Imagine a dinner that's so incredibly delicious, ridiculously easy to make, and requires minimal cleanup - sounds too good to be true? Get ready to revolutionize your weeknight cooking with this mouthwatering One Pan Chicken Orzo Skillet Dinner that will have your family begging for seconds! In just 35 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked orzo, and a symphony of flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to Italy.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by dicing chicken breast into 1-inch cubes, finely chopping onion, mincing garlic, and dicing bell pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Season diced chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Add chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add chopped onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables start to soften and become translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring to prevent burning.
- Pour in orzo pasta and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine with the vegetables.
- Add chicken broth to the skillet and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to distribute evenly. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Let sit for 2-3 minutes to allow cheese to melt.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot directly from the skillet.
Tips
- Use high-quality chicken breast and cut it into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Don't rush the chicken browning process - letting it develop a golden color adds depth to the overall dish's flavor profile.
- For extra richness, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought, which can elevate the entire dish's taste.
- Keep the skillet covered during the orzo cooking phase to help the pasta absorb liquid evenly and become perfectly tender.
- Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to allow the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld together.
- Optional garnishes like fresh parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a fresh, vibrant touch to the final presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 90mg
