One-pan Marry Me Chicken With Orzo Recipe

Sometimes, you come across a recipe that feels like pure magic in a pan. For me, this one-pan marry me chicken with orzo checks all the boxes. It’s cozy, indulgent, packed with flavor, and comes together in just one skillet—hello, fewer dishes! Whether you’re cooking for a date night, family dinner, or just treating yourself, this dish is sure to win hearts. (No guarantees of marriage proposals, but you never know!)

One-pan Marry Me Chicken With Orzo Recipe

The first time I made this, it was a weeknight, and I was craving something creamy but not overly heavy. I had a few pantry staples like sun-dried tomatoes and orzo on hand, along with some chicken I needed to use up. The result? A rich, velvety dish with a pop of color from the spinach and tomatoes, and just the right amount of indulgence from the coconut milk and parmesan. Bonus: it smells amazing while cooking. My kitchen felt like a little Italian bistro, even if the reality was me in yoga pants, sipping tea.

A quick background: where did the name come from?

“Marry me chicken” has become a viral internet recipe, supposedly named because it’s so good it might inspire a marriage proposal. While the original version typically features creamy chicken breasts baked in the oven, this one-pan adaptation saves time and cleanup without sacrificing flavor. The addition of orzo makes it a complete meal, with pasta soaking up all the delicious sauce. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish with roots in Italian-inspired flavors.

Let’s talk ingredients: simple but flavorful

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These are lean and cook quickly when cubed. If you prefer dark meat, boneless chicken thighs work well too and add extra richness.
  • Olive oil: Adds a fruity base to cook the chicken and aromatics. If you’re out, avocado oil or even butter can work.
  • Garlic: Mashed garlic infuses the dish with bold, savory flavor. Fresh is best, but jarred minced garlic works in a pinch.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes: These bring a tangy-sweet flavor that balances the creamy sauce. Make sure to drain the oil-packed ones well, but keep some oil if you want an extra punch of flavor.
  • Italian seasoning and paprika: A mix of herbs like oregano and basil pairs perfectly with the chicken and tomatoes, while paprika adds warmth and a hint of smokiness.
  • Orzo: This tiny pasta cooks directly in the broth, absorbing all the delicious flavors. If you don’t have orzo, pearl couscous or small pasta shapes like ditalini work as substitutes.
  • Chicken broth or water: Broth adds depth, but water works fine if you season generously.
  • Coconut milk or heavy cream: Coconut milk keeps it dairy-free, but heavy cream gives it a classic creamy texture. Both work beautifully.
  • Spinach: Adds freshness and color while packing in nutrients. Kale or arugula are great alternatives.
  • Parmesan cheese: The final cheesy touch. Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor, or swap in pecorino if that’s what you have.
One-pan Marry Me Chicken With Orzo Recipe

Kitchen tools you’ll need

This dish is all about simplicity, so you don’t need much:

  • A large skillet: Go for one with a lid since you’ll need it to simmer the orzo. Non-stick or stainless steel pans work great.
  • A wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring the orzo and ensuring nothing sticks to the bottom.
  • Grater: For freshly grating the parmesan cheese. If you don’t have one, pre-grated cheese works too, though fresh always tastes better.

Step-by-step: how to make one-pan marry me chicken

Alright, grab your skillet and let’s get cooking!

  1. Prep the chicken: Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel (this helps them brown better) and cut them into bite-sized cubes. Set them aside while you heat your skillet.
  2. Sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the chicken cubes and cook for about 2-3 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to turn golden, but don’t worry about cooking them all the way through just yet.
  3. Layer in the flavor: Add the sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes. The aroma at this point? Absolute heaven.
  4. Add the orzo and broth: Stir the uncooked orzo into the skillet, ensuring it’s coated in the seasonings and oil. Pour in the chicken broth, mix well, and bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Cover and cook: Lower the heat to medium, cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 12 minutes. Stir every few minutes to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom. The pasta will absorb the broth, becoming tender and flavorful.
  6. Finish with cream and spinach: Once the orzo is cooked through, stir in the coconut milk or heavy cream along with the spinach. The spinach will wilt down quickly, adding a burst of green to the dish.
  7. Cheesy finale: Finally, sprinkle in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and give everything a final stir. The cheese will melt into the sauce, creating a luxurious finish.

Remove from heat, serve immediately, and watch everyone swoon over your creation.

One-pan Marry Me Chicken With Orzo Recipe

Variations to try

  • Make it vegetarian: Swap the chicken for chickpeas or white beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free orzo or replace it with cooked rice for a similar texture.
  • Add veggies: Toss in mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic for some heat.
  • Herb swap: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a brighter finish.

Serving suggestions

This dish is a showstopper all on its own, but you can pair it with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. To make it feel extra special, garnish with freshly grated parmesan, a sprinkle of chopped parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve it straight from the skillet for a rustic vibe or transfer to a serving dish for a more polished look.

What to drink with marry me chicken

If you’re a wine person, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a buttery Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce and savory chicken. Prefer reds? A light Pinot Noir works surprisingly well. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or a peach iced tea feels refreshing alongside this rich dish.

Storing and reheating tips

If you have leftovers (rare, but it happens!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to loosen up the sauce, and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. The orzo may absorb more liquid as it sits, so don’t skip this step to keep it creamy.

Scaling the recipe

This recipe makes about 4 servings, but it’s easy to adjust. For a larger crowd, simply double the ingredients and use a bigger skillet. Just make sure to stir frequently so the orzo cooks evenly. Halving the recipe works too, though you may want to keep the full amount of sauce because, let’s be honest, you’ll want extra to mop up with bread!

One-pan Marry Me Chicken With Orzo Recipe

Common questions

Q: Can I use dried tomatoes instead of oil-packed ones?
Yes, but soak them in hot water for about 10 minutes to soften them first.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
Orzo doesn’t freeze well as it can get mushy, but the chicken and sauce freeze beautifully. Cook the orzo fresh when you’re ready to eat.

Q: Is coconut milk strong in flavor?
Not really! It adds creaminess without overpowering the dish. Heavy cream is always an option if you’re unsure.

Q: What’s a good substitute for orzo?
Pearl couscous, Arborio rice, or even small shell pasta can work.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut milk and skip the parmesan or replace it with a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Go ahead and give this one-pan marry me chicken with orzo a try. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like a kitchen rockstar without all the effort. Let me know how it turns out—bonus points if someone proposes afterward!

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One-pan Marry Me Chicken With Orzo Recipe

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Creamy one-pan marry me chicken with orzo is the perfect comfort meal. Packed with flavor, it’s easy to make and impossible to resist!

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 Pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken breast cut into cubes
  • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 45 Cloves Garlic mashed
  • ¾ Cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes packed in oil and drained
  • 2 Teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 2 Teaspoons Paprika
  • ½ Teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 1 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 Cup Orzo
  • 2 ¾ Cups Chicken Broth or Water
  • ¾ Cup Full-Fat Coconut Milk or Heavy Cream
  • 2 Large Handfuls Fresh Spinach
  • ¾ Cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated

Instructions

  1. Prep the chicken: Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel (this helps them brown better) and cut them into bite-sized cubes. Set them aside while you heat your skillet.
  2. Sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the chicken cubes and cook for about 2-3 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to turn golden, but don’t worry about cooking them all the way through just yet.
  3. Layer in the flavor: Add the sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes. The aroma at this point? Absolute heaven.
  4. Add the orzo and broth: Stir the uncooked orzo into the skillet, ensuring it’s coated in the seasonings and oil. Pour in the chicken broth, mix well, and bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Cover and cook: Lower the heat to medium, cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 12 minutes. Stir every few minutes to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom. The pasta will absorb the broth, becoming tender and flavorful.
  6. Finish with cream and spinach: Once the orzo is cooked through, stir in the coconut milk or heavy cream along with the spinach. The spinach will wilt down quickly, adding a burst of green to the dish.
  7. Cheesy finale: Finally, sprinkle in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and give everything a final stir. The cheese will melt into the sauce, creating a luxurious finish.

Remove from heat, serve immediately, and watch everyone swoon over your creation.

Notes

Serving suggestions

This dish is a showstopper all on its own, but you can pair it with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. To make it feel extra special, garnish with freshly grated parmesan, a sprinkle of chopped parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve it straight from the skillet for a rustic vibe or transfer to a serving dish for a more polished look.

  • Author: Soraya
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: dinner

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