Hungry Healthy Happy

menu icon
go to homepage
  • About Us
  • Recipe Index
  • Meal Plans
  • Recipes To Your Inbox
  • Shop
search icon
Homepage link
  • About Us
  • Recipe Index
  • Meal Plans
  • Recipes To Your Inbox
  • Shop
×
Hungry Healthy Happy » Recipes » Chicken

Creamy Chicken Orzo

Sep 12, 2023 · Written by Dannii Martin · This post may contain affiliate links which earn us commissions if purchases are made · 12 Comments

500 shares
  • 2
Diet: High Protein
Jump to Recipe
Creamy chicken orzo with a text title overlay.
Creamy chicken orzo with a text title overlay.

Chicken Orzo is a delicious and comforting easy-to-make one pan dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. A combination of tender chicken, flavour packed creamy orzo pasta, spinach and pesto. You can also make this with leftover chicken!

Chicken chunks, orzo and vegetables in a large silver pan.

The best thing about this chicken orzo recipe is how adaptable it is. You can add different vegetables, herbs, and spices to make a recipe that suits what you like, or what you have that needs using up.

All done in one pan, so less washing up. This is an incredible creamy sauce and total comfort food. If you are bored of the same chicken dinners all the time, then you need to try chicken with orzo.

Looking for more easy chicken recipes? Why not try our protein packed Chicken Power Bowl, easy Leftover Chicken Pasta, kid's favourite Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken or our delicious Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken?

Jump to:
  • Ingredients and Substitutions
  • Variations
  • How to Make Creamy Chicken Orzo - Step by Step
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Storage
  • Top Tip
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Chicken Pasta Recipes
  • Recipe
  • Feedback

Ingredients and Substitutions

All the ingredients needed for this recipe each with a text overlay label.

A full ingredients list, along with US Customary and Metric measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.

  • Orzo - A type of pasta that is similar in shape to rice and is commonly used in soups and stews. You could use rice instead if you prefer, but it would change the cooking time.
  • Chicken - We used boneless skinless chicken breasts to keep this lean, but you could use boneless and skinless chicken thighs which would be juicier.
  • Spinach - An easy way to give the dish a green veggie boost. You could swap it for kale if you prefer. We used fresh spinach, but you could use thawed and drained frozen spinach.
  • Tomatoes - Some fresh tomatoes not only add a pop of colour but they lighten it up. You could add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
  • Pesto - We used sun-dried tomato pesto, as it adds an amazing flavour, but you can use classic basil pesto instead. Or even our Mixed Herb Pesto or Carrot Top Pesto.
  • Parmesan - This adds a rich and nutty flavour to the dish. You could use a mature cheddar if you prefer.
  • Creme fraiche - This is where the creaminess comes from. You could use a cream cheese instead.
  • Stock - This is used to cook the orzo and adds flavour to the dish. Use a good quality chicken stock. Homemade Chicken Stock is always best.
  • Herbs & spices - Some Italian seasoning, paprika and garlic add a lovely flavour. You could use a Cajun seasoning for a different flavour.

Variations

Spicy - If you like a bit of heat, add some spice to the dish. Sauté some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes in olive oil before adding the chicken breast and cooking it until browned.

Mediterranean chicken orzo - To give the dish a Mediterranean twist, add some olives, feta cheese, and roasted red peppers to the recipe.

Leftover chicken - We cooked the chicken in the pan, however you can also use this chicken orzo recipe as a way to use up leftover chicken from our Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts. Cook the orzo and rest of the ingredients in the pan and stir in leftover shredded chicken at the same time as the spinach.

Veggie packed - There are so many options when it comes to vegetables here. You can add broccoli, cauliflower, peas, bell pepper, courgette, sweetcorn or mushrooms. The key is the using quick cooking veg and no root vegetables like carrot.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Orzo - Step by Step

Chunks of chicken on a wooden board coated in herbs and spices.
  1. Step one: Coat the chicken chunks in the paprika and Italian seasoning.
Chunks of chicken cooking in oil in a pan.
  1. Step two: Heat the oil in a large pan and add the coated chicken. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. Once cooked, set aside.
Orzo, garlic and stock in a large pan.
  1. Step three: In the same pan, add the orzo, garlic and stock. simmer for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Spinach, tomatoes, parmesan and pesto added to the pan.
  1. Step four: Add the spinach, tomatoes, Parmesan and pesto. Mix well.
Two shot collage of creme fraiche added to the pan, before and after mixing.
  1. Step five: Add the creme fraiche and season with salt and pepper (a). Mix well and cook until the spinach has wilted. Add the chicken (b).
Cooked chicken orzo in a large pan.
  1. Step six: Simmer until everything is cooked through.

Serving Suggestions

This pretty much has everything in it already. You have the protein, carbs and vegetables, all in an incredible creamy sauce. However, if you want some vegetable sides, then we have a few suggestions.

Why not try our Roasted Tenderstem Broccoli, Roasted Lemon Asparagus or Air Fryer Green Beans?

A big green salad like our Rocket Salad or Watercress Salad works well too.

Chunks of chicken and cooked orzo in a creamy sauce.

Storage

Store: Leftover chicken orzo will keep in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freeze: We don't recommend freezing this, as it's too thick once defrosted and just doesn't have the same flavour.

Reheat: You can either reheat this in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Top Tip

  • This sauce will thicken as it cools, so you can add some extra stock to thin it out if you prefer.
  • For some extra texture, you can add some pine nuts on top before serving.
  • You don't have to use chicken for this. You can use another protein like salmon, prawns or even steak.
  • Only use freshly grated Parmesan. Don't use a pack of pre-grated cheese, as it doesn't melt very well.
A plate of chicken orzo in front of a striped tea towel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a vegetarian version of this?

Yes, you can. You can swap the chicken for crispy tofu or you can use chickpeas instead.

Can I prepare orzo chicken in advance?

Yes, this can be prepared in advance. You can cook it all and then heat it up when you are ready to serve. You could also prep all the chicken with it coated in the spices in advance.

Can I make this gluten free?

Yes, if you use gluten free pasta and gluten free stock then this can be gluten free.

More Chicken Pasta Recipes

  • Chicken pesto pasta on a plate next to a blue towel.
    Chicken Pesto Pasta
  • A plate of creamy chicken spinach pasta.
    Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta
  • Instant pot chicken pasta on a white plate.
    Instant Pot Chicken Pasta
  • Cajun Chicken Pasta on a round pink plate.
    Cajun Chicken Pasta

If you’ve tried this creamy chicken orzo recipe, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.

Recipe

Creamy chicken orzo in a large silver pan.

Creamy Chicken Orzo (One Pot)

By: Dannii Martin
Make weeknight dinners easy with our creamy chicken orzo. Try it as a simple one pan meal with chicken, spinach, and pesto!
A circular logo saying HP.
High Protein
4.91 from 11 votes
Pin Print Save recipe Saved!
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Prep: 5 minutes mins
Cook: 20 minutes mins
Total: 25 minutes mins
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 721kcal
Allergens:
An illustration of a carton of milk.
Dairy
An illustration of two ears of wheat.
Gluten
An illustration of a cow's head.
Meat

Ingredients

  • 280 g (10 oz) Chicken breast - cut into strips
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 140 g (1 cups) Orzo
  • 2 Garlic cloves - crushed
  • 500 ml (2 cups) Chicken stock
  • 100 g (3.33 cups) Spinach
  • 10 Cherry tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoon Sun-dried tomato pesto
  • 20 g (0.25 cups) Parmesan - grated
  • 50 ml (0.25 cups) Creme fraiche
  • 1 pinch Sea salt
  • 1 pinch Ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Coat 280 g Chicken breast chunks in 1 teaspoon Paprika and 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon Olive oil in a large pan and add the coated chicken. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. Once cooked, set aside.
  • In the same pan, add 140 g Orzo, 2 Garlic cloves and 500 ml Chicken stock. simmer for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add 100 g Spinach, 10 Cherry tomatoes, 20 g Parmesan and 2 tablespoon Sun-dried tomato pesto. Mix well.
  • Add 50 ml Creme fraiche and season with 1 pinch Sea salt and 1 pinch Ground black pepper. Mix well and cook until the spinach has wilted.
  • Add the cooked chicken and simmer until everything is cooked through.

Recipe Tips

  • This sauce will thicken as it cools, so you can add some extra stock to thin it out if you prefer.
  • For some extra texture, you can add some pine nuts on top before serving.
  • You don't have to use chicken for this. You can use another protein like salmon, prawns or even steak.
  • Only use freshly grated Parmesan. Don't use a pack of pre-grated cheese, as it doesn't melt very well.

Nutritional Information

Serving: 1portion | Calories: 721kcal | Carbohydrates: 73g | Protein: 52g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 119mg | Sodium: 887mg | Potassium: 1498mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 6032IU | Vitamin C: 117mg | Calcium: 342mg | Iron: 33mg

The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.

As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.

You'll love these too...

  • Green Goddess chicken salad on a blue plate with some crackers.
    Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad (High Protein)
  • A bowl of chicken and ricotta meatballs and spaghetti.
    Baked Chicken and Ricotta Meatballs
  • Cottage cheese chicken salad on a plate with some crackers.
    Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
  • Three teriyaki chicken lettuce wraps on a wooden board.
    Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Comments

  1. Kate Cassar says

    February 02, 2024 at 3:13 pm

    Can i make this with chicken thigh fillets as it is all i have in my fridge? Thank you.

    Reply
    • Dannii Martin says

      February 04, 2024 at 8:36 am

      Yes - in the ingredients and substitutions section it talks about this.

      Reply
  2. Quynh says

    September 13, 2023 at 6:00 pm

    5 stars
    One of my favorite weeknight dinner recipes. It came out well-seasoned and the chicken was cooked perfectly!

    Reply
  3. Carrie Robinson says

    September 13, 2023 at 5:44 pm

    5 stars
    This looks insanely good, and I think I have just about everything in my fridge/pantry to make this recipe this week! :) Can't wait to try it.

    Reply
  4. Kate says

    September 13, 2023 at 5:43 pm

    5 stars
    I appreciate that you included cup measurements for those of us in the US. We had it for dinner last night and it came out really well. I didn't have sun-dried tomato pesto so used regular basil pesto and it was super yummy, fast and only one dish!

    Reply
  5. Suja md says

    September 13, 2023 at 5:12 pm

    5 stars
    Better than store-bought and so much more wholesome! Loving these!

    Reply
  6. Maggie says

    September 13, 2023 at 4:15 pm

    I just bought a bag of orzo, and this recipe came up on my feed. Looks amazing! Saving for this weekend.

    Reply
  7. Andrea says

    September 13, 2023 at 3:29 pm

    5 stars
    What fabulous flavors in this creamy chicken orzo. It's much easier to make than I thought and I know my family will love this.

    Reply
  8. Toni says

    September 13, 2023 at 2:29 pm

    5 stars
    This is so creamy and delicious! Quickly became a favorite at my house!

    Reply
  9. Alison Corey says

    September 13, 2023 at 2:21 pm

    I'm always on the lookout for quick and delicious weeknight dinner ideas, and your Chicken Orzo fits the bill perfectly! It's great that it can be made with leftover chicken.

    Reply
  10. Dina and Bruce says

    September 13, 2023 at 2:18 pm

    5 stars
    Oh wow! Flavor festival! LOVE!

    Reply
  11. Ned says

    September 13, 2023 at 1:16 pm

    The recipe was absolutely delicious and a definite winner! Cannot wait to make this again! Thank you!

    Reply
4.91 from 11 votes (4 ratings without comment)

Made this recipe? Let me know! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Dannii with a sunset behind her.

Welcome

My name is Dannii. Here you will find easy family recipes with a healthy twist.

Established in 2011, Hungry Healthy Happy has become one of the UK's most popular food blogs, with two successful recipe books published.

About me...

Salad Recipes

  • Roasted Vegetable Winter Salad in a white dish surrounded by crumbled feta.
    Roasted Vegetable Winter Salad
  • A plate of kale, watermelon and feta salad surrounded by watermelon slices.
    Kale, Watermelon and Feta Salad
  • A large bowl of chickpea tuna salad with a serving spoon in it.
    Chickpea Tuna Salad
  • Chopped Blue Cheese Salad in a large white bowl.
    Chopped Blue Cheese Salad
  • A bowl of watercress salad with a wooden fork and spoon in it.
    Watercress Salad
  • Little Gem Salad in a round white bowl.
    Little Gem Salad

Recipe Books

The Hungry Healthy Happy book cover.
The healthy slow cooker book cover.
the front cover of The Picky Plate eBook.

Popular Recipes

  • Leftover chicken pasta on a black plate.
    Leftover Chicken Pasta
  • Mediterranean Rice Salad in a large round serving dish.
    Mediterranean Rice Salad
  • Fourteen healthy flapjacks on a sheet of parchment paper.
    Healthy Flapjacks
  • A tortilla chip being dipped into some nacho cheese sauce.
    2 Minute Nacho Cheese Sauce
  • Sticky Ginger Beef in a bowl with rice and broccoli.
    10 Minute Sticky Ginger Beef Mince
  • Baked Egg Tortilla in a round baking dish.
    Baked Egg Tortilla (Tortilla Quiche)

Footer

Help & Information

  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Policy
  • Advertising
  • Blog

About us

  • About us
  • Newsletter Sign Up!
  • Press enquiries
  • FAQ

Follow us


Featured in

A selection of publications that Hungry Healthy Happy has been featured in

As an Amazon Associate we earn certain commissions from qualifying purchases. By using our site, you agree that we can collect and use your data. Our privacy statement has more details.

Copyright © 2011-2024 Hungry Healthy Happy • All Rights Reserved

  • 2

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.