This chicken orzo is creamy, comforting, and packed with delicious veggies that create a perfectly balanced dish.
We love a one-pot meal at The Skillful Cook! It saves on dishes and maintains the maximum flavor by cooking every step in the same pot.
It all starts with the chicken. It is cooked in olive oil before being removed from the pan. Then the orzo is toasted in the chicken juices, adding an amazing depth of flavor.
The spinach and artichokes add a brightness that cuts through the richness of the cream sauce and Parmesan. This dish really has it all!
Why you will love this chicken orzo recipe…
Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Chicken Orzo
Equipment
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, boneless, skinless
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the orzo:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup orzo
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinated artichoke hearts, chopped
- 3 cups baby spinach
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Optional garnish:
- Extra grated Parmesan
- Chopped parsley or basil
Instructions
Ingredients
- Season chicken with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Stir in the orzo and cook for 1-2 minutes, letting it lightly toast for a nutty flavor.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Cover and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold in the spinach and artichokes. Cook until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through.
- Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Add lemon zest and juice for brightness. Stir gently to combine.
- Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor.
Nutrition
Serving Suggestions
The best thing about this dish is that it covers all the food groups in one meal. It has veggies, protein, and carbs without needing any accompanying dishes. However, feel free to serve this dish with some crusty bread.
Expert Tips🧑🍳
Storage Suggestions
Chicken Orzo FAQs
Is orzo healthier than rice?
Orzo and white rice are very similar but brown rice is healthier than orzo because it contains more vitamins and minerals.
What is orzo called in English?
The term orzo is used more commonly used in English than in Italian. In Italian, orzo means barley so it is more accurate to use the term risoni.
Is orzo a pasta or rice?
Although it looks like rice, orzo is actually a short-cut pasta. It’s made of semolina and named after barley, due to its appearance.
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