This Chicken and Chorizo Orzo is the perfect one-pan dinner when you’re short on time but still want a meal packed with flavor. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a creamy, hearty dish that feels like comfort food at its best. With tender chicken, smoky chorizo, and perfectly cooked orzo, this recipe is sure to become a weeknight favorite in your household. Bonus: It’s all cooked in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze!
Method
Sauté the Veggies and Chorizo
Begin by heating a large frying pan or skillet over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add the diced onion and chorizo. Sauté them together, allowing the onion to soften and the chorizo to release its flavorful oils. The chorizo adds a smoky richness that forms the base of the dish. Stir occasionally to ensure the onion doesn’t burn and the chorizo cooks evenly.
Add the Garlic and Chicken
Once the onion is softened and the chorizo is aromatic, stir in the crushed garlic. Cook the garlic for about 30 seconds, ensuring it doesn’t burn while infusing the mixture with its savory flavor. Add the diced chicken breast to the pan, followed by the garlic granules, smoked paprika, and onion granules. Stir everything well, coating the chicken in the seasonings. Allow the chicken to cook until it starts to brown on all sides, ensuring a flavorful and juicy texture. Be careful not to overcook the chicken at this stage, as it will continue cooking with the orzo later.
Add Tomato and Orzo
Once the chicken is browned, stir in the tomato purée and cook it for 1-2 minutes. This step helps develop the depth of the tomato flavor. Next, add the uncooked orzo to the pan, mixing it well with the chicken, chorizo, and tomato purée. Pour in the chopped tomatoes and a portion of the chicken or vegetable stock. Stir the mixture and bring it to a simmer. Gradually add more stock as the orzo cooks, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Allow the orzo to absorb the liquid and soften, creating a creamy consistency. This process typically takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on the orzo.
Finish with Cream and Cheese
When the orzo is nearly cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in the reduced-fat cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix everything thoroughly to create a rich, creamy sauce that coats the orzo and chicken evenly. The cream adds a velvety texture, while the Parmesan enhances the dish with its savory, nutty flavor. Let the mixture cook for another minute or two, ensuring all the ingredients are well combined and the sauce reaches the desired consistency.
Serve
Once the dish is ready, plate the creamy Chicken and Chorizo Orzo while it’s still hot. For a fresh touch, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top. This garnish not only adds a pop of color but also complements the rich flavors of the dish. Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or your favorite greens for a well-rounded meal. Enjoy this comforting, flavorful one-pan dinner that’s sure to become a household favorite.
Chicken and Chorizo Orzo
Equipment
- Large frying pan or skillet with a lid
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- For the Dish:
- 1 diced onion
- 2 tbsp tomato purée
- 400 g diced chicken breast
- 140 g diced chorizo
- 400 ml stock chicken or vegetable
- 300 g orzo
- 1/2 tin chopped tomatoes about 200g
- 15 g sundried tomatoes chopped
- 2-3 tbsp reduced-fat cream
- 3 crushed garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic granules
- 1 tbsp onion granules
- 20 g Parmesan cheese
- Optional: Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Sauté the Veggies and Chorizo.
- Heat a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and chorizo, and sauté until the onion is softened and the chorizo releases its oils.
- Step 2: Add the Garlic and Chicken.
- Stir in the crushed garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the diced chicken, garlic granules, smoked paprika, and onion granules. Cook until the chicken starts to brown on all sides.
- Step 3: Add Tomato and Orzo.
- Stir in the tomato purée and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add the uncooked orzo and mix well. Pour in the chopped tomatoes and stock gradually, stirring occasionally. Let the mixture simmer, adding more stock as needed until the orzo is tender.
- Step 4: Finish with Cream and Cheese.
- Once the orzo is almost cooked, stir in the reduced-fat cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the sauce is creamy and coats the orzo.
- Step 5: Serve.
- Top with chopped parsley and serve hot with a side of steamed broccoli or your favorite greens.
Notes
- Stir Occasionally: Keep stirring the orzo while it cooks to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Add Stock Gradually: Adding the stock in small amounts ensures the orzo absorbs it evenly, creating a creamy texture.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Brown the chicken just enough to seal in the juices; it will finish cooking as the orzo simmers.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Add a sprinkle of chili flakes if you like an extra kick.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Fun Fact
Did you know orzo is often mistaken for rice? It’s a type of pasta that’s shaped like rice, making it perfect for absorbing all the delicious flavors in dishes like this one!
Conclusion
This Chicken and Chorizo Orzo is a quick and delicious one-pan dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With smoky chorizo, tender chicken, and creamy, flavorful orzo, it’s a meal that’s sure to satisfy. Try this recipe and let me know how much you love it. Happy cooking! 🐔🍅✨