If you are looking for a show-stopping dinner that feels cozy, indulgent, and effortlessly elegant, the Marry Me Chicken Orzo (One-Pot Recipe) Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. This dish combines tender, flavorful chicken thighs with creamy orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs—all cooked in one pot to deliver delicious layers of flavor with minimal cleanup. Every bite is a comforting hug on a plate, making it an instant favorite for family dinners or special occasions where you want to impress without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but essential to creating the luscious flavors and textures that make this dish so memorable. Each one adds a vital element, from the savory chicken and creamy broth to the bright pops of basil and tender baby spinach.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: They deliver juicy, flavorful meat that stays tender throughout cooking.
- Avocado oil: A neutral oil that sears the chicken beautifully without overpowering the flavors.
- Salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance every ingredient’s natural taste.
- Paprika and dried thyme: These spices add subtle warmth and aromatic earthiness.
- Garlic cloves: Finely minced to infuse the dish with a fragrant depth.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Chopped and packed with intense, sweet-tart flavor and a touch of umami.
- Chicken broth: The savory liquid base that cooks the orzo and keeps everything moist.
- Heavy cream: Adds luxurious creaminess, turning the sauce rich and silky.
- Orzo pasta: This small, rice-shaped pasta absorbs flavor like a dream and creates a creamy texture.
- Fresh baby spinach: Provides a fresh, tender green element that wilts beautifully into the sauce.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Melts into the orzo for a nutty, cheesy finish.
- Fresh basil leaves: Bright and aromatic, they lift the entire dish with their herbaceous notes.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Orzo (One-Pot Recipe) Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Start by setting your oven to 375°F so it’s ready to gently finish cooking your dish once the stovetop steps are done. Having the oven preheated saves time and ensures everything cooks evenly.
Step 2: Cook the chicken
Pat your chicken thighs dry to help them sear perfectly. Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme for a balanced seasoning. Heat avocado oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Let each side cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and caramelized. Remove the chicken and set aside; these flavorful browned bits will deepen the sauce.
Step 3: Cook the garlic and tomatoes
Turn the heat down to medium to gently cook the garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds—don’t let it burn! Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes next and cook for another minute. This step awakens their rich, concentrated flavor, building a terrific base for your sauce.
Step 4: Add cream, broth, and orzo
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any delicious browned pieces stuck to the pan. Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Stir in the orzo, making sure it’s fully coated and submerged in the liquid. This combination will cook the orzo and create that irresistibly creamy texture.
Step 5: Bake in the oven
Nestle the seared chicken back on top of the orzo. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. The chicken finishes cooking through while the orzo transforms into a creamy, slightly saucy bed. This final baking step brings everything together beautifully.
Step 6: Finish and serve
Remove the chicken once again and gently stir the orzo to mix in the grated parmesan cheese, fresh baby spinach, and basil leaves. Let the spinach wilt in the warm sauce, then place the chicken back on top. Add extra parmesan and basil if you like. Serve right away because as the orzo sits, it will keep soaking up liquid, and you want it perfectly creamy every time.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Orzo (One-Pot Recipe) Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese make ideal garnishes. They add brightness and a hint of saltiness that complement the dish perfectly. A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil can also elevate the flavors and add a silky finish.
Side Dishes
Since this recipe is rich and full-flavored, pairing it with simple side salads like a crisp arugula or mixed greens tossed with lemon vinaigrette works wonderfully. Roasted vegetables or garlic bread also make fantastic companions if you want something warm and hearty alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the dish family-style straight from the skillet for a cozy vibe, or carefully plate individual portions with extra fresh basil and parmesan sprinkled on top. For a special touch, add a lemon wedge on the side to brighten up each bite with a squeeze of citrus.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Marry Me Chicken Orzo (One-Pot Recipe) Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The orzo will absorb more sauce over time, so storing with a splash of chicken broth can help maintain a creamy consistency when reheated.
Freezing
This dish freezes well in portions. Place cooled leftovers in freezer-safe containers, separating chicken and orzo if possible for easier reheating. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. Add a little broth or cream to refresh the sauce and prevent the orzo from drying out. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the creamy texture from clumping.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work but may cook faster and can dry out more easily. Keep a close eye while baking and consider reducing cooking time slightly for the juiciest results.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a creamy dairy-free alternative and use nutritional yeast in place of parmesan for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Can I prepare this recipe on the stovetop only?
You can simmer the orzo and chicken on the stovetop, but finishing in the oven helps melt the cheese, wilt the spinach perfectly, and cook the chicken evenly. If you skip the oven, cook the chicken thoroughly and cover the pot to finish the orzo gently on low heat.
What type of orzo is best for this recipe?
Regular orzo pasta works best as it holds its shape and absorbs the sauce beautifully. Whole wheat or gluten-free orzo can be used as alternatives but may require slight adjustments in cooking time and liquid amount.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to stir in mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes alongside the spinach for extra color and nutrition. Just add them when you add the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to give them time to soften.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say the Marry Me Chicken Orzo (One-Pot Recipe) Recipe is more than just a dinner—it’s a comforting, flavorful experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. It hits all the right notes of creamy, savory, and fresh, all made with so little fuss. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Go ahead and give it a try—you won’t regret it!
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: Italian
- Diet: Halal
Description
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, one-pot Italian-inspired dish featuring succulent seared chicken thighs baked with tender orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and fresh herbs. This comforting meal combines rich flavors from garlic, parmesan cheese, and fresh basil, all cooked together for an easy yet elegant weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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
Flavor Base
- 4 garlic cloves (finely minced)
- 1 (7-ounce) jar sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil, drained)
Liquid and Pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 (16-ounce) package orzo pasta
Finishing Ingredients
- 4 cups loosely packed fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the final dish.
- Season and sear the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry to ensure a good sear. Season both sides with 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Heat the avocado oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and seared. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes: Lower the heat to medium. Add the finely minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional 1 minute to release their flavor.
- Add liquids and orzo: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze and incorporate any browned bits. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the orzo pasta, ensuring it’s fully coated and submerged in the liquid.
- Bake the dish: Place the seared chicken thighs on top of the orzo mixture in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the orzo is creamy but still has a slight sauciness.
- Finish with greens and cheese: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Gently stir the orzo, then add the grated parmesan cheese, fresh baby spinach, and basil leaves. Stir until the spinach has wilted and everything is well combined. Return the chicken to the top of the orzo.
- Serve immediately: Garnish with additional fresh basil and parmesan if desired. Serve the dish right away as the orzo will continue absorbing liquid the longer it sits.
Notes
- Using an oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven is essential for easy transfer from stovetop to oven.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil add richness and depth, so be sure to drain them well to avoid excess oil in the dish.
- If preferred, chicken breasts can be substituted but may cook faster; adjust baking time accordingly.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream.
- Fresh spinach wilts quickly; add it at the end to retain its vibrant color and nutrients.
- Serve with extra parmesan and fresh basil for added flavor and presentation appeal.
