10+ Chicken Orzo Recipes You’ll Love for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Chicken orzo recipes bring together tender chicken and that cute, rice-shaped pasta, orzo, for a meal that’s both easy and satisfying. These dishes tend to come together fast, often in just one pot or pan—huge win for weeknight dinners.

If you’re into creamy, garlicky, or tomato-based flavors, there’s a chicken orzo recipe with your name on it. They play well with all sorts of veggies and seasonings, so you can mix things up based on what’s in your fridge.

Ingredients

• Chicken (breasts or thighs)
• Orzo pasta
• Garlic
• Olive oil or butter
• Chicken broth or stock
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil or butter in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Season and cook the chicken until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Add garlic to the pan and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in orzo and cook for 2 minutes until lightly toasted.
5. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until orzo is tender (about 10 minutes).
6. Return chicken to the pan and heat through. Serve warm.

1) One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken & Orzo

If you’re craving something simple but rich, this one’s for you. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs cook up with garlic and butter in a single pan.

Orzo soaks up the buttery goodness and turns out super tender. The garlic butter makes the chicken juicy and gives the whole dish a deep, savory flavor.

Season it to taste and enjoy how easy it is to pull together. It fills your kitchen with the best smell, honestly.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• Kosher salt and pepper
• 1 pound uncooked orzo
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth

Cooking Instructions

1. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
3. Brown chicken in the butter, about 4-5 minutes each side. Remove and set aside.
4. Add remaining butter and garlic to the pot, cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Stir in orzo and chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat, add chicken back, cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes until orzo is tender.
7. Adjust seasoning and serve warm.

Learn more at One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken & Orzo.

2) One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Here’s a dish for those nights when you want something good but don’t want to deal with a pile of pans. Everything happens in one pan, which means less mess and more flavor.

Sun-dried tomatoes and garlic bring a deep, rich taste, and you can use coconut milk or cheese for extra creaminess. It’s a solid choice for busy nights or if you just want to impress yourself.

Ready in about half an hour, it’s a mix of juicy chicken, creamy orzo, and savory broth that just works.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Orzo
• Chicken broth
• Coconut milk or cream
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Brown chicken breasts on both sides, then remove them from the pan.
3. Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the pan and sauté briefly.
4. Stir in orzo and chicken broth.
5. Place chicken back in the pan and pour in coconut milk or cream.
6. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked and orzo is tender.
7. Add parmesan cheese if using, season with salt and pepper, and stir before serving.

3) Creamy Chicken Orzo with Carrots and Celery

This one’s cozy and comes together in just one pot. Start by cooking onions, carrots, and celery to build a solid flavor base.

Add chicken and orzo, then stir everything into a rich broth. The orzo cooks up creamy—almost like risotto, but way easier.

It’s kind of like chicken noodle soup’s cool cousin. Grab some crusty bread for dipping and you’re set.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 4 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Melt butter over medium heat in a large pot.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until soft.
3. Stir in chicken and orzo.
4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes until orzo is tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Try this creamy chicken orzo for a quick, tasty dinner you’ll enjoy. For more details, see the Creamy Chicken Orzo recipe.

4) 30-Minute One-Pan Creamy Chicken Orzo with Spinach

This recipe’s a lifesaver when you want something quick and comforting. You’ll cook chicken (breasts or thighs, your call) with orzo, fresh spinach, and a creamy sauce.

Garlic and pesto give the sauce a punchy flavor, and the spinach adds a fresh, healthy vibe. Cherry tomatoes? Toss them in if you’ve got them for extra color.

It’s a weeknight dinner that feels a little special without being a big production.

Ingredients

• 1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons basil pesto
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or a creamy alternative
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add garlic and orzo; cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes until orzo is tender.
5. Stir in pesto, cream, spinach, and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts.
6. Slice chicken and return to the pan. Heat for 1-2 minutes more. Serve warm.

5) Marry Me Chicken Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Parmesan

Here’s a one-pot meal that’s ready in about half an hour. You’ll cook chicken breast with sun-dried tomatoes and garlic.

The orzo simmers in a creamy sauce, soaking up all those flavors. Parmesan gives it a cheesy finish, and you can throw in spinach or herbs if you’re feeling fancy.

Simple, filling, and honestly pretty hard to mess up.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: fresh spinach or herbs

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add orzo and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer until orzo is tender.
5. Stir in cream and Parmesan. Return chicken to the pan to warm through.
6. Add spinach or herbs if using, then serve.

For more details, check this Marry Me Chicken Orzo recipe.

6) One Pot Chicken Thighs and Orzo with Onion and Tomato

This one’s all about crispy chicken thighs and a flavorful tomato-onion base. Cook the chicken until the skin’s golden and crisp, then add onions and tomatoes for a rich, savory layer.

Orzo goes right in the pan to soak up all that goodness. It’s a comforting, no-fuss meal—just what you need on a busy night.

You probably have most of the ingredients already, which is always a plus.

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cups orzo pasta
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Brown chicken thighs on both sides until crispy, about 5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. Add chopped onion to the pot; sauté until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in orzo and diced tomatoes, mixing well.
5. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
6. Return chicken thighs to the pot, skin side up. Cover and cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes, until orzo is tender and chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C).
7. Serve warm and enjoy.

7) Garlic Chicken with Orzo Noodles

This recipe keeps things straightforward and flavorful. Cook chicken breasts with garlic and a pinch of crushed red pepper for a little kick.

The orzo cooks alongside the chicken, soaking up all those good flavors. You get a one-pan meal with tender chicken and soft, tasty orzo.

It’s quick, filling, and has a mellow garlic flavor that’s easy to love.

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Pour olive oil into a pan and set it over medium heat.

2. Toss in garlic and a pinch of crushed red pepper; let them cook for about a minute.

3. Sprinkle salt and pepper on the chicken, then add it to the pan.

4. Cook the chicken for around five minutes per side, or until it gets a nice brown color.

5. Stir in the orzo and pour in just enough water to cover the pasta.

6. Let everything simmer on low until the chicken cooks through and the orzo softens—about 15 minutes.

7. Serve it up while it’s still warm.

Check out the full recipe here: Garlic Chicken with Orzo Noodles.

8) Lemon-Feta Chicken and Orzo with Spiced Chicken

Bright lemon and tangy feta make this chicken and orzo dish pop. Sauté the chicken with paprika and oregano for a little heat and extra flavor.

It cooks up fast and stays juicy, so it’s a solid option for weeknights when you don’t want to fuss. The orzo soaks up all the lemony goodness, and that crumbled feta on top? It’s just the right touch.

Everything cooks in one pan, which means less cleanup—always a win. You get a balanced meal with those fresh, tangy notes and creamy bites.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups chicken broth

Cooking Instructions

1. Rub chicken with paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.

2. Warm olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.

3. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, until it browns and cooks through. Set it aside.

4. Toss garlic into the pan and let it cook for a minute.

5. Add orzo and chicken broth. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer until the orzo is tender—about 10 minutes.

6. Put the chicken back in the pan. Pour in lemon juice and zest, and stir it all together.

7. Sprinkle with feta before serving.

9) Creamy Chicken and Orzo Skillet

Here’s a creamy chicken and orzo skillet that comes together fast. The chicken cooks right in the pan with the orzo, so you don’t have to juggle a bunch of pots.

The sauce is rich and cozy, perfect for when you need a little comfort. If you want to sneak in some veggies, toss in spinach or tomatoes—totally up to you.

This one’s straightforward and works for family dinners or meal prep. You don’t need a long list of ingredients to make something tasty.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: spinach or cherry tomatoes

Cooking Instructions

1. Pour olive oil into a skillet and heat it over medium.

2. Cook the chicken breasts until they turn golden, about 5-6 minutes per side.

3. Take the chicken out and set it aside.

4. Add orzo and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring it up to a boil.

5. Lower the heat and let it simmer until the orzo softens, around 8-10 minutes.

6. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan.

7. Return the chicken to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

8. Season with salt and pepper. If you’re feeling it, toss in some veggies.

9. Serve while it’s still warm.

Want more details? Here’s the recipe: Creamy Chicken and Orzo Skillet.

10) Chicken Orzo Soup with Garlic and Vegetables

Let’s talk about chicken orzo soup with garlic and veggies. It’s simple, fresh, and honestly, just makes you feel good.

Garlic gives it a nice little punch, and the vegetables add color and plenty of nutrition. You can use whatever veggies you have—carrots, celery, onions, you name it.

Orzo cooks quickly and soaks up all the flavor from the broth. The chicken makes it filling and adds protein, so it’s not just a light snack.

If you like a pop of brightness, squeeze in a bit of lemon at the end.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: squeeze of lemon juice

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat some olive oil in a big pot over medium heat.

2. Toss in the garlic, onion, carrots, and celery. Cook everything until it softens—should take around 5 minutes.

3. Pour in the chicken broth and crank up the heat to bring it to a boil.

4. Add the orzo. Let it cook for 8 to 10 minutes, just until it gets tender.

5. Stir in the shredded chicken. Give it a minute or two to warm up.

6. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper. If you like, squeeze in a bit of lemon juice.

7. Serve it up warm. Enjoy!