Mediterranean Creamy Chicken Orzo

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Velvety orzo swirled with a light yet rich cream sauce, golden seared chicken, and pops of fresh green broccoli and herbs—this Mediterranean Creamy Chicken Orzo is the definition of comfort food with a bright, healthy twist. It’s the kind of dish that looks impressive but comes together easily in one pan, making it a weeknight winner that feels like a special occasion.

What makes this dish irresistible is the balance: juicy chicken, al dente orzo that soaks up all the flavor, and a creamy texture that doesn’t weigh you down. A hint of garlic, a squeeze of lemon, and the freshness of parsley and broccoli bring the Mediterranean sunshine straight to your dinner table.

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What Kind of Orzo Should I Use?

Use traditional orzo pasta made from durum wheat for the best texture and bite. Whole wheat orzo works well too if you’re looking to add a little extra fiber. Avoid rice-shaped alternatives made from non-pasta grains, as they won’t absorb flavor or cook as evenly in this creamy dish.

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Ingredients for the Mediterranean Creamy Chicken Orzo

Chicken Breasts – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for searing and slicing into tender pieces that absorb the creamy sauce.

Orzo Pasta – This rice-shaped pasta is perfect for soaking up all the savory, creamy goodness while keeping the dish hearty.

Broccoli Florets – Adds texture, color, and a healthy crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy elements.

Garlic – A couple of minced cloves add a bold, aromatic layer to the base flavor.

Heavy Cream – Creates the luscious sauce that binds everything together.

Chicken Broth – Enhances the orzo’s flavor while it cooks; much better than water.

Parmesan Cheese – Melts into the sauce to bring saltiness and a nutty depth.

Olive Oil – For searing the chicken and sautéing the aromatics.

Lemon Juice – Brightens the creamy sauce and keeps it from feeling too heavy.

Fresh Parsley – Sprinkled over the top, it adds color and herby freshness.

Salt & Black Pepper – Simple seasonings that round out every bite.

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How To Make the Mediterranean Creamy Chicken Orzo

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside to rest.

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Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Be careful not to burn it—you want a golden, aromatic base.

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Step 3: Add the Orzo and Broth

Pour the uncooked orzo into the skillet and toast it for a minute, stirring frequently. Then pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed—about 8 to 10 minutes.

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Step 4: Stir in the Cream and Broccoli

Add the broccoli florets and heavy cream to the orzo. Stir gently to combine. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the sauce thickens.

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Step 5: Slice and Return the Chicken

Slice the cooked chicken breasts and nestle them back into the orzo mixture. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and let it melt into the sauce. Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten everything up.

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Step 6: Finish with Fresh Herbs

Remove from heat and top with freshly chopped parsley. Give everything one final stir before serving warm.

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Serving and Storing Mediterranean Creamy Chicken Orzo

This dish is best served hot, right off the stove, when the orzo is creamy and the chicken is still juicy. Pair it with a crisp green salad or a slice of warm crusty bread to complete the meal. If you’re hosting, garnish with extra parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a finishing touch that makes it dinner-party ready.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce and revive the creamy texture. Avoid microwaving too long as the chicken can dry out.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs offer even more flavor and stay extra moist. Just make sure they’re boneless and adjust cooking time as needed.

Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The result will still be creamy with a unique twist.

Can I freeze Mediterranean Creamy Chicken Orzo?

Freezing isn’t ideal because the cream sauce can separate when thawed. For best results, enjoy fresh or refrigerate for short-term storage.

What vegetables can I use besides broccoli?

Great alternatives include spinach, peas, asparagus, or zucchini. Just adjust the cook time depending on the veggie.

How do I keep the orzo from getting mushy?

Don’t overcook it. Stop simmering when the orzo is just al dente—it will continue to soften slightly even after you remove it from the heat.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and chop the vegetables in advance, but cook the orzo fresh for the best texture. Reheated orzo tends to lose its creamy consistency.

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Want More Dinner Ideas with a Mediterranean Twist?

If you enjoyed this creamy chicken orzo, here are a few more dinner recipes that bring bold flavor and satisfying comfort:

• Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Alfredo Tortellini for a rich, indulgent pasta night.
• Creamy Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff when you want something hearty and cozy.
• Garlic Butter Beef Linguine in Creamy Parmesan Sauce if you’re craving that perfect blend of garlic and umami.
• Savory Spinach Mushroom Chicken Crepes for a more elegant take on Mediterranean comfort.
• Healthy Mediterranean Salmon Dinner for a lighter option packed with Omega-3s.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it anytime you need a quick, creamy one-skillet meal.

And if you try it, let me know how it turned out in the comments! Did you go heavy on the lemon? Swap in another veggie? Or maybe used shrimp instead of chicken?

I love seeing the creative twists you bring to these recipes—drop your version below and let’s inspire each other in the kitchen.

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