Ina Garten Chicken In A Pot With Orzo Recipe

This Ina Garten Chicken In A Pot With Orzo Recipe is a cozy and lemony one-pot meal, which includes bone-in chicken thighs and orzo pasta. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 1 hour and 5 minutes.

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Ina Garten Chicken In A Pot With Orzo Ingredients

• 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 3½ cups low-sodium chicken stock
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional garnish: lemon wedges and extra herbs

How To Make Ina Garten Chicken In A Pot With Orzo Recipe

1. Sear the chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken skin-side down for 5–6 minutes until golden. Flip and cook 3 more minutes. Transfer to a plate.
2. Sauté aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and thyme, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add stock and chicken: Pour in chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Return chicken to the pot (skin-side up), cover, and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes.
4. Add orzo and simmer: Stir in orzo, then cover and cook for another 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most of the broth is absorbed. Add extra stock if needed.
5. Finish with lemon and herbs: Remove from heat. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, and Parmesan if using. Season to taste.
6. Serve hot: Spoon into bowls and garnish with extra lemon zest or herbs if desired. Serve warm with bread or salad.

Recipe Tips

• Can I use boneless chicken? Yes, but reduce the simmering time since it cooks faster.
• What does orzo taste like? Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta that absorbs flavor and has a tender bite.
• Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, reheat gently and add a splash of broth to loosen if needed.
• How to make it dairy-free: Skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free substitute.
• Can I add vegetables? Spinach, kale, or peas are great additions during the last few minutes of cooking.

What To Serve With Chicken Orzo

This one-pot meal pairs well with light and fresh sides:

• Crusty artisan bread
• Simple green salad with vinaigrette
• Roasted asparagus
• Cucumber and tomato salad
• Grilled zucchini

How To Store Chicken In A Pot With Orzo

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Not recommended, as orzo can become mushy when thawed.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Chicken Orzo Nutrition Facts

• Calories: ~420 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~25g
• Protein: ~35g
• Fat: ~20g
• Saturated Fat: ~6g
• Sodium: ~600mg
• Fiber: ~2g
• Sugar: ~2g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Yes, add it during the final simmer with orzo since it’s already cooked.

Can I substitute the orzo?
Yes, try small pasta like ditalini or rice, adjusting the liquid as needed.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, but you can use gluten-free orzo or rice for a GF version.

Can I make it in the oven?
Yes, bake covered at 350°F for similar results, but monitor the liquid level.

What herbs go best?
Thyme, parsley, dill, or tarragon all pair beautifully with lemon and chicken.

Try More Recipes:

• Ina Garten Spring Green Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe
• Barefoot Contessa Easy Parmesan Risotto Recipe
• Ina Garten Roast Chicken With Vegetables Recipe