Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe

Introduction

Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, comforting dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Tender chicken breasts paired with savory orzo and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes create a delightful combination that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup orzo
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breasts and sear them until they are golden brown on both sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Step 2: Add the orzo to the same skillet and toast it briefly, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
3. Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and cook the orzo for 8 to 10 minutes until it is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
4. Step 4: Stir in the heavy cream, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the sauce becomes creamy and well combined.
5. Step 5: Return the seared chicken to the skillet, allowing it to warm through and soak up the flavors.
6. Step 6: Garnish with fresh basil before serving for a burst of freshness.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken briefly in garlic and Italian herbs before cooking.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter dish.
• Add spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for a healthy green touch.
• Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for a richer texture and flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well and can add extra juiciness. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely. Replace orzo with a gluten-free pasta or rice and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free to keep the dish safe for gluten sensitivity.

Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 336 reviews

Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, comforting one-pan dish featuring tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection, combined with toasted orzo simmered in flavorful chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Finished with fresh basil, this recipe offers a deliciously rich and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Orzo and Sauce

• 1 cup orzo
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Garnish

• Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil: Pour olive oil into a skillet and warm it over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Sear the chicken: Add the sliced chicken breasts to the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides, ensuring they are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Toast the orzo: In the same skillet, add the orzo and toast it briefly, stirring frequently to prevent burning, until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden.
4. Simmer with broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook the orzo in the broth for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the orzo is tender.
5. Add cream and flavorings: Stir in the heavy cream, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the sauce becomes creamy and evenly coats the orzo.
6. Return the chicken: Place the seared chicken slices back into the skillet to warm through and meld with the creamy sauce.
7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh basil over the dish right before serving to add color and a fresh herbal note.

Notes

• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
• Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy sweetness; substitute with roasted red peppers for variation.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
• Cook the chicken in batches if your skillet is small to ensure proper searing.
• Feel free to garnish with additional Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon for added brightness.

Keywords: Marry Me Chicken, Orzo, One-Pan Dinner, Creamy Chicken Recipe, Italian Chicken, Easy Dinner Recipe