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Marry Me Chicken Orzo 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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