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One-Pot Italian Chicken & Orzo: Dinner Magic! - one pot orzo - One pot orzo: Master this easy Italian chicken and orzo pasta recipe in under 45 minutes. Minimal

One-Pot Italian Chicken & Orzo: Dinner Magic!

The ultimate weeknight dinner solution has arrived: One Pot Italian Chicken and Orzo! This recipe simplifies traditional Italian flavors into a single, easy-to-clean pot, making it perfect for busy evenings. Combining tender, marinated chicken with perfectly cooked orzo pasta in a savory tomato-herb broth, this dish offers a complete, satisfying meal with minimal fuss. Get ready to impress your family with this flavorful and fuss-free one-pot wonder.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp Italian herb mix (or make your own with basil, parsley, oregano)
  • 1 garlic clove (, minced)
  • 1/2 tsp salt + black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 x 110 - 120g/4oz chicken breasts (, skinless and boneless)
  • 1/2 tbsp olive oil (if required)
  • 1 small onion (, finely chopped (brown, white, yellow))

Method
 

  1. Mix the white wine vinegar, 1 tbsp olive oil, Dijon mustard, Italian herbs, garlic clove, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add chicken breasts and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours in the fridge).
  2. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken breasts and sear for 4 minutes per side until golden brown and mostly cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate, cover loosely with foil.
  3. Turn the heat up to medium-high. Add the remaining 1/2 tbsp olive oil if the pan looks dry.
  4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent.
  5. Stir in the orzo pasta, diced tomatoes (with juices), chicken broth, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer gently for 9-10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the orzo is almost al dente.
  7. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the orzo mixture. Cover and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the orzo is tender.
  8. Remove from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. The residual heat will finish cooking the orzo and melt the cheese, creating a delicious, saucy consistency.

Notes

- Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour for best flavor, or skip marinating by searing chicken first and adding marinade ingredients to the pot with the orzo.
- Stir the orzo frequently during cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- For a saucier consistency, add a splash more chicken broth if needed. The dish should be very saucy when you take it off the heat, as it thickens upon standing.
Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.