One Pan Chive and Onion Chicken Orzo
Updated Nov 28, 2025
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
I have an amazing new recipe for you – One Pan Chive and Onion Chicken Orzo. If there’s one type of recipe I make that’s always a favorite on this blog/social media it’s recipes with chicken and orzo! This crave-worthy dish is truly a full meal in one pan. It’s packed with chive and onion goodness, featuring tender chicken thighs, comforting orzo pasta, and nutritious baby spinach. Picture a comforting bowl of chicken noodle soup, but a more summery version with an extra burst of chive and onion flavor.
If you love one pan chicken and orzo recipes, try my Chicken Shawarma Orzo with Yogurt Sauce next.

How to make One Pan Chive and Onion Chicken Orzo
Start this one pan recipe with the chicken:
- Heat a high-rimmed sauté pan over medium heat, then add the olive oil and 1/2 tbsp of the Kerrygold Chive & Onion Butter Blends (or regular butter).
- Add the bite-sized pieces of chicken thighs to the pan, season generously with salt and pepper, and cook for about 7 minutes on each side. The chicken should develop a golden color, but it doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
Next, move on to sautéing onions, garlic, and orzo:
- In the same pan, add the diced yellow onion and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, allowing its aroma to infuse the dish.
- Add the uncooked orzo and another 1/2 tbsp of the Kerrygold Chive & Onion Butter Blends (or regular butter) to the pan. Stir everything together, letting the orzo toast for about 1 minute to enhance its flavor.
Pour in the broth and let everything cook:
- Pour in the chicken broth and use a spatula to scrape the bottom of the pan, releasing any delicious bits of flavor from the chicken and onion.
- Return the set-aside chicken to the pan, along with any juices that may have accumulated on the plate.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is fully cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed. If the liquid reduces too quickly, you can add more water or chicken broth as needed.
Add in the spinach, remaining butter, and serve:
- Once the orzo is tender, add the baby spinach to the pan. Gently stir everything together, allowing the spinach to wilt in the heat of the dish.
- Add the remaining 1 tbsp of Kerrygold Chive & Onion Butter Blends (or regular butter) to the pan and give everything one final stir, ensuring that the butter melts and coats all the ingredients.
- Now, your One Pan Chive and Onion Chicken Orzo is ready to be served! Divide the deliciousness among bowls and garnish with thinly sliced fresh chives.
- For an extra touch of luxury, drizzle some additional olive oil over the dish, and if desired, sprinkle a bit of flakey salt on top.
- Grab your fork and dig in!
🐝 Made this recipe? I’d love to know how it turned out! Please leave a ⭐️ star rating and a comment below. Your feedback helps more people discover my recipes and supports my blog.
Tag me on Instagram to share your creations, and follow along on Pinterest for more easy, tasty recipes.

One Pan Chive and Onion Chicken Orzo
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil, more to serve
- 2 tablespoon Unsalted Butter, I used Kerrygold Chive & Onion Butter Blend; divided
- 1.5 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper
- 1 Yellow Onion, diced; 1 small onion or 1/2 a large onion
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups Orzo Pasta, uncooked
- 3 cups Chicken Broth, more as needed
- 2 cups Baby Spinach
- 2 tablespoon Fresh Chives, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and 1/2 tbsp of butter in a high-rimmed sauté pan over medium heat. Add the bite-size pieces of chicken and season generously with salt and pepper. Cook for about 7 minutes a side to get some golden-color on the chicken. The chicken doesn't need to be fully cooked at this point. Set aside on a plate.
- In the same pan, add the diced onion and cook for 2 minutes, stirring often. Add the minced garlic and, stir to combine, and cook for another minute.
- Add the uncooked orzo and another 1/2 tbsp of butter. Stir to combine and let the orzo toast for 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release any stuck bits. Add back the set aside chicken.
- Bring to a boil then lower the heat to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally for 15-20 minutes or until the orzo is cooked through and most of the liquid is absorbed. Add additional water or broth as needed if the liquid absorbs too quickly.
- Once the orzo is cooked through, add the spinach. Stir to combine. The spinach should wilt quickly. Add the remaining 1 tbsp of butter and stir to combine.
- Divide among bowls and sprinkle with fresh chives, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of flakey salt as desired.
Video
@carolbeecooks One pan chicken thigh orzo recipe. Always a fan favorite type of recipe ✨ #orzo #onepan #chickenthighs
♬ original sound – xxtristanxo
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.









Everyone loved it and the leftovers were great heated up! I did use a little olive oil when reheating, it was excellent! I used shallots because it’s what I had a dried chives (used a little more quanity then the fresh). Made some broccoli with cheese and fried apples on the side. Thanks for another chicken recipe to put in the rotation.
I’m so happy to hear that everyone loved this recipe and that you have a new recipe in your rotation! Thanks for trying it and leaving this comment!