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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. Let’s dive into the recipe!

One Pan Chive and Onion Chicken Orzo Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil – I also used a drizzle of Graza Drizzle Olive Oil to serve (use code CAROLBEECOOKS for $5 off by the way, it’s my favorite!)
  • 2 tbsp Kerrygold Chive & Onion Butter Blends This special butter blend, brings an extra layer of flavor to the dish. If Kerrygold’s blend is not available, regular butter can be used as a substitute.
  • 1.5 lbs Chicken Thighs cut into bite-sized pieces. Chicken thighs have more flavor and tenderness compared to chicken breast, making them perfect for cooking in one pan dishes like this. They are nearly impossible to overcook.
  • Salt & Pepper
  • 1 Yellow Onion diced. Use 1 onion if it’s small, or 1/2 an onion if it’s larger!
  • 4 cloves Garlic minced. Add as much garlic as you want…is there ever too much?
  • 1.5 cups Orzo uncooked. The orzo is pasta shaped like rice. It will cook similar to risotto in this one pan dish.
  • 3 cups Chicken Broth  I often use water and some Low-Sodium Better Than Bouillon Base. I use broth in many of my recipes and a jar still lasts for months. I have found it’s much more convenient to keep a jar of it on hand rather than buying cans or cartons of broth all of the time.
  • 2 cups Baby Spinach
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Chives – the chives add both a fun pop of color to the finished dish as well as an extra burst of flavor!

One Pan Chive and Onion Chicken Orzo Instructions

Start this one pan recipe with the chicken:

  1. 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).
  2. 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:

  1. In the same pan, add the diced yellow onion and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, allowing its aroma to infuse the dish.
  3. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. Return the set-aside chicken to the pan, along with any juices that may have accumulated on the plate.
  3. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Grab your fork and dig in!

Did you try this One Pan Chive and Onion Chicken Orzo recipe? Leave a Review!

I hope you enjoy making and enjoying this One Pan Chive and Onion Chicken Orzo as much as I did! The combination of chive and onion, tender chicken, orzo pasta, and fresh baby spinach is such a delicious combination. Grab your pan and get to cooking! This is a simple 10 ingredient recipe, but feel free to add your own twists and make this recipe your own.

If you try this recipe, feel free to rate/leave a review. You can also tag me on Instagram or TikTok!

One Pan Chive and Onion Chicken Orzo

This easy one pan recipe is bursting with chive and onion flavor and is full of chicken thighs, orzo pasta, and fresh spinach. A complete meal in one pan!
4.50 from 2 votes
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Equipment

Ingredients
  

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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.
Keyword Chicken, One Pot, Orzo, Pasta, Spinach
Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!