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Quick, delicious, and hearty Cheesy Chicken with Orzo is a meal that everyone loves. A simple recipe prepared with perfectly seared chicken and orzo pasta coated in a creamy and cheesy sauce. It’s ready in under 30 minutes and you’ll only need one pan to get it done!
Cheesy Chicken Orzo
This cheesy orzo recipe is truly one of those dinners that the whole family enjoys. It’s a great, quick meal for those busy weeknights, with deliciously seasoned chicken and risotto-like orzo pasta all stirred through a cheesy sauce that you can’t resist.
What I really like about this recipe is that it’s a complete dinner in just 30 minutes, AND you get your protein, your carbs, even your veggies, if you choose to throw in some spinach.
What is Orzo
Orzo is a pasta! It looks like rice, but it’s just tiny bland pasta, and it’s mostly used for texture rather than flavor, which is why it’s fun to play with this pasta. You can flavor it any way you like and you won’t mess it up!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this deliciously cheesy orzo, you only need a few simple ingredients. Below you’ll find a list with notes about substitutions, but for the full recipe, please scroll down to the recipe card.
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the chicken. Avocado oil or vegetable oil can also be used.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: You can substitute with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a slightly richer flavor.
- Dried Thyme: If you don’t have thyme, you can substitute with dried oregano or rosemary.
- Garlic Powder: If you prefer, you can use fresh minced garlic instead (about 1 clove).
- Paprika: Gives a mild smoky flavor and a touch of color to the chicken.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of the dish.
- Orzo: A small pasta that adds a tender, chewy texture to the dish.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the orzo to create a creamy, cheesy sauce. You can try other melting cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère.
- Milk: Adds creaminess to the sauce, helping to create a smooth texture.
- Butter: Adds richness and a smooth texture to the sauce.
- Dijon Mustard: Provides a subtle tang and depth to the sauce. Whole grain mustard or any other mustard will also work.
- Fresh Baby Spinach (optional): Adds a fresh flavor and a boost of nutrition to the dish.
How To Make Cheesy Chicken Orzo
- Prep & cook the chicken. We are going to start with cutting up some chicken breasts into bite-size pieces and sautè those pieces in a dutch oven. If you don’t have a dutch oven, use a large skillet. Remove cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the orzo. Pour water in the same pot and bring to a boil; add the orzo and cook for 9 minutes. Drain and return orzo to the same pot.
- Make the cream sauce. Stir in the cheese, butter, and milk until completely incorporated. Taste for seasonings and adjust accordingly.
- Combine and serve. Stir in the cooked chicken pieces. If using spinach, stir that in, too, and then serve.
Recipe Tips
- To make this a one-pot meal, you’ll want to use a dutch oven or something similar to it because you need a pot that will fit enough water to boil the pasta. A 5-quart jumbo cooker is a great alternative.
- I love adding some veggies to this meal, but if you aren’t up for it, you don’t have to include it. If you want to use something other than baby spinach, I think baby kale or precooked broccoli florets are a perfect addition.
- When making the sauce, start with 1/2 cup milk, stir and see if it’s as creamy as you prefer it. If not, add more milk, a little bit at a time, until you reach desired consistency. Taste as you go along to make sure that it’s seasoned to your liking.
Storing Leftovers
This orzo dish makes great leftovers that my husband likes to take to work the next day. Store your leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
More Orzo Recipes
- One Pot Chicken and Orzo with Spinach and Tomatoes
- Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe with Orzo
- Chicken Orzo Recipe
- Orzo with Frittata with Spinach and Feta
ENJOY!
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Cheesy Chicken Orzo
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika, or to taste
- salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup orzo
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard, optional
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach, optional
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a dutch oven or a 5-quart pan/skillet set over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken pieces to the skillet, season with thyme, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper, and cook over medium heat until done; about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Add about 3-quarts of water to the pot; set it over high heat and bring to a boil.
- Stir in the orzo and cook for 8 to 9 minutes, or until orzo is tender.
- Drain.
- Put the orzo back in the pot and stir in the cheese, milk, butter, and mustard, if using. Continue to stir until smooth, creamy, and well combined. Add more milk if needed to reach desired creamy consistency.
- Taste for seasonings and adjust accordingly.
- Stir in the spinach; stir for a minute, or until wilted.
- Stir in the chicken.
- Serve.
Nutrition
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.
I love orzo and this looks delicious! I also can’t stop at one piece of Lou Malnati’s pizza! Love it!
Lou Malnati’s is where pizza dreams come true!! 😉
Sometimes the simple ingredients that are in the fridge make the best meals. This looks scrumptious Kate! And your pics look extra cheesy (no pun)!. The serves 4 but really 2 is very Nigella. And true.
Oh my goodness! How did you know I was craving something cheesy!! Looks so good & such pretty photos!
You had me a “Cheesy”! I’ve been craving Mac & Cheese for quite a while, but this looks like a healthier alternative with the satisfaction that I’m looking for. Great recipe!
Kate,
I just got finished ranting in the other direction–a tiny bag of faro from Trader Joes which, when cooked, was waaaay more food than the “serves 3” the nutrition facts label stated.
This orzo looks simply yummy.
Thanks!
I need orzo in my life. This looks deliciously comforting, Katerina 🙂
You made this dish look so comforting, love to hold that bowl in my hands and have every bit of it. Great photos!
With all the rain and grey skies we’re expecting over the next few days, this recipe will make some darn good comfort food…for one!!! ;} Lovely, Kate!!!
Haha! It used to be serve 4 = serve 2, but my gosh, my kids started to eat a lot and sometimes I have to give up my share! This looks so good – love cheesy dish like this!
OMG – this looks fantastic!!