Savory One-Pan Marry Me Chicken With Orzo Recipe – Love Baked In

Tender chicken breasts simmering in a creamy sundried tomato orzo marry me chicken sauce promise a restaurant-quality meal that sparks culinary romance.

The magic happens in just one pan, delivering maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.

Fragrant herbs and rich parmesan cheese create a symphony of tastes that dance across your palate.

Weeknight dinners suddenly feel elegant and effortless with this irresistible dish.

Crispy chicken nestled in silky orzo transforms an ordinary meal into a memorable experience.

Each bite tells a delicious story of comfort and sophistication.

You’ll fall head over heels for this crowd-pleasing recipe that turns simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Why Marry Me Chicken With Orzo Is a Weeknight Hit

• Enjoy a complete meal prepared and served in a single skillet, minimizing kitchen mess and reducing post-dinner dish-washing time.
• Combine lean protein from chicken, nutrient-rich spinach, and complex carbohydrates from orzo, creating a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and taste buds simultaneously.
• Perfect for family dinners, date nights, or casual gatherings, this recipe adapts easily to different dietary preferences and can be customized with simple ingredient swaps.

Ingredients You’ll Need for One-Pan Chicken and Orzo

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean protein that serves as the primary component of this delicious one-pan meal.

• Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: A blend of spices that adds depth, warmth, and complexity to the chicken and orzo dish.

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth cooking medium and adds a subtle fruity flavor to the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Creates a flavorful cooking liquid that helps cook the orzo and infuse the entire dish with rich taste.
• Coconut Milk or Heavy Cream: Adds creaminess and luxurious texture to the final sauce.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Brings a concentrated, tangy sweetness that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Orzo: A small pasta that serves as a hearty base, absorbing the delicious cooking liquid.
• Spinach: Adds a fresh, green element and nutritional boost to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty finish that melts into a creamy sauce.

How to Make This Creamy Chicken Orzo in One Pan

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Cubes

Pat chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and slice into bite-sized cubes.

This technique helps achieve better browning and ensures even cooking.

Step 2: Sear Chicken Perfectly

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Add chicken cubes and cook for 2-3 minutes until edges turn golden.

The goal is partial cooking at this stage.

Step 3: Build Flavor Foundation

• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Minced garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir ingredients and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together and create an aromatic base.

Step 4: Introduce Orzo

Coat uncooked orzo with existing seasonings and oil.

Pour chicken broth into the skillet, mix thoroughly, and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Simmer and Develop

Lower heat to medium, cover skillet, and cook for 12 minutes.

Stir occasionally to prevent orzo from sticking.

The pasta will absorb broth, becoming tender and rich with flavor.

Step 6: Create Creamy Texture

• Coconut milk or heavy cream
• Fresh spinach

Stir until spinach wilts and blends seamlessly into the creamy sauce.

Step 7: Enhance With Cheese

Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese and give a final stir.

The cheese will melt, creating a luxurious and velvety finish to the dish.

Top Tips for Juicy Chicken and Tender Pasta

• Pat chicken completely dry before searing to ensure a golden, crispy exterior without clinging to the pan.
• Stir orzo frequently during cooking to help it evenly absorb liquid and prevent burning or uneven texture.
• Add cream or coconut milk at the end to maintain a silky sauce without separating or curdling.
• Fold spinach in last moment to preserve bright green color and prevent overcooking, keeping nutrients intact.
• Replace chicken broth with white wine for an elevated, more complex taste profile that adds depth to the dish.

Storage and Reheat Tips for Orzo Dishes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and place in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The orzo and chicken will maintain their flavor and texture when chilled properly.
• Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label container with date and contents.
• Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture. Stir gently and frequently to prevent sticking. Heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 5-7 minutes.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Check temperature and ensure even heating throughout the dish.

What Sides Pair Well With Marry Me Chicken

• Pair Perfectly with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc offers bright acidity that cuts through the creamy richness of the dish, complementing the sun-dried tomatoes and chicken beautifully.
• Serve Alongside Fresh Mediterranean Salad: Create a light Greek-style salad with cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese to balance the hearty one-pan meal and add refreshing contrast.
• Match with Crusty Garlic Bread: Toasted sourdough or rustic Italian bread becomes the ideal accompaniment, perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce and adding textural variety to each bite.
• Enhance with Herb-Infused Olive Oil Drizzle: Finish the dish with a quick drizzle of basil or oregano-infused olive oil to elevate the Mediterranean flavors and add an aromatic touch to the entire meal.

Marry Me Chicken Variations to Explore

• Gluten-Free Zinger: Swap orzo with cauliflower rice or quinoa for a low-carb, gluten-free version that keeps all the original recipe's flavor complexity.
• Dairy-Free Wonder: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese to create a creamy, allergen-friendly meal that doesn't compromise taste.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Substitute Italian seasoning with fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and oregano, and add kalamata olives for an authentic Greek-inspired interpretation that elevates the dish's herbal notes.
• Vegetarian Protein Power: Exchange chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, maintaining the same cooking technique and spice profile for a plant-based protein alternative that's equally satisfying and nutritious.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They’re often more flavorful and stay juicier, just adjust cooking time slightly as they might take a bit longer to cook through.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. While the ingredients can be gluten-free, traditional orzo contains wheat. Look for gluten-free orzo made from rice or corn to make this dish celiac-friendly.

• How spicy is this dish?

The recipe is mild with a gentle warmth from Italian seasoning and paprika. If you want more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper during cooking.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and follow the same cooking method for a delicious vegetarian version.

One-pan Marry Me Chicken With Orzo Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Irresistible marry me chicken with orzo promises a romantic culinary journey through creamy, herb-infused flavors. Parmesan-crusted chicken nestled in tender orzo creates a simple yet elegant meal you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into cubes
• 2 large handfuls fresh spinach

Seasonings and Spices:

• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 45 cloves garlic, mashed

Base and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup orzo
• 2 3/4 cups (650 milliliters) chicken broth or water
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3/4 cup (120 grams) sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil and drained
• 3/4 cup (75 grams) parmesan cheese, freshly grated

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by gently patting dry with a paper towel and cutting into uniform bite-sized cubes to ensure even cooking and better browning potential.
2. Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until it reaches a shimmering consistency, then carefully add chicken cubes and sear for approximately 2-3 minutes, developing a golden exterior without fully cooking through.
3. Introduce aromatic ingredients including sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper, stirring thoroughly to distribute flavors and allow spices to bloom for 3-4 minutes.
4. Incorporate uncooked orzo into the skillet, ensuring complete coating with existing seasonings and oil, then gradually pour chicken broth, mixing well and bringing to a gentle simmer.
5. Reduce heat to medium, cover the skillet, and allow contents to cook for approximately 12 minutes, periodically stirring to prevent orzo from sticking and promote even absorption of liquid.
6. Once orzo reaches desired tenderness, integrate coconut milk or heavy cream and fresh spinach, allowing spinach to wilt quickly and infuse the dish with vibrant color and nutrients.
7. Complete the dish by sprinkling freshly grated parmesan cheese, stirring to create a luxurious, creamy sauce that binds all ingredients together with a rich, savory finish.

Notes

• Pat chicken breasts completely dry before cubing to achieve golden, crispy edges that lock in maximum flavor and prevent steaming.
• Stir frequently during cooking and use a non-stick skillet to ensure even cooking and prevent bottom burning.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or plant-based cream alternatives for lactose-intolerant or vegan dietary needs.
• Replace chicken with tofu, tempeh, or plant-based chicken alternatives for vegetarian versions without compromising taste complexity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 120mg