Try the amazing flavors of one-pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo. It’s a quick and easy dinner ready in under 30 minutes. This dish combines tender chicken, creamy orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan cheese. It’s so good, it might even inspire a marriage proposal.
Table of Contents
What is Marry Me Chicken Orzo?
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a tasty one-pan dish. It mixes creamy orzo with juicy sun-dried tomato chicken. This recipe started with Ina Garten’s “Engagement Roast Chicken” and is now a favorite among cooks.
The Origin of the Dish
Ina Garten’s “Engagement Roast Chicken” inspired Marry Me Chicken Orzo. It added creamy orzo pasta and sun-dried tomatoes. This made a balanced and cozy one-pan meal.
Popular Variations
Home cooks love Marry Me Chicken Orzo and have made many tasty changes. Some popular ones include:
- Adding spinach for extra nutrition and color
- Trying different pasta shapes, like penne or farfalle
- Adding Mediterranean flavors with feta cheese, lemon, and olives
These changes let you make the dish your own. It’s a flexible and adaptable recipe.
“This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, with its creamy orzo, tender chicken, and bold sun-dried tomato flavor. It’s a recipe that’s sure to wow your guests and leave them asking for more.”
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this tasty One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo, you’ll need a few things. Start with 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into small cubes. You’ll also need 2 tablespoons of olive oil for cooking and 4-5 cloves of minced garlic to add flavor.
Essential Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 3/4 cups chicken broth or water
- 3/4 cup full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream
- 2 large handfuls fresh spinach
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Add-Ins
To add a bit of citrus, use a tablespoon or two of lemon juice. For color and texture, toss in halved cherry tomatoes. You can also try different herbs like fresh basil or thyme to enhance the dish.
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo. It’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Equipment Required
To make the tasty one-pot pasta dish, Marry Me Chicken Orzo, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. A big skillet or sauté pan is key for this easy weeknight dinner. It lets you cook the chicken, orzo, and other ingredients together in one pan.
Recommended Cookware
- A 12-inch or larger non-stick skillet or sauté pan with a lid
- A sharp chef’s knife for cutting the chicken
- Measuring cups and spoons to accurately measure the ingredients
- A wooden spoon or sturdy spatula for stirring and mixing
Utensils for Efficiency
Some important utensils can make cooking the Marry Me Chicken Orzo easier and better. A lid for the skillet helps the orzo cook evenly. A thermometer is also handy for checking the chicken’s internal temperature.
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Lid for the skillet | Covers the pan to trap heat and steam, helping the orzo cook through |
| Meat thermometer | Ensures the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) |
With the right tools, you’re ready to make a delicious one-pot pasta dish. Your whole family will love it.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Discover the tasty flavors of this Mediterranean chicken recipe. Follow these simple steps to make a delicious garlic herb chicken dish. Your family and friends will love it so much, they’ll ask for the recipe.
Preparing the Ingredients
Begin by cutting 4 thin-sliced chicken breasts into small pieces. Season the chicken with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Also, mince 3-4 cloves of fresh garlic for extra flavor.
Cooking the Chicken
In a big skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, until it’s golden brown. Then, add the minced garlic and 1/3 cup of sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until the garlic is fragrant and the chicken is done.
This Mediterranean chicken recipe has become very popular. The garlic herb chicken version is especially loved on TikTok. It’s quick to make, ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for easy, tasty meals.
Creating the Orzo Base
The creamy orzo and one-pot pasta dish is special because of how the orzo is made. First, add uncooked orzo to the pan and toast it over medium heat. This step brings out the pasta’s nutty flavor and gives it a golden color.
Cooking Techniques
After toasting the orzo, pour in the bone broth or chicken stock. Let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring now and then. This makes the orzo tender and creamy, like risotto.
Flavor Enhancements
- Stir in coconut milk or heavy cream for a creamier sauce.
- Add fresh spinach leaves for color and flavor.
- Finish with Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
These steps will give you a creamy orzo base. It’s perfect for the tender, juicy one-pot pasta chicken.
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Chicken
When making a tasty chicken thighs recipe like Marry Me Chicken Orzo, cooking the chicken right is key. To get it just right, follow some tips to avoid mistakes. This way, your chicken will be juicy, tender, and full of flavor.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
One big mistake is overcrowding the pan. This makes the chicken steam instead of sear, which isn’t good. To fix this, cook the chicken in batches. This lets each piece brown evenly and get a crispy outside.
Checking for Doneness
Using a meat thermometer is the best way to check if chicken is done. Chicken needs to hit 165°F (74°C) to be safe. Once it’s there, take it off the heat and let it rest for a bit. This makes your easy weeknight dinner stay moist and tasty.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll always have perfectly cooked chicken. This will make your Marry Me Chicken Orzo even more delicious.
Customizing Your Recipe
The Mediterranean chicken recipe with orzo salad is very versatile. You can change it to fit your taste or dietary needs. Let’s look at ways to make it your own.
Adding Vegetables
Adding fresh vegetables boosts the dish’s nutrition and color. Try broccoli, cherry tomatoes, or sautéed zucchini. Make sure they’re tender but still crisp.
Altering Flavors and Spices
Try new herbs and spices to give it your own twist. Swap Italian seasoning for Mediterranean blend or add red pepper flakes for heat. A squeeze of lemon or feta cheese adds a tangy touch.
For less carbs, use chickpea rice or cauliflower rice instead of orzo. This change cuts carbs and adds new flavors and textures.
Customizing this recipe is all about experimenting and having fun. Be bold and make it your own. With creativity, you can create a delicious, personalized dish that will delight your taste buds.
Serving Suggestions
This one-pan delight, Marry Me Chicken Orzo, is a delicious and creamy dish. It’s perfect for a special meal. Here are some ways to make your meal even better:
Ideal Pairings
Marry Me Chicken Orzo goes great with a fresh salad or crusty bread. The creamy sauce is amazing with warm bread. A simple green salad adds a refreshing touch, balancing the dish’s flavors.
For drinks, try a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These wines cut through the creamy sauce’s richness. A light red wine, like Pinot Noir, also works well, offering a nice contrast.
Plating Tips
- Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top for a tasty and pretty finish.
- Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme for color and freshness.
- For a fancy look, serve in individual ramekins or shallow bowls. It makes each portion special.
With these simple tips, your Marry Me Chicken Orzo will look and taste amazing. It’s perfect for a cozy date night or a casual family dinner. Your guests will love it.
Storing and Reheating
After enjoying the tasty Marry Me Chicken Orzo, you’ll want to keep it going. This one-pot pasta is great for meal prep and leftovers. It’s easy to store and reheat, so you can enjoy it all week.
Best Practices for Storage
For fresh Marry Me Chicken Orzo, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The pasta will soak up more broth, making it even tastier over time.
How to Reheat Without Drying Out
To reheat your easy weeknight dinner, warm it in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir it now and then until it’s hot. To keep the orzo moist, add a bit of chicken broth or milk. Season with salt and pepper, and enjoy your Marry Me Chicken Orzo again.
Follow these easy tips for storing and reheating Marry Me Chicken Orzo. It’s the ideal one-pot pasta for busy days.
Nutritional Benefits
The Mediterranean chicken orzo dish is not just tasty but also full of important nutrients. It combines lean chicken, complex orzo, and vitamins from spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. This mix makes it a nutritious choice.
Breakdown of Nutrients
Each serving of this dish is a nutritional powerhouse. It has 18.5g of protein for muscle health. The 9g of carbohydrates from orzo give you lasting energy. Plus, it has 1.4g of dietary fiber for better digestion.
This recipe is also rich in Vitamin D (50mcg), Calcium (116mg), Iron (1mg), and Potassium (284mg). These nutrients are key for staying healthy.
Healthier Ingredient Swaps
- Try whole wheat orzo for more fiber and nutrients.
- Switch to low-fat or plant-based milk to cut down on fat and calories.
- Add more fresh vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
With these easy swaps, you can enjoy Mediterranean chicken orzo while focusing on your health. It’s a great option for a nutritious meal that keeps you full and energized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Starting your cooking journey with Marry Me Chicken Orzo? You might have some questions. We’re here to answer the most common ones and offer tips to make your dish perfect every time.
Common Queries About Marry Me Chicken Orzo
- Do I need to rinse the orzo before cooking? No, rinsing the orzo is not necessary. The pasta will cook beautifully in the flavorful liquid.
- How can I prevent the dish from becoming too dry? If you find the dish is becoming too dry, simply add a bit more chicken broth or water to the pan until you achieve your desired consistency.
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used in place of thighs, but keep in mind the cooking time may vary slightly.
Troubleshooting Tips
Having trouble with your Marry Me Chicken Orzo? Don’t worry, these tips will help:
- Undercooked orzo: If the orzo is not quite tender enough, simply add a splash more broth or water and continue cooking until it reaches your desired texture.
- Sauce is too thin: If the sauce seems a bit watery, try simmering it for a few extra minutes to allow it to thicken up.
- Chicken is not cooked through: Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. If needed, continue cooking until it’s perfectly done.
With these tips, you’ll be making delicious Marry Me Chicken Orzo in no time. Bon appétit!
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Dish
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a dish you must try. It combines chicken, orzo, and fresh ingredients in a tasty way. It’s perfect for any night, whether you’re cooking for one or two.
Summarizing Key Points
This dish is full of protein and fiber from chicken and orzo. It also has healthy olive oil and veggies. It’s quick to make and great for leftovers.
Encouragement to Try It Out
Try Marry Me Chicken Orzo for a meal that’s both comforting and healthy. It’s easy to make and loved by many. See why it’s a favorite for yourself.