This chicken and orzo skillet comes together in about 30 minutes and it's all made in one pan. Full of fresh tomatoes with a light drizzle of balsamic for a bright, flavorful meal.
I had some orzo laying around and naturally had to use it up. Orzo it's such a fun pasta. It's texture in things is similar to a grain but it's a pasta. Easy to cook and adds some elegance to any dish since it's not as commonly cooked with.
Table of contents
Why Make This Chicken And Orzo Skillet
This chicken and orzo skillet can be ready in 30 minutes. That's a quick dinner to feed the whole family! It only uses one pan or skillet so less mess to cleanup afterwards. This meal is totally customizable as far as protein goes. I only cook chicken with it, so the timing will be different if you choose a different protein but it is delicious. There are loads of flavor in each bite.
Ingredients
Chicken Breast. I prefer boneless, skinless chicken breast. You will need about 1 - 1.5 lb.
Orzo Pasta. Raw.
Chicken Broth. A high quality one will always work best. This is what will be cooking the orzo pasta in the skillet.
Canned Crushed Tomatoes.
Balsamic glaze or Balsamic vinegar. I prefer the glaze. You can make your own or purchase pre made balsamic glaze at any grocery store in the salad dressing aisle or where the vinegar is sold. This brightens the flavors in the dish and takes it to an elevated level.
Fresh Cherry Tomatoes. For more color and texture.
Garlic and Onion.
Salt & Pepper
Olive Oil.
Fresh Cilantro. For garnish and pop of color. Parsley will also work.
How To Make This Recipe
Step one. Clean and cut the fat off your chicken breast. If they are large breasts, slice them in half. Place them in a hot oiled skillet on medium heat. Brown both sides of the chicken, about 4-5 minutes each side. Place to the side.
Step two. In the same skillet (do not clean it) add in your orzo. Brown it for about 10 minutes, be sure to stir often. Then add in chopped onion and garlic. Cook for another 5 minutes on medium to low heat.
Step three. Mix your salt, pepper, broth and crushed tomatoes together in a bowl. Add your browned chicken back to the skillet, wiggle it in between the orzo so it's touching the skillet. Pour the broth mixture over the chicken. This should deglaze the skillet and get all the yummy chicken flavors up into the sauce. Cover, lower heat to low and let it lightly simmer for about 15 minutes or until the Orzo and chicken are both fully cooked.
Step four. Add in the cherry tomatoes. Let it simmer another few minutes. Turn the heat off and add in balsamic. Stir well. Garnish with cilantro and serve.
Recipe FAQ's
Yes, as long as it is a large pan to fit all the ingredients
No, you can skip them if you don't have them. They are for texture and color in the dish.
This is usually sold in the salad dressing aisle at your local grocery store. You may use the vinegar in place, however it won't have the sweet touch that glaze does, but will still brighten the dish up.
Other Recipes To Try
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Chicken And Orzo 30 Minute Skillet
Ingredients
- 1½ lb chicken breast boneless/skinless
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- ½ cup chopped onion yellow about a medium/small size onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 can of crushed tomatoes
- 2⅓ cup chicken broth or stock
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes for garnish and color
- 3 tbsp fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze reduction *
Instructions
- Clean and cut the fat off your chicken breast. If they are large breasts, slice them in half. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over them. Place them in a hot oiled skillet on medium heat. Brown both sides of the chicken, about 4-5 minutes each side. Place to the side.
- in the same skillet (do not clean it) add in your orzo. Brown it for about 10 minutes, be sure to stir often. Then add in chopped onion and garlic. Cook for another 5 minutes on medium to low heat.
- Mix your salt, pepper, broth and crushed tomatoes together in a bowl. Add your browned chicken back to the skillet, wiggle it in between the orzo so it's touching the skillet. Pour the broth mixture over the chicken. This should deglaze the skillet and get all the yummy chicken flavors up into the sauce. Cover, lower heat to low and let it lightly simmer for about 15 minutes or until the Orzo and chicken are both fully cooked. Stir a little during that 15 minutes.
- Add in the cherry tomatoes in. Let it simmer another few minutes (3). Turn the heat off and add in balsamic glaze. Stir well. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve.
Sarah
Making this tonight! Can I use quinoa instead of orzo? Will it cook the same?
Bailey
Hi Sarah,
Excited for you to try this one! Quinoa can cook a little weird in broth with tomatoes since it's a grain and not as absorbent, I just recently tried it. I would give it a try, but keep some extra broth handy in case it takes a little longer to fully cook. I would plan accordingly on when you add your chicken back in, make sure you check it so it doesn’t overcook with the time adjustment. Let me know if you try it and enjoy.
Kathy
What size jar of crushed tomatoes do you recommend?
Bailey
Hi there I always use a bowl 14.5 ounce can typically it’s about 1 1/3 cups! I hope that helps.