Marry Me Chicken Orzo
This Marry Me Chicken Orzo is creamy, cozy, and absolutely swoon-worthy. Tender seared chicken, garlic butter, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan come together with soft orzo in one skillet — the kind of comfort food that might just propose to you. Romantic, easy, and totally soul-hugging.
Equipment
- Large deep skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon for stirring the love in
- Cutting board + knife
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Microplane for grating fresh parmesan like a boss Optional
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts cut in half, so they cook evenly
- Salt + pepper don’t be shy
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter yes, both
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped — the fancy kind in oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional, but chef’s kiss
- 1 cup orzo
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan
- A handful of fresh basil chopped, for vibes
Instructions
Chicken gets the spotlight
- Season those chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika like you mean it.
- In a big skillet, heat olive oil + butter and sear the chicken on both sides until golden and gorgeous. Don’t worry if they’re not cooked through yet — they’ll finish later. Remove and set aside (but don’t eat ‘em… yet).
Garlic + tomato glow-up
- In the same pan (because flavor), toss in the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes. It’ll smell like a restaurant — and you’ll immediately feel like a queen.
Orzo enters the chat
- Add the orzo and toast it for a minute or two in all that garlicky butter goodness. This is what makes it next-level.
Simmer time, baby
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Add the cream, stir it all together, and gently nestle the chicken back in there.
- Let it all bubble and cook for about 10-12 minutes, until the orzo is tender and the sauce is creamy dreamy.
Parmesan magic
- Once everything’s cooked, stir in that parmesan and some chopped basil. Add a lil’ lemon juice if you’re feeling zesty.
- It’ll melt into the sauce like butter on warm bread, and I’m telling you — this is where the love story hits its peak.
Notes
- Use both butter + olive oil: for flavor depth and that golden sear.
- Toast that orzo: trust me, it’s the secret to the nutty, cozy flavor you’ll crave forever.
- Fresh basil is a game-changer: but dried works too if that’s what’s in the pantry.
- Use the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar: don’t let that flavor go to waste, babe!
- Double the batch if you’re hosting or feeling extra — this one disappears fast.