Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe
Enjoy this quick One pot Marry Me Chicken Orzo, complete with savory cheese, juicy chicken, and tender orzo pasta. It's one you'll come back to again and again!
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1.25 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into small pieces
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt divided
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter sub plant-based butter
- ½ yellow onion diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- ⅓ cup pancetta diced
- 3¼ cups chicken broth more, if needed
- 1½ cups orzo
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato oil
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ - 1 cup fresh spinach torn into pieces
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese shredded (plus more for serving)
- red pepper flakes optional
- fresh basil optional for serving
Instructions
- Sauté: Bring a deep cast iron skillet or braiser to medium-high heat. Add ½ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, diced onion, 1 tablespoon garlic, and ⅓ cup pancetta. Move around and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- Chicken: Add cut-up chicken to the hot skillet and season with ¼ teaspoon salt and ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper. Sauté 1-2 minutes (chicken will finish cooking while the orzo cooks).
- Combine: To the skillet of chicken, add 3¼ cups chicken broth, 1½ cups orzo, ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, 3 tablespoons tomato paste, 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato oil, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. Stir to combine.
- Simmer: Bring to a simmer and stir quite often (being sure to scrape the bottom) so the orzo doesn't stick for 12-15 minutes or until the orzo is fully cooked. Add splashes of chicken broth, if needed.
- Spinach + Parm: Add ½ - 1 cup fresh spinach (torn into pieces) and ¼ cup parmesan cheese. Stir to combine and melt over a low heat.
- Serve: Enjoy right away with more parmesan and chopped basil, if desired.
Notes
- Dairy-Free: simply use a plant-based butter and a dairy-free alternative for the parmesan cheese.
- Gluten-Free: use a gluten-free orzo pasta or try our Marry Me Chicken Quinoa Skillet!
- Chicken Thighs: feel free to use chicken breasts or chicken tenderloins instead of chicken thighs.
- Broth: the amount of broth will vary a bit, be sure to have some handy to keep adding because the orzo will keep soaking it up. If this dish sits at all before serving – definitely add a splash or two of broth to revive.
- Storage: leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 623kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 43g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 171mg | Sodium: 1536mg | Potassium: 1189mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1348IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 157mg | Iron: 4mg
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