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This Marry Me Chicken Orzo combines all my favorite comfort food elements into one pot. The name comes from that irresistible sun-dried tomato cream sauce that makes anyone fall in love at first bite. It's become my go-to dish for date nights at home or when I need something special but simple.
Quick Yet Special
The beauty of this dish lies in how quickly it comes together while tasting like you spent hours in the kitchen. Using rotisserie chicken and cooking everything in one pot makes it perfect for busy evenings when you still want something impressive.
What You'll Need
- Olive Oil and Butter: 2 tablespoons each, for the base of the sauce and to lightly toast the orzo.
- Tomato Paste and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 1 tablespoon paste and 1/3 cup sun-dried, for rich tomato flavor.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced, for savory depth.
- Oregano and Red Pepper Flakes: 1 teaspoon oregano and 1/4 teaspoon flakes, for flavor and gentle warmth.
- Orzo: 1 cup, for its risotto-like texture that cooks quickly.
- White Wine: 1/2 cup, adds a bright, acidic note. Substitute with chicken broth if needed.
- Chicken Broth: 3 cups, for a savory liquid base.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup, for a luxurious sauce texture.
- Chicken: 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken, for ease and flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup freshly grated, for richness.
- Basil: 1/4 cup chopped fresh, for a pop of freshness.
Let's Cook
- Build Your Base
- Start with those aromatics letting them get nice and fragrant in the oil and butter.
- Toast Your Orzo
- Give it a quick toast in all those flavors it makes such a difference.
- Create the Sauce
- Add your liquids and let that orzo cook right in the creamy sauce.
- Bring It Together
- Stir in your chicken cheese and basil letting everything get warm and melty.
- Time to Enjoy
- Serve it up while it's hot and creamy perfect for sharing.
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My Best Tips
Keep an eye on your liquid levels as the orzo cooks. Every pot is different so you might need to add a splash more broth or let it reduce a bit longer. Trust your instincts and adjust as needed.
Make It a Meal
A simple arugula salad with balsamic dressing perfectly balances the creamy orzo. Some crusty garlic bread on the side never hurts either especially for soaking up that amazing sauce.
Keep It Fresh
Leftovers reheat beautifully just add a splash of cream or broth to bring back that silky sauce. I wouldn't recommend freezing this one though the creamy sauce and orzo are best fresh.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why is the liquid amount important?
The orzo needs enough liquid to cook properly but not so much it's soupy. Adjust heat and liquid as needed while cooking.
- → Can I skip the wine?
Yes, replace with additional chicken broth. The wine adds depth but isn't essential to the recipe's success.
- → Why stir often?
Orzo can stick to the pot bottom easily. Regular stirring ensures even cooking and prevents sticking or burning.
- → Can I use raw chicken?
While the recipe calls for pre-cooked chicken, you can cook raw chicken first, remove it, then proceed with recipe.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store in airtight container in refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding splash of cream or broth if needed.
Conclusion
This one-pot wonder combines tender orzo and chicken in a creamy sauce enriched with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil. Ready in just 30 minutes.