Mushroom Chicken Orzo Recipe – American Special
If you’re looking for a one-pan meal that delivers both comfort and flavor, this Mushroom Chicken Orzo is just the thing. It’s a comforting dish combining tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy sauce that coats every bite. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, it brings together the ease of pasta with rich textures and satisfying warmth.
- Prep Time10 min
- Cook Time30 min
- Total Time40 min
Mushroom Chicken Orzo Recipe Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button mushrooms work well)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How to make Mushroom Chicken Orzo:
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
Add garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes, until mushrooms are browned and tender.
Cook the Orzo: Add orzo pasta to the skillet and stir to coat with the oil and vegetables.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Make the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, rosemary, and parsley.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well to combine.
If using, stir in the fresh spinach until wilted.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Serve warm.
Recipe Notes:
Ingredient Alternatives: Use chicken thighs for more juiciness, or swap mushrooms with mixed wild mushrooms to deepen the flavor profile.
Cooking Time Tips: Be sure the orzo simmers for the full 10–12 minutes or until it’s tender but still has a slight bite; this preserves texture.
Herb Substitutions: Fresh thyme or basil can replace dried thyme and rosemary if available; fresh herbs brighten the dish.
Make Ahead Option: You can cook most components ahead—chicken, mushrooms, and sauce—then just thaw and warm up, adding orzo last to avoid overcooking.
Texture Tweaks: For a richer texture, stir in a bit more cream or grated Parmesan; if you prefer lighter, cut back on cream and increase broth.
