There's nothing quite like a one-pot meal that brings comfort and simplicity to your busy weeknight dinners. This One Pot Chicken Orzo delivers tender, juicy chicken and creamy, flavorful orzo in a single pan, making cleanup a breeze.

I first discovered this dish when I was experimenting with using fewer pots and pans in my kitchen. What started as a quick fix for hectic evenings has become one of our most cherished family meals. It's rich, comforting, and unbelievably easy to pull together.

Get ready to simplify your dinner routine with this irresistible one-pot wonder.

Why You'll Love This One Pot Chicken Orzo

Get ready to fall head over heels for this recipe. One Pot Chicken Orzo isn't just about convenience – it’s packed with comforting flavors that will have your whole family reaching for seconds.

First, there's the magic of minimal cleanup. By cooking everything in one pot, you save time and energy scrubbing multiple pans. Perfect for those nights when the last thing you want is a sink full of dishes.

Then, there's the deliciously creamy orzo. It cooks in the same pot as the chicken, soaking up all those flavorful juices for an extra burst of savory goodness. Each bite is perfectly tender, satisfying, and infused with rich flavor.

Plus, this recipe is highly adaptable. Whether you have extra vegetables in the fridge or want to change up the protein, you can easily customize it to suit your tastes and dietary needs.

Finally, it’s a budget-friendly meal that delivers big flavor without breaking the bank. Using simple pantry staples, this dish is both economical and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this One Pot Chicken Orzo comes from a handful of everyday ingredients that, when combined, create an extraordinary dish. Each element has a role to play in achieving that perfect balance of creamy, savory, and satisfying.

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal here because they remain juicy and tender during cooking. However, you can also use chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option. Just be mindful not to overcook them.
Orzo: This rice-shaped pasta is the star of the dish, absorbing all the delicious flavors as it cooks. If you don’t have orzo, you can try substituting with small pasta shapes like ditalini or acini di pepe, but the texture won't be quite the same.
Chicken broth: The orzo cooks directly in chicken broth, giving it a rich, savory flavor. Using low-sodium broth allows you to control the salt level, which is especially important if you plan to season to taste.
Garlic and onion: These aromatics form the base of the dish, infusing every bite with warm, savory notes. Feel free to add extra garlic if you’re a fan of bold flavors!
Lemon zest and juice: A bit of lemon adds brightness and freshness, cutting through the creaminess of the orzo and giving the dish a delightful pop. Don’t skip it – the citrus really makes the flavors sing!

You'll also need a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven with a lid to make this recipe successfully. Having a lid is crucial for properly cooking the orzo and keeping everything moist and flavorful.

How To Make This One Pot Chicken Orzo

Creating this delicious One Pot Chicken Orzo is simpler than you might think. Let me walk you through the process step by step, so you can have dinner on the table in under 45 minutes.

Start by heating a generous drizzle of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season your chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of dried Italian herbs. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until it forms a beautiful golden crust. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes, then remove the chicken and set it aside.

Next, lower the heat to medium and add diced onions to the same pot. Let them cook, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent and pick up all those delicious browned bits from the chicken. Toss in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Now, pour in your chicken broth and scrape up any remaining browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This step is key to building flavor! Add the orzo and stir well to ensure it’s evenly distributed in the broth. Nestle the chicken thighs back into the pot, cover with a lid, and let everything simmer for about 10-12 minutes. The orzo will cook and absorb all those wonderful flavors from the chicken and broth.

Remove the lid, give everything a good stir, and check to see if the orzo is tender. If it's still a bit firm, cook for a couple more minutes, adding a splash of extra broth if needed. Once the orzo is perfectly cooked, finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a generous sprinkling of chopped parsley.

In just 30 minutes, you'll have a creamy, flavorful one-pot meal that's as easy to make as it is delicious. Serve hot and enjoy the blend of juicy chicken, savory orzo, and bright lemon flavors.

Storage Options

This One Pot Chicken Orzo is perfect for meal prep and reheats beautifully. Here’s how to store and enjoy it later:

Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The orzo will continue to absorb moisture, so you may need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
Freeze: If you want to freeze this dish, let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheat: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little broth to loosen the orzo. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure even heating.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can make it your own with just a few simple swaps.

Vegetarian version: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a satisfying meat-free meal.
Different proteins: If you’re not a fan of chicken, try using shrimp, ground turkey, or Italian sausage. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure your protein is fully cooked.
Add more veggies: This recipe works well with a variety of vegetables. Bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and peas are great additions that add color and nutrition.
Herb and spice upgrades: While the dish is flavorful as-is, you can customize it by adding red pepper flakes for heat, fresh basil for a burst of herbal freshness, or even a dash of smoked paprika for depth.
Cheese lovers: Stir in grated Parmesan or crumbled feta just before serving for a creamy, cheesy twist. The salty, tangy flavors pair beautifully with the lemony orzo.

Get creative and experiment with flavors that your family loves. You really can’t go wrong with this adaptable and crowd-pleasing dish.

Enjoy this easy, comforting meal, and let it become a new staple in your weeknight rotation!