When it comes to hearty, delicious, and easy-to-make meals, the One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo recipe truly stands out. It has become a staple in our kitchen, and my husband absolutely loves it! The beauty of this dish lies not only in its fantastic taste but also in its simplicity, requiring minimal cleanup. Personally, I prefer to serve it family-style straight from the pan, making it hassle-free and enjoyable!

WHAT IS ONE-PAN MARRY ME CHICKEN ORZO

One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo is one of my family’s favourite recipes. This easy-to-make meal brings together golden chicken cutlets, creamy orzo, flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. With minimal cleanup required, it’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Plus, its rich and satisfying flavors make it a hit with both adults and kids alike.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

Chicken breasts: You’ll need two large chicken breasts, that can be easily cut into thinner cutlets.
Seasoning blend: Use paprika, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper to marinate the chicken.
Flour: Use all-purpose/plain flour to coat each chicken cutlet.
Olive oil: Choose olive oil suitable for cooking.
Aromatics: Shallot and garlic make a perfect base for this dish.
Tomato paste/purée: This intensifies tomato flavour and adds beautiful colour.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Choose sun-dried tomatoes soaked in oil for this recipe.
Orzo pasta: Use dry orzo pasta.
Chicken broth: Use chicken broth to cook the orzo which will add an additional layer of flavour.
Spinach: Fresh baby spinach will work best.
Cream: Use heavy/double cream in this recipe which will help you achieve a perfectly creamy texture.
Garnishes: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and parmesan cheese for a finishing touch.

HOW TO MAKE MARRY ME CHICKEN ORZO

Please note: This is just an overview – the full ingredients and directions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Step 1: Prepare the chicken cutlets. Season the chicken cutlets with paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Coat each cutlet in flour.

Step 2: Pan-fry the chicken. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook the chicken cutlets until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside once done.

Step 3: Create the flavor base. In the same pan, sauté chopped shallot and minced garlic until softened. Stir in tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing for an additional minute.

Step 4: Cook the orzo. Add dry orzo pasta and pour in chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Simmer covered until the orzo is cooked, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Add spinach and cream. Stir in fresh spinach until wilted. Pour in heavy cream, combining well with the orzo. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Reintroduce the chicken. Place the cooked chicken cutlets back into the pan, nestling them into the orzo. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes to ensure the chicken is heated through.

Step 7: Garnish and enjoy. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and parmesan cheese, then serve and enjoy!

one-pan marry me chicken orzo step by step

STORING AND FREEZING

To store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

To freeze: This Marry Me Chicken Orzo is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it in individual servings and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Please note, that the cream might split upon reheating.

TOP TIPS

Add more chicken broth if needed: If your orzo seems a bit dry after cooking, add additional chicken broth to the pan.

Perfectly cooked chicken: Ensure that the oil is hot before introducing chicken cutlets to the pan. Fry them on both sides until perfectly cooked and golden brown.

Stir and taste: Stir orzo occasionally during the simmering process to prevent sticking, and taste-test for ideal doneness.

You may also enjoy…

Moroccan-style Harissa Chicken and Potato Bake

One-Pan Chicken Fricassée (Creamy Chicken Stew)

Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta

Roasted Cauliflower Cheddar Soup

Caprese Stuffed Chicken

FAQ

Can I use boneless chicken thighs?

While the recipe traditionally calls for chicken breasts, you can certainly experiment with boneless chicken thighs. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are thoroughly cooked as they cook longer than breasts.

Can I substitute the heavy cream?

Yes, you can use half-and-half (single cream) or whole milk for a lighter version, but keep in mind that it will affect the dish’s richness.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Fresh spinach is recommended for its vibrant flavor and texture, but if unavailable, thoroughly thaw and drain frozen spinach before adding.

Can I make this Marry Me Chicken Orzo dairy-free?

Absolutely! To make this dish dairy-free, you can substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative such as coconut cream or a plant-based creamer. Ensure that other ingredients are also dairy-free.