Decadent Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe Everyone Will Love

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Orzo is the perfect combination of rich flavors and comforting textures. The chicken is golden and tender, while the mushrooms add a savory earthiness that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce. The orzo pasta absorbs the sauce, creating a deliciously creamy, one-pot meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for entertaining guests!

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 8 ounces (225 g) cremini mushrooms, sliced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup (240 ml) white grape juice or apple juice

• 4 cups (960 ml) low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 ½ cups (285 g) uncooked orzo pasta

• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream

• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

2. Cook the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes until they are browned and softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.

3. Deglaze with Juice: Pour in the white grape juice or apple juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Allow the juice to simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.

4. Add Chicken Broth and Orzo: Stir in the chicken broth and uncooked orzo. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.

5. Make it Creamy: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

6. Return Chicken to the Skillet: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, stirring to combine. Heat the chicken through for 2-3 minutes.

7. Serve: Garnish the dish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 30 minutes

• Total time: 40 minutes

• Yield: 6–8 servings

Notes

• Even Cooking: Cut the chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

• Stir Occasionally: Stir the orzo while it’s cooking to prevent it from sticking together.

• Add Greens: For extra nutrition, you can stir in some baby spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking.

• Customize the Protein: Feel free to swap out the chicken for another protein, such as shrimp or turkey, for variety.

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add more mushrooms or even roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. You can also add tofu or a plant-based protein if desired.

• Cheese Options: Instead of Parmesan, you can experiment with other cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different flavor profile.

• Extra Flavor: For a little extra kick, try adding red pepper flakes or a splash of lemon juice right before serving.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Chicken Orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy.

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, you can substitute orzo with any small pasta like penne or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish a few hours ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently over low heat and add a little broth or cream to loosen up the sauce.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used in place of thighs. Just be sure to cook them until they are fully done, and consider cutting them into smaller pieces for quicker cooking.

Can I freeze this dish?

While the dish is best served fresh, you can freeze the Chicken Orzo for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop with a little added liquid to prevent it from drying out.

Conclusion

This Decadent Creamy Chicken Orzo is the perfect combination of rich, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and earthy mushrooms all wrapped in delicious orzo pasta. It’s easy to make, hearty, and full of flavor, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner or a special meal with loved ones. The creamy sauce and the satisfying orzo will have everyone coming back for more!