This easy chicken orzo dish is a winner! Tender chicken, little pasta orzo, fresh spinach, and sweet cherry tomatoes come together for a colorful and tasty meal.
I love how quick this recipe is—I can have dinner on the table in no time! It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something healthy but delicious. Plus, who can resist those juicy tomatoes? 
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Chicken tenders are great for quick cooking, but you can substitute with chicken breast or thighs, depending on your preference. If you’re vegetarian, try chickpeas or firm tofu for protein.
Orzo Pasta: This tiny pasta is perfect for this dish, but if you can’t find it, feel free to use rice or another small pasta like quinoa or couscous. Just keep an eye on cooking times.
Spinach: Fresh baby spinach is ideal for its mild flavor, but if you have kale or Swiss chard, these work well too. Just chop them a bit smaller to soften during cooking.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add sweetness, but you can substitute with regular diced tomatoes or any other type you have on hand. Canned tomatoes are also a good option.
Parmesan Cheese: For a dairy-free alternative, try nutritional yeast or leave it out altogether. You can also use any hard cheese you like, such as Pecorino Romano.
How Do I Ensure My Orzo is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking orzo properly is key to this dish. Here are some tips to get it just right:
- Make sure to toast the orzo briefly in oil before adding broth. This enhances the flavor!
- Use enough liquid—3 cups of chicken broth is perfect, so it can absorb fully.
- Stir the orzo occasionally while it cooks to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Watch the cooking time; orzo should be tender but not mushy. Test it at the 8-minute mark!
By following these steps, your orzo will turn out beautifully! Enjoy the creamy texture as it pairs perfectly with the chicken and veggies.
Easy Chicken Orzo with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders or chicken breast cut into strips
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
For the Orzo and Veggies:
- 3 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Optional Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
- Red pepper flakes (for a bit of heat)
- Fresh oregano or basil leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time, making it a quick meal that can come together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by mixing together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Coat the chicken tenders evenly with this spice mix to infuse exciting flavors into the meat.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken tenders and cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Cook the Orzo:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the orzo pasta and cook it for about 1-2 minutes while stirring frequently. This toasting step adds a nice depth of flavor.
4. Add Broth and Simmer:
Pour in the chicken broth and stir well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cook the orzo uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes until the orzo is tender and the broth is mostly absorbed.
5. Add Veggies:
After the orzo has cooked, stir in the fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes. Allow everything to cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes are slightly softened.
6. Return Chicken to Skillet:
Now it’s time to nestle the cooked chicken back into the pan on top of the orzo and veggies. Let everything warm up together for a couple of minutes.
7. Finish:
Remove the skillet from heat. For a burst of creaminess, stir in the optional butter and Parmesan cheese if desired. For a little kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top.
8. Serve:
Garnish your dish with fresh oregano or basil leaves before serving. Enjoy your delicious and colorful chicken orzo meal while it’s warm!
This one-pan meal not only tastes amazing but is also easy to prepare and clean up. Perfect for making delicious memories at dinner time!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way to thaw is to leave it in the fridge overnight or place it in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for a few hours to quicken the process.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can cook the chicken and orzo mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To serve, simply reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to loosen it up.
What Can I Substitute for Orzo?
If you don’t have orzo, small pasta shapes like ditalini or acini di pepe work well. You could also use quinoa or rice, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid and cooking times accordingly, as they have different cooking requirements.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. If it’s too thick, add a bit of broth or water to help loosen it up.
