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skillet chicken orzo recipe

Creamy Skillet Chicken Orzo

Ryan BennettRyan Bennett
A deliciously creamy and easy one-pan chicken orzo dish, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large skillet with lid
  • 1 cutting board
  • 1 knife

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins

  • 1 cup spinach fresh or frozen
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté until fragrant.
  • Add orzo to the skillet, toasting it briefly. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook until orzo is tender and most of the broth is absorbed.
  • Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Return chicken to the skillet and let simmer until the sauce thickens.

Serving

  • Plate the creamy chicken orzo and garnish with additional Parmesan if desired.

Storage

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Notes

Pro Tips: Use fresh Parmesan for the best results. Toast the orzo for added flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions: You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
How to Serve: Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the chicken ahead of time and store in the fridge until ready to use.
Keyword creamy chicken orzo, one pan orzo, skillet chicken orzo