Description
Ready in under 30 minutes, Orzo Chicken is a creamy, flavor-packed one-pan dinner idea that blends juicy, pan-seared chicken breasts with garlicky Parmesan orzo. Perfect for a quick dinner, this easy recipe delivers bold flavor, creamy comfort, and satisfying protein all in one bite. Ideal for weeknight dinners, easy meal prep, or when you’re craving cozy food ideas that don’t require much cleanup. It’s rich, hearty, and full of fresh herbs, making it one of the best dinner ideas to impress with ease.
Ingredients
2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
3 garlic cloves minced
1 small shallot finely chopped
1 cup orzo pasta
2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Zest of 1/2 lemon optional
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
1. Pat the chicken dry and slice horizontally if thick. Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl and rub onto the chicken.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken on both sides until golden and fully cooked, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add olive oil and butter. Sauté minced garlic and shallots until translucent, about 2 minutes.
4. Stir in the orzo and toast lightly for 1–2 minutes. Add chicken broth and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most liquid is absorbed.
5. Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until creamy. Adjust thickness with a splash of broth if needed.
6. Slice the rested chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces.
7. Plate the orzo and top with chicken. Garnish with parsley, Parmesan, and optional lemon zest. Serve hot.
Notes
Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy and flavorful.
Deglaze the pan with white wine before adding broth for extra richness.
Stir orzo regularly to prevent sticking and to ensure creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-pan
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg