• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

MJ and Hungryman

  • About
  • Blog
  • Feeding tips
  • Recipes
  • Resources
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Baby Led Weaning
  • Recipes
  • Feeding tips
  • Resources
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Baby Led Weaning
    • Recipes
    • Feeding tips
    • Resources
    • About
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    MJ & Hungryman » Baby/Kid-Friendly Recipes

    Creamy Chicken Orzo

    By Min On March 15, 2023

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more details.

    Share or Save It for Later!

    Jump to Recipe
    cooked chicken orzo in a large pot.

    Cozy up with this creamy chicken orzo, a one pot wonder that the whole family will love! It's the perfect easy weeknight dinner.

    cooked chicken orzo in a large pot.

    Browse through my family meals and you will see that I am a huge fan of one pot meals. After becoming a mom, it's really the only type of cooking I have the time and energy for. Just dump everything into one pot, stir, and dinner is served!

    I love it so much that I even dedicated an entire cookbook to it!

    Right now, let's talk about orzo pasta, one of my family's most beloved pantry staples. It's just as versatile as rice, cooks up fast, and has a creamy, buttery texture that my kids especially adore!

    For this quick weeknight meal, orzo gets cooked alongside chicken and vegetables and simmered in a creamy sauce that will remind you of risotto (you have to try this quinoa risotto also!) or a very thick chicken noodle soup with pasta.

    Psst this Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles with frozen veggies is a must-try also!

    This one-pot meal is creamy, cozy, filling, and so delicious! A perfect meal for the entire family, including babies!

    50+ Quick and Healthy Family Meals

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Step-by-Step Instructions
    • Variations
    • Tips for Success
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Storage
    • More One Pot Pasta Dish
    • Creamy Chicken Orzo

    Ingredients

    All the ingredients laid out on a white background.

    I am highlighting just the ones that need further explanation. The complete list is in the recipe card below.

    • Orzo - although it looks like a rice, orzo is actually pasta!
    • Chicken breast - can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Cut into bite size pieces.
    • Vegetables - I like to use the onion, celery, and carrots but feel free to experiment with your favorite vegetables.
    • Cheese - We always have a block of cheddar cheese so that's what I'm using here but feel free to use any delicious cheese you prefer. Parmesan cheese, mozzarella, ricotta...all welcomed!

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    A four image collage showing how to make the orzo.
    1. Melt butter over medium heat in a dutch oven or large pot (I absolutely LOVE this one). Add chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes until almost cooked on all sides. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
    2. Add Italian seasoning, chicken broth, and milk and bring to a boil.
    3. Add orzo. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 15-20 minutes, or until orzo is soft and creamy. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
    4. Remove from heat and stir in cheese, lemon juice, freshly cracked black pepper, and fresh parsley if desired.

    Variations

    • Dairy-free? Use any dairy-free butter, milk, and cheese or nutritional yeast.
    • Vegetarian? You can use vegetable broth and instead of chicken, add a 15 ounce can of beans (I recommend white beans) along with broth and milk.

    Tips for Success

    A very close up shot of orzo to showcase its creaminess.
    • If you have some leftover rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken, add it in step 3.
    • You shouldn't need it but if all the liquid gets absorbed before the orzo is done cooking, add an additional ½ cup of broth or water.
    • Be sure to stir occasionally so the orzo doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot.
    • Use good quality cheese and grate it yourself. It will melt better leaving you with ooey gooey yumminess in each bite.

    Serving Suggestions

    Toddler's plate with a small portion of orzo in a bowl, chopped parsley and lemon slice.

    This is a complete meal on its own but you can also serve alongside:

    • Moist cornbread
    • Broccoli
    • Roasted Frozen Brussels sprouts
    • Cooked Frozen green peas
    • Frozen green beans

    Storage

    Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. To reheat, microwave briefly or in a skillet with a little bit of liquid (water or broth).

    If intending to freeze some, set aside a portion without the cheese. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.

    More One Pot Pasta Dish

    • Easy Thai Red Curry Pasta
    • Creamy Broccoli Pasta (One Pot Meal)
    • Homemade Hamburger Helper
    • Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles

    Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!

    cooked chicken orzo in a large pot.

    Creamy Chicken Orzo

    Cozy up with this creamy chicken orzo, a one pot wonder that the whole family will love! It's the perfect easy weeknight dinner.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes
    Servings: 6
    Author: Min | MJ and Hungryman

    Equipment

    • Deep Pan

    Ingredients

    • 1 tablesoon butter
    • 1 pound chicken breasts or thigh,s cut into ½ inch pieces
    • 1 small onion, diced
    • 1 cup diced carrots (135g), about 2 medium carrots
    • 1 cup diced celery stalk (140g)
    • 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
    • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
    • 1 cup milk
    • 16 ounce orzo
    • ½ cup cheddar cheese (45g)
    • Toppings: Freshly squeezed lemon juice, fresh herbs like parsley, freshly cracked pepper

    Instructions

    • Melt butter over medium heat in a dutch oven or large pot. Add chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes until almost cooked on all sides.
    • Add onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for 5 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
    • Add Italian seasoning, chicken broth, and milk and bring to a boil.Add orzo. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 15-20 minutes, or until orzo is soft and creamy.
    • Be sure to stir frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Remove from heat and stir in cheese, lemon, and parsley if using.

    Notes

    • You shouldn't need it but if all the liquid gets absorbed before the orzo is done cooking, add an additional ½ cup of broth or water.
    • Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. To reheat, microwave briefly or in a skillet with a little bit of liquid (water or broth).
    • If intending to freeze some, set aside a portion without the cheese. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 473kcal | Carbohydrates: 64g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 9g | Fiber: 4g | Calcium: 167mg | Iron: 2mg
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Tag me @KidFriendly.Meals today!

    More Baby/Kid-Friendly Recipes

    • Fluffy Vegetable Rice
    • How to Freeze Yogurt
    • Custard Yogurt Toast (Sweet and Savory)
    • Banana Mug Cake

    Share or Save It for Later!

    Share: [addtoany]

    About Min

    Thank you so much for stopping by! I am Min, a Registered Dietitian, a Christ follower, a wife, and a mom to our two miracle babies! Currently, I’m having a ton of fun feeding their tummies and sharing our baby led weaning journey! Follow me on Instagram if interested in seeing daily menu as well as tips and tricks.

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    HI!

    I am MJ, a registered dietitian and a mom of 2. I truly hope you’ll enjoy all the recipes and tips that I share on what and how to feed your child!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    search

    Trending Now

    Three custard yogurt variations sliced into triangles and squares.

    Custard Yogurt Toast (Sweet and Savory)

    Banana mug cake in a cup with sliced banana and peanut butter drizzle.

    Banana Mug Cake

    An overhead shot of sliced banana oat bars with sliced banana.

    Soft-Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars

    stacked spinach baby pancakes

    Easy Spinach Pancakes (with yogurt)

    Cooked pancake slices on a white platter with dipping sauce.

    Korean Vegetable Pancakes (Yachaejeon)

    four cooked english pizza muffin with one of them sliced into three strips

    Easy English Muffin Pizza (with vegetables)

    Jump to Recipe
    cooked chicken orzo in a large pot.

    Is your baby 4-6 months old?

    Give your baby a head start on solids even before their first bite!
    I'M READY!
    Jump to Recipe
    cooked chicken orzo in a large pot.

    Is your baby 6 months old and up?

    Learn all the secrets to starting solids safely while optimizing nutrition!
    I NEED IT NOW!
    Jump to Recipe
    cooked chicken orzo in a large pot.

    Is your toddler becoming picky?

    Arm yourself with these strategies that will transform your mealtimes!
    YES, PLEASE!

    popular feeding tips

    A four image collage showing how to serve protein finger foods for baby

    Ultimate Guide to Finger Foods for Baby

    A four image collage of healthy baby snacks including iron.

    Healthy Baby Snacks (Easy and Balanced)

    A four image collage of best baby cereals.

    Best Baby Cereal (2022)

    Four top low sugar cereals for toddlers and kids.

    Best Healthy Cereals for Kids

    Footer

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Copyright © 2023 MJ & Hungryman LLC · Privacy Policy | Contact

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    SAVE & ACCEPT