If you’re looking for a quick, delicious meal that doesn’t require a ton of cleanup, you’ve hit the jackpot with Skillet Chicken and Orzo! This dish brilliantly combines tender chicken and perfectly cooked orzo pasta in just one pan, making it a lifesaver for busy weeknights. The best part? It’s ready in 30 minutes, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy dinner with your family. The savory flavors meld together beautifully, and you can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or spices. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your home!
Ingredients List
For this Skillet Chicken and Orzo recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These should be trimmed of any excess fat for a clean, lean protein base.
- 1 cup orzo pasta: This tiny pasta shape cooks quickly and absorbs all the delicious flavors in the dish.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Use low-sodium if you prefer; it adds moisture and richness to the orzo.
- 1 cup fresh spinach: Lightly packed; this will add a pop of color and nutrients to the meal.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For that lovely savory depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: It complements the garlic and enhances the overall taste.
Feel free to play around with the ingredients, adding your favorite vegetables or spices to make this dish your own!
How to Prepare Skillet Chicken and Orzo
Making Skillet Chicken and Orzo is a breeze! Let’s dive into the steps that will have you on your way to a delicious meal in no time. Just follow along, and I promise you’ll have a satisfying dish ready in 30 minutes. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Cooking the Chicken
First, heat your skillet over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through—this gives the chicken a lovely crust that locks in all those juices. You’ll know they’re ready when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes.
Step 2: Adding Orzo and Broth
Now, it’s time for the fun part! In the same skillet, add the orzo pasta and pour in the 2 cups of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, and then reduce the heat to a simmer. You’ll want to cook the orzo for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking. Just keep an eye on it; you want the orzo to be tender but still have a bit of a bite, or al dente, if you will!
Step 3: Incorporating Spinach
Once the orzo is just about perfect, stir in the fresh spinach along with the garlic powder and onion powder. Cook everything together for another 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts down beautifully. This adds a vibrant touch to your dish and infuses it with flavor. Make sure everything is well combined, and then you’re ready to serve!
Nutritional Information Section
While I strive to provide accurate nutritional information, please note that values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. For this Skillet Chicken and Orzo, you can expect approximately 450 calories per serving, along with 30g of protein, 10g of fat, and 50g of carbohydrates. Enjoy your meal knowing it’s both tasty and satisfying!
Tips for Success
To make your Skillet Chicken and Orzo truly shine, here are some handy tips! First, don’t rush the chicken cooking process—getting that golden-brown crust is essential for flavor, so be patient! If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken; just add it when you stir in the orzo to warm it through.
Also, keep an eye on the orzo as it cooks. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking, and taste test a minute or two before the suggested cooking time to ensure it’s just right for your preference. If you want to switch things up, feel free to toss in other veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. Just make sure to sauté them briefly before adding the orzo so they soften nicely.
Finally, a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese at the end can elevate the dish even more, adding a bright finish that complements the flavors beautifully!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-Pan Convenience: You’ll only need one skillet, making cleanup a breeze and leaving you more time to relax.
- Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of juicy chicken, tender orzo, and fresh spinach creates a meal that’s both hearty and satisfying.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or spices, making it easy to adapt to your family’s taste.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with both kids and adults, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Skillet Chicken and Orzo experience, consider serving it alongside a fresh garden salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The crispness of the salad complements the warm, savory flavors of the dish beautifully. You could also pair it with some crusty garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce left on your plate—yum!
If you’re in the mood for something more substantial, roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts make a fantastic side, adding both color and nutrition to your meal. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top of the Skillet Chicken and Orzo right before serving can also enhance the flavors and make everything feel a bit more special. Enjoy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftover Skillet Chicken and Orzo can be stored easily! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It should stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to use a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Enjoy your delicious meal again!
FAQs about Skillet Chicken and Orzo
Q1: Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! While orzo is perfect for this dish, you can substitute it with any small pasta like ditalini or even a quick-cooking grain like quinoa. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q2: What if I want to add more vegetables?
Great idea! You can easily incorporate bell peppers, zucchini, or even cherry tomatoes. Just sauté them briefly in the skillet before adding the orzo to ensure they soften nicely.
Q3: How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to reheat thoroughly before enjoying again!
Q4: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep ingredients in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge and cook everything together when you’re ready for a quick meal.
Q5: What can I use instead of chicken broth?
If you’re looking for an alternative, vegetable broth works beautifully! You can also use water in a pinch, but broth adds extra flavor that enhances the dish.
For more delicious recipes and inspiration, check out our Pinterest page!
Skillet Chicken and Orzo
Equipment
- Skillet
- Ladle
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pieces Chicken breasts Boneless and skinless
For the Orzo
- 1 cup Orzo pasta
- 2 cups Chicken broth
- 1 cup Spinach Fresh
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
Instructions
- Heat the skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown.
- Add the orzo and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until orzo is tender.
- Stir in the spinach and season with garlic and onion powder. Cook until spinach wilts.