If you are looking for a comforting, flavor-packed meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Marry Me Chicken Orzo (One-Pot Recipe) Recipe will quickly become your new go-to. This dish brings together juicy, herb-seasoned chicken thighs with creamy orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh greens in one effortless pot, creating a deliciously rich and fragrant Mediterranean-inspired dinner. With its perfect balance of textures and vibrant colors, this recipe is not just easy to make but also guaranteed to impress everyone around your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in the Marry Me Chicken Orzo (One-Pot Recipe) Recipe is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. From the tender chicken thighs to the bright fresh basil, every item plays an essential role in making this one-pot meal truly special.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs (1 ½ pounds): Richer and more flavorful than chicken breasts, perfect for juicy searing.
- Avocado oil (1 tablespoon): A healthy, high-heat oil that gives a lovely golden crust to the chicken.
- Salt (1 ¼ teaspoons, divided): Enhances every ingredient’s natural flavors while balancing the creaminess.
- Black pepper (¾ teaspoon, divided): Adds just the right amount of gentle heat and depth.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): Lends a subtle smokiness and beautiful warm color to the chicken.
- Dried thyme (½ teaspoon): Brings earthy herbal notes that elevate the dish.
- Garlic cloves (4, finely minced): Infuses a fragrant, savory base that wakes up the palate.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (1 jar, 7-ounce, chopped and drained): Concentrated sweetness and chewy texture that contrast perfectly with the creamy sauce.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): Forms the robust and flavorful cooking liquid for the orzo.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Richness that makes the orzo irresistibly silky and luscious.
- Orzo pasta (16-ounce package): Small pasta that cooks quickly and blends seamlessly with the sauce.
- Baby spinach (4 cups loosely packed): Freshness and a pop of vibrant green to brighten the meal.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Adds nutty umami and melts into the sauce beautifully.
- Fresh basil leaves (½ cup loosely packed): Aromatic, herbaceous finish that brings it all together.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Orzo (One-Pot Recipe) Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F to get it ready for the final baking step where all the flavors meld together and the chicken finishes cooking perfectly.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry for a crisp sear, then season generously with 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Heat avocado oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until beautifully golden brown, creating a rich base flavor for the whole dish. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Garlic and Tomatoes
Lower the heat to medium after removing the chicken. Add the minced garlic to the same pan, sautéeing for 30 seconds until fragrant to deepen the savory notes. Then stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and let them cook for another minute, releasing their intense sweetness and oil into the mix.
Step 4: Add Cream, Broth, and Orzo
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping the pan’s browned bits to capture every bit of flavor. Bring this creamy liquid to a gentle simmer. Stir in the orzo, making sure it’s evenly submerged; this step ensures the pasta absorbs all the rich flavors as it cooks.
Step 5: Bake in the Oven
Place the seared chicken on top of the creamy orzo mixture, then transfer the entire skillet to the oven. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the orzo is perfectly tender with a creamy, saucy texture — the hallmark of this Marry Me Chicken Orzo (One-Pot Recipe) Recipe’s irresistible appeal.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Remove the chicken and stir the orzo gently, then fold in Parmesan cheese, baby spinach, and fresh basil. Let the spinach wilt into the warm orzo, then nestle the chicken back on top. Sprinkle additional Parmesan and basil if you like—this final touch adds freshness and cheesy goodness. Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy orzo at its best before it thickens too much.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Orzo (One-Pot Recipe) Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese goes a long way here, adding an extra nutty flavor and a lovely melt-in-your-mouth texture. Fresh basil leaves scattered on top brighten the dish with an herbal aroma. For a touch of elegance and zing, a few lemon zest shavings or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil can also be fantastic.
Side Dishes
Because this recipe is a full meal on its own, you can keep sides simple. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables adds both texture contrast and a fresh element to the plate. Crunchy garlic bread or warm pita breads are perfect if you want to soak up any remaining creamy orzo sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken thighs whole atop a bed of the creamy orzo, garnished with basil and Parmesan for an elegant presentation. Alternatively, shred the chicken and mix it into the orzo for a family-style dish that’s easier to serve. For a crowd-pleasing option, turn the recipe into individual casseroles by dividing the baked mix into ramekins before adding the toppings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The creamy orzo will continue to absorb liquid, so it may thicken; just stir in a splash of broth or cream when reheating to revive the sauce’s silky texture.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover Marry Me Chicken Orzo (One-Pot Recipe) Recipe for up to two months. Make sure to cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to avoid overcooking the chicken or pasta.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a little more chicken broth or cream if the orzo looks too thick. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to evenly distribute heat and maintain creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely, but keep in mind that chicken breasts are leaner and can dry out more quickly. You might want to reduce the oven cooking time slightly or add a bit more liquid to keep the dish moist and tender.
Is it necessary to bake the dish in the oven?
Baking helps the flavors meld beautifully and ensures the chicken cooks evenly through. However, if you don’t have an oven-safe pan or want to speed things up, you can simmer the orzo on the stove and finish cooking the chicken separately, but the one-pot method gives the best results.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich and creamy. For dairy-free alternatives, coconut cream works, though it will add a slight coconut flavor.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the orzo for a gluten-free pasta or even quinoa. Adjust cooking times as needed since different grains have varying cook times and liquid absorption.
How spicy is this Marry Me Chicken Orzo (One-Pot Recipe) Recipe?
This recipe is more about savory, creamy, and aromatic flavors rather than heat. The black pepper and paprika add warmth, but it’s not spicy hot. You can always add a pinch of chili flakes if you prefer a bit of kick.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say the Marry Me Chicken Orzo (One-Pot Recipe) Recipe is a game-changer for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike. Its creamy, flavorful orzo combined with tender chicken and bright herbs circles all the bases for a satisfying meal that feels like a loving declaration through food. Give it a try—you might just find it’s the recipe you never knew you needed to fall in love with cooking all over again.
Print
Marry Me Chicken Orzo (One-Pot Recipe) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a luscious one-pot dish featuring tender seared chicken thighs baked atop creamy orzo pasta, infused with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and fragrant herbs. Rich with Parmesan and a blend of savory spices, this comforting meal is perfect for an impressive yet simple dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 ¼ teaspoons salt (divided)
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper (divided)
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Orzo and Sauce
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 (7-ounce) jar sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil, drained)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 (16-ounce) package orzo pasta
Finishing Touches
- 4 cups loosely packed fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the finished dish.
- Cook the chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry and season both sides with 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, paprika, and thyme. Heat avocado oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
- Cook the garlic and tomatoes: Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional minute.
- Add cream, broth, and orzo: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in orzo pasta, ensuring it is evenly coated and submerged in the liquid.
- Bake in the oven: Nestle seared chicken thighs back on top of the orzo mixture. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through and the orzo is creamy but slightly saucy.
- Finish and serve: Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside. Gently stir the orzo, then mix in Parmesan cheese, fresh spinach, and basil leaves. Once the spinach has wilted, return the chicken to the skillet. Garnish with additional basil and Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy texture before the orzo absorbs more liquid.
Notes
- Use a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven for this one-pot recipe to simplify cooking and clean-up.
- Make sure to dry the chicken well before seasoning to achieve a nice sear.
- The orzo continues to absorb liquid as it sits, so serve immediately for best texture.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil provide more flavor; drain but do not rinse before using.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if preferred, but cooking time may vary slightly.
