Some of the best meals come together when you stop overthinking and start using what you already have! This one-pan chicken artichoke orzo was made with ingredients I had in my fridge and pantry, and it turned out absolutely delicious.
Tender bites of chicken, buttery leeks, garlic, and tangy artichokes come together with orzo that absorbs all those wonderful flavors as it cooks. A squeeze of lemon and fresh parsley bring everything to life, making this a comforting yet fresh dinner with minimal cleanup.
The best part? You can easily make it your own with whatever you have on hand. A simple, flavorful meal that proves you don’t need a complicated recipe to make something really good! 🤍
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 leeks, chopped
- ½ shallot, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Dried basil, to taste
- 1 can artichoke hearts (14 oz), drained
- 1½ cups orzo
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the butter and olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped leeks and cook until almost tender. Add the shallot and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Push the vegetables to the sides to make room in the center. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook on both sides until no longer pink on the outside.
- Sprinkle in the dried basil, add the garlic, and stir everything together.
- Add the orzo and stir for a minute or two, allowing it to toast lightly and absorb the flavors.
- Add the drained artichokes and stir well. I like to save about 1 tablespoon of the artichoke liquid to add extra flavor.
- Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Stir, bring to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low.
- Cook until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, checking occasionally and adding a splash of broth if needed.
- Stir in the fresh parsley, cover again, and let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving.
Make it your own! Add sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or capers for extra flavor, or finish with freshly grated Parmesan if you like.
Easy, comforting, full of flavor, and only one pan to wash! 🍋🍗