Name: One Pot Chicken Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders, cubed into 1” pieces; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided); ½ cup diced yellow onion (about ½ medium onion); 2 cups chopped fresh asparagus spears (cut into 1 inch pieces); 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 garlic cloves); 2 cups fresh spinach; 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or ¼ teaspoon dried thyme); Chopped fresh parsley for garnish; 8 ounces dry orzo; 2 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth; ⅓ cup half and half (or substitute milk); ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; Extra grated Parmesan for garnish

I’m excited to share my favorite One Pot Chicken Orzo Recipe with you because it’s cozy, comforting, and full of flavor—all wrapped into one easy-to-make dish. I love how the tender chicken, delicate orzo pasta, and fresh vegetables come together in a creamy, cheesy sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Plus, it’s all cooked in one pot, which means less mess and more time to enjoy your meal.

Why You'll Love This One Pot Chicken Orzo Recipe

What really makes this One Pot Chicken Orzo Recipe stand out for me is the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The juicy chicken pieces are lightly seasoned and browned to perfection, while the orzo softens just enough to soak up all the savory broth and that subtle creaminess from the half and half and parmesan. The fresh asparagus and spinach add a vibrant pop of color and a pleasant crispness, so each bite is interesting and satisfying.

I also adore how easy this recipe is to prepare. It doesn’t require any fancy techniques or long ingredient lists, and since everything cooks in one pot, clean-up becomes such a breeze. I can whip up this meal even on busy weeknights and still feel like I’ve made something special and wholesome.

This recipe is perfect for so many occasions—the ideal dinner for family gatherings, a relaxed weekend lunch with friends, or even a simple meal to impress guests without breaking a sweat. Whenever I make it, people always ask for seconds, which tells me it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s worth keeping in your recipe arsenal.

Ingredients You'll Need

The ingredients for this One Pot Chicken Orzo Recipe are refreshingly simple but essential to achieving the rich taste and delightful textures. Each one plays a vital role—from the seasoned chicken that forms the hearty base, to the fresh herbs and vegetables that brighten the dish with color and freshness.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Chicken breasts or tenders: Cubed into 1-inch pieces to ensure quick and even cooking.
Garlic powder and minced garlic: Layered to provide depth of garlicky flavor without overpowering the dish.
Yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and helps build a flavorful base.
Fresh asparagus: Chopped into bite-sized pieces to keep its tender crunch.
Orzo pasta: The star shape creates a lovely creamy texture when cooked properly.
Low sodium chicken broth: Keeps the dish flavorful and moist without being too salty.
Half and half and Parmesan: Combine to form a luscious, cheesy sauce that coats the orzo perfectly.
Fresh spinach: Adds a vibrant green color and a touch of earthiness while wilting quickly into the dish.
Fresh thyme: Brings subtle herbal notes that tie the flavors all together beautifully.
Olive oil, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes: Essential seasonings for highlighting the natural flavors and adding a gentle kick.

Directions

Step 1: In a small bowl, toss the chicken pieces with garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, making sure each piece is evenly coated—this step seasons the chicken to infuse lots of flavor right from the start.

Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, high-sided pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning regularly to brown it on all sides. Once cooked thoroughly and beautifully golden, remove the chicken and set it aside in a bowl.

Step 3: Using the same pan (no need to clean it!), add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the asparagus and sauté for 2 minutes until tender but still crisp, then transfer it to the plate with the chicken—this keeps your veggies fresh and vibrant.

Step 4: Add diced onion to the pan and cook for about 3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in the dry orzo and minced garlic, then cook for another 3 minutes to toast the orzo slightly—this quick toasting step makes a big difference in the final texture.

Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth (warm it in the microwave first if you’re short on time) and bring the mixture to a simmer. Give it an occasional stir and scrape the bottom of the pan to prevent anything from sticking. Cover with a lid and let it cook for 7 minutes, stirring halfway, until most of the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is tender.

Step 6: Stir in the cooked chicken, asparagus, half and half, grated parmesan, fresh spinach, and thyme. Cook for 1 to 2 more minutes until everything is heated through and the spinach just wilts—this final step melds all the flavors together into that creamy, dreamy finish.

Step 7: Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of parmesan. I love how the fresh herbs and cheese add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich orzo.

Servings and Timing

This One Pot Chicken Orzo Recipe makes approximately 4 satisfying servings—perfect for a family dinner or a couple of leftovers for the next day. The prep time is about 10 minutes, mostly for chopping and seasoning, while the cooking time takes around 35 minutes total. Altogether, you’re looking at a 45-minute meal from start to finish, with no additional resting time necessary since it’s best served piping hot.

How to Serve This One Pot Chicken Orzo Recipe

One Pot Chicken Orzo Recipe - Recipe Image

I love serving this dish right out of the pan while it’s warm and comforting. It’s hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but you can elevate it by pairing with a crisp side salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette or some roasted cherry tomatoes. The freshness in the sides complements the creamy orzo perfectly.

For garnish, I always add freshly chopped parsley and extra parmesan for that beautiful and tasty finishing touch. If I’m aiming for something a little more festive, a drizzle of good-quality olive oil and a few lemon wedges on the side brighten everything up wonderfully.

When it comes to beverages, this dish pairs beautifully with a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which cuts through the creaminess gracefully. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling lemonade or iced herbal tea works really well. I think the versatility makes this meal great for weeknight dinners, special gatherings, or casual brunches on the weekend.

Variations

One of the things I enjoy about this One Pot Chicken Orzo Recipe is how adaptable it is. If you want to switch up the protein, turkey or even firm tofu works beautifully for a different twist without losing that satisfying feel. For a vegetarian version, just omit the chicken and add extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to keep it hearty and colorful.

If you need to keep it gluten-free, try substituting the orzo for gluten-free pasta or even quinoa—it changes the texture slightly, but the flavors remain just as delightful. You can also swap the half and half for coconut milk or a plant-based cream to make it vegan-friendly and still creamy.

Want to add more flavor punch? Try stirring in sun-dried tomatoes, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, or a handful of kalamata olives at the end. And for something with a smoky twist, I sometimes add a bit of smoked paprika to the seasoning mix before cooking the chicken for a subtle warmth that pairs beautifully with the parmesan.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I recommend using a shallow container to help the food cool evenly. The leftovers will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days, making a great quick lunch or dinner option.

Freezing

This dish freezes okay, but because of the dairy and fresh spinach, I prefer to freeze it only if necessary. To freeze, cool it completely and pack into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. It’s best consumed within 2 months for optimal taste and texture. When thawing, do so overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

For reheating, I gently warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce and keep the orzo creamy. Microwaving works too, but I recommend stirring every 30 seconds to heat evenly and avoid dryness. Avoid overheating to prevent the chicken from becoming tough and to keep the spinach vibrant.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and stay very tender. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through, about 12-15 minutes depending on size.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the half and half with coconut milk or a plant-based cream and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast to keep the cheesy flavor without dairy.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Simply increase the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference or add a dash of cayenne pepper when seasoning the chicken for a nice kick that doesn’t overpower the other flavors.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

You can prep ingredients like chopping the vegetables and seasoning the chicken ahead of time, but I recommend cooking it fresh for best texture and flavor. If you do cook in advance, reheat gently and add fresh spinach right before serving.

What can I substitute for fresh thyme?

If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme works well—just use about ¼ teaspoon. Alternatively, you can use other herbs like oregano or rosemary for a slightly different but still delicious herbal note.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this One Pot Chicken Orzo Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a little celebration every time I make it. It’s simple, satisfying, and so full of comforting flavors that your whole family or friends will fall in love with it just like I did. Cooking it in a single pot means less fuss and more joy at the table—so jump in and enjoy every delicious bite!