Cheesy Chicken Orzo
There’s nothing quite like the comforting richness of a cheesy dish to make a weekday dinner feel special. One of my go-to recipes for busy nights is Cheesy Chicken Orzo. This creamy, cheesy concoction combines tender chicken, delightful orzo pasta, and fresh spinach, all simmered together in a savory broth. If you’re looking for a dish that’s not only satisfying but also quick and hassle-free, this recipe hits the mark every time.
Why you’ll love this dish
What makes Cheesy Chicken Orzo truly standout is its unbeatable combination of flavor and convenience. This meal comes together in just one skillet, making cleanup a breeze! It’s budget-friendly too, using simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or hosting friends for a casual gathering, this dish always impresses.
“My family devoured this Cheesy Chicken Orzo in minutes! It’s become a staple in our home. Thank you for sharing such a delightful recipe!” – Happy Home Cook
Preparing Cheesy Chicken Orzo
The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity. Start by searing the chicken to golden perfection and build the flavor with sautéed onions and garlic. Once you add the orzo and let it soak up the rich chicken broth and milk, you’ll be just moments away from cheesy bliss.
This step-by-step overview will guide you through the process:
- Cook chicken and set aside.
- Sauté onions and garlic in the same pan.
- Toast the orzo and stir in liquids.
- Combine everything, add cheese, and finish with fresh spinach.
Get ready to enjoy every bite of this creamy, cheesy goodness!
What you’ll need
Gather these items for your Cheesy Chicken Orzo:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Feel free to swap in low-fat dairy options or a vegetarian broth for a lighter take on this hearty meal!
Step-by-step instructions
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Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Cook Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
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Toast the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to lightly toast it.
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Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and milk, bringing the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
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Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, adding the cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Stir well so the cheese melts and coats the chicken and orzo evenly.
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Finish with Spinach and Seasoning: Mix in the Italian seasoning and chopped spinach, then cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking.
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Let Sit Before Serving: Remove the skillet from heat, allowing the dish to thicken slightly for a couple of minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Best ways to enjoy it
Cheesy Chicken Orzo is best served warm, straight from the skillet! Pair it with a light salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal that pleases the palate. A drizzle of balsamic glaze can add a delightful touch, enhancing both presentation and flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can elevate the dish with a bit of heat.
Storage and reheating tips
If you have leftovers (which is unlikely, but just in case!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the mixture if it has thickened. If you want to save some for later, Cheesy Chicken Orzo can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Just remember to let it cool completely before freezing for the best texture.
Helpful cooking tips
For perfect Cheesy Chicken Orzo every time, try these pro tips:
- Brown your chicken well: This adds a lot of flavor, so don’t skip this step.
- Stir occasionally: This helps the orzo cook evenly and prevents sticking.
- Keep it creamy: If you like a saucier dish, feel free to add a little more chicken broth or milk during cooking.
Creative twists
Feeling experimental? Here are a few variations to try out:
- Veggie Loaded: Toss in some diced bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
- Herb Upgrade: Use fresh herbs like basil or thyme instead of dried Italian seasoning for a fresh burst of flavor.
- Protein Swap: Substitute the chicken with cooked shrimp or plant-based protein for a different take.
Your questions answered
What is the prep time and cook time for this recipe?
Prep time is about 10 minutes, and the cooking time is around 20 minutes, making this dish a quick family favorite.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with mushrooms or a plant-based protein and use vegetable broth instead.
How long can I store leftovers?
Cheesy Chicken Orzo keeps well in the refrigerator for 3 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months. Always store in airtight containers for freshness.
With its delightful cheese and tender chicken, Cheesy Chicken Orzo is sure to become a beloved addition to your dinner rotation. Enjoy this easy, cheesy, and comforting dish tonight!
Cheesy Chicken Orzo
Ingredients
Method
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to lightly toast it.
- Pour in the chicken broth and milk, bringing the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, adding the cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Stir well so the cheese melts and coats the chicken and orzo evenly.
- Mix in the Italian seasoning and chopped spinach, then cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Remove the skillet from heat, allowing the dish to thicken slightly for a couple of minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
