recommend leaving it out for more than two hours. Food safety first, always! If you’re going to refrigerate it, make sure to let it cool down completely first. I usually transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to three days. When it comes to reheating, you have a few options. You can reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to add a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out. I prefer to reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
If you want to freeze it, I recommend dividing it into individual portions and storing it in freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to two months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. And a final tip? If you know you’re going to store this recipe for later, wait to add the fresh parsley until right before serving. It helps keep it looking fresh!
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Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! My Creamy Chicken and Orzo Recipe. It’s more than just a recipe, it’s a hug in a bowl, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and a weeknight lifesaver all rolled into one. The flavors are just incredible, and the simplicity makes it totally achievable, even when you’re short on time. If you love this, definitely check out my other pasta recipes, too! I really hope you give this one a try. I promise, you won’t regret it! Happy cooking, friends! And please, let me know how yours turns out in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear what you think!
How to Whip Up The Cozy Cook's Chicken and Orzo in 7 Simple Steps!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking
- 1.5 pounds chicken breasts boneless, skinless
- 1 teaspoon salt to taste
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 6 cups water for boiling
- 1 tablespoon Kosher salt for pasta water
- 1.5 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen
- 0.75 pounds orzo pasta
- 0.33 cups dry white wine or chicken broth substitute
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 1 cube chicken bouillon
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce such as Frank's
- 2 teaspoons mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded from a block
- 6 tablespoons Parmesan cheese freshly grated recommended
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Prepare the chicken by pounding it to an even thickness, slicing into strips, and seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear the chicken in olive oil until golden brown and cooked through, then remove from skillet.
- Cook orzo in salted boiling water, adding broccoli in the last minutes before draining.
- Make a wine reduction in the skillet to deglaze, scraping up browned bits.
- Create a roux by sautéing butter and garlic, then adding flour and stirring.
- Gradually whisk chicken broth and half-and-half into the roux, adding seasonings and simmer until thickened.
- Melt cheeses into sauce, add back the chicken, orzo, and broccoli to combine.
