Creamy Chicken Orzo For A Festive Holiday Side

For an effortlessly delicious meal, Creamy Chicken Orzo unites succulent chicken pieces, tender orzo pasta, rich Parmesan, and aromatic garlic in a sumptuous creamy sauce.

Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe

This comforting meal, effortlessly prepared in a single pot, provides a homely yet elegant dining experience. Creamy Chicken Orzo offers a satisfying dinner option with its perfectly cooked chicken and orzo pasta enveloped in a creamy, Parmesan-laced sauce with just the right hint of garlic. This dish stands out for its comforting textures and rich flavours, making it an ideal choice for a fulfilling weeknight meal.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (20 g) butter
• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 medium shallot, finely diced
• 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, finely chopped
• 10.5 oz (300 g) orzo
• 4 cups (1 litre) chicken stock
• Juice of half a lemon
• 2 cups (75 g) baby spinach
• ½ cup (100 ml) half and half (single cream)
• ⅓ cup (30 g) Parmesan, grated
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

• Heat the olive oil in a large, deep pan and melt the butter in it.
• Add the chicken breast and cook for 4-5 minutes over medium heat until slightly golden.
• Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
• To the same pan, add the shallot and cook for 1-2 minutes. Stir in the garlic, thyme and oregano and continue to cook for another minute.
• Add the orzo, toast it for a minute, and then pour in the chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes until the orzo is al dente.
• Stir in the baby spinach and lemon juice and simmer for 1-2 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
• Add the half and half and stir to combine. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens, then add the cooked chicken and grated Parmesan.
• Season to taste and serve immediately, with some extra grated Parmesan on top if you like.

Serving Suggestions

• Crisp Salad
• Roasted Vegetables
• Garlic Bread
• Sautéed Greens
• Tomato Bruschetta
• Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans

Tips and Tricks

• Don’t skip the step of toasting the orzo to bring out a nutty flavor that will enhance the overall dish.
• Adjust the garlic quantity based on personal taste preference. Two plump cloves give a noticeable yet balanced flavor.
• Incorporate a mix of fresh thyme and oregano for aromatic flavors. In the absence of fresh herbs, a 2-teaspoon mix of Italian herbs can be an effective substitute.