This Easy Chicken Orzo dish is a delicious mix of tender chicken, tiny orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and juicy cherry tomatoes. It’s colorful, tasty, and super filling!
I love how it all comes together in just one pot. Cleanup is simple, and let’s be real, who doesn’t enjoy a meal that looks pretty on the plate? 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using chicken breast tenders for tenderness and quick cooking. If you have thighs on hand, they work great too! For a lighter option, you can substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas.
Orzo Pasta: Orzo gives a unique texture and can be swapped with rice or another small pasta like ditalini if you’re in a pinch. Quinoa is also a fantastic substitute for a gluten-free option.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is best for this dish, but you can use kale or Swiss chard instead. Frozen spinach works too—just make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add a burst of sweetness. If you can’t find them, diced regular tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes would taste great. Canned tomatoes can also work but drain them well.
Cheese: Parmesan adds a creamy finish. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor, or you can just leave it out entirely for a lighter dish.
How Do I Cook the Chicken Perfectly?
Cooking the chicken just right ensures it’s juicy and flavorful. Here’s how to do it well:
- Start with the chicken at room temperature for even cooking.
- Season it generously with spices—smoked paprika adds a lovely depth of flavor.
- Use medium-high heat to get a nice sear. Let it cook without moving it for about 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Check for doneness by cutting into the thickest part; it should be opaque and juices should run clear.
Rest the chicken for a few minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy and tender when you add it to your orzo!
Easy Chicken Orzo with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb chicken breast tenders or cut into strips
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh oregano or parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and about 20 minutes cooking everything on the stove. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by placing your chicken tenders in a bowl. Sprinkle the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the chicken. Mix it well to ensure all pieces are evenly coated with the spices.
2. Sear the Chicken:
Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until the chicken is nicely browned and fully cooked through. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds, stirring often, until it becomes fragrant.
4. Add the Liquids:
Now, pour in the chicken broth and water. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Cook the Orzo:
Once boiling, stir in the orzo pasta. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 8-10 minutes or until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed. Stir occasionally during cooking.
6. Add Veggies:
After the orzo is cooked, add the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes are slightly softened.
7. Combine Everything:
Now, it’s time to return the chicken to the skillet. Nestle it on top of the orzo mixture and let it warm through for a couple of minutes.
8. Add Cheese (Optional):
If you’d like, sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top of the dish and give it a gentle stir for a creamy touch.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Finish off by garnishing with fresh oregano or parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Serve hot and enjoy this vibrant, creamy chicken orzo!
This easy recipe combines delicious flavors and healthy ingredients to make a satisfying meal in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking. To do this safely, leave it in the refrigerator overnight or use the cold water method by sealing it in a plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for a few hours.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the chicken with chickpeas, tofu, or tempeh. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and make sure to add your protein early on for enough cooking time.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry.
What Can I Serve This Dish With?
This chicken orzo dish is quite hearty on its own, but you can serve it with a side garden salad or some crusty bread to soak up all the delicious flavors. A glass of white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, pairs nicely too!
