Looking for a comforting, foolproof one-pot meal? Ina Garten’s Chicken in a Pot with Orzo checks every box. It’s warm, rich, and deeply satisfying—with bone-in chicken cooked slowly in a flavorful broth alongside tender orzo, fresh herbs, and bright lemon. This dish is like a cozy hug in a bowl, perfect for family dinners or a comforting weekend meal.

What Is Ina Garten’s Chicken in a Pot with Orzo?

This dish features bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts that are gently cooked in a pot with chicken stock, lemon, garlic, onions, and orzo pasta. The orzo absorbs the savory cooking liquid, becoming creamy and flavorful, while the chicken turns fall-off-the-bone tender. It’s finished with lemon zest, fresh herbs, and optional parmesan for a luxurious, yet rustic, finish.

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Chicken in a Pot with Orzo

One-pot meal – Less cleanup, more flavor
Comforting and hearty – Great for cooler weather
Layered, balanced flavors – Bright, savory, and aromatic
Ideal for make-ahead cooking – Even better the next day
Crowd-pleasing and family-friendly – Loved by all ages
Simple ingredients – Pantry staples, elevated
Barefoot Contessa approved – You know it’s good

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Chicken in a Pot with Orzo

4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
1 cup orzo pasta
3½ cups low-sodium chicken stock
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional garnish: lemon wedges and extra herbs

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten’s Chicken in a Pot with Orzo

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season chicken generously with salt and pepper. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken skin-side down for 5–6 minutes until golden. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Reduce heat to medium. In the same pot, add diced onions and cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and thyme, and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Stock and Chicken

Pour in chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Return chicken to the pot (skin-side up), cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 20 minutes.

Step 4: Add Orzo and Simmer

Stir in orzo, then cover and simmer for another 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the broth. If needed, add more stock to reach the desired consistency.

Step 5: Finish with Lemon and Herbs

Remove from heat. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, and Parmesan (if using). Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Ladle into bowls, topping with additional lemon zest or herbs if desired. Serve warm with crusty bread or a green salad.

What to Serve With Chicken in a Pot with Orzo

Crusty bread or garlic toast – To soak up the flavorful broth
Roasted vegetables or asparagus – For a colorful, fresh side
Simple green salad with vinaigrette – Balances richness
Steamed broccoli or green beans – Classic vegetable pairing
A glass of white wine or lemony spritzer – Refreshing contrast
Herbed couscous or wild rice (as an alternative) – If you’re skipping orzo
Parmesan crisps or croutons – For added texture

Expert Tips for Mastering the Recipe

Use bone-in chicken for flavor – It enriches the broth
Toast the orzo briefly before adding (optional) – Adds a nutty layer
Simmer gently once orzo is added – Prevents sticking
Use fresh lemon juice and zest – It brightens the dish
Adjust broth level to your preference – More for soupier, less for risotto-style
Add spinach or kale at the end (optional) – For a green boost
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving – Helps flavors meld

Variations of the Recipe

Add chopped carrots or celery – For extra vegetables
Use boneless thighs for quicker cooking – More tender too
Stir in baby spinach or peas at the end – Adds color and freshness
Top with feta or crumbled goat cheese – For Mediterranean flair
Make it creamy – Stir in a splash of cream or dollop of crème fraîche
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes – For gentle heat
Use leftover roast chicken – Stir in at the orzo stage

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerate in airtight container – Keeps for up to 3 days
Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of stock – To loosen the orzo
Avoid microwaving skin-on chicken – It softens the texture
Freeze in individual portions (without herbs) – Up to 2 months
Label and date containers – For easy planning
Add fresh herbs after reheating – To brighten the flavor
Keep orzo slightly undercooked if freezing – Prevents mushiness

How Do I Reuse Leftover Chicken and Orzo?

Turn into a soup – Add more stock, greens, and lemon
Use as a base for grain bowls – With fresh veggies and sauce
Reheat and top with a poached egg – For a comforting brunch
Stuff into bell peppers and bake – A new meal from leftovers
Serve cold as a pasta salad – Toss with vinaigrette and herbs
Add to a wrap or pita – With tzatziki or hummus
Crisp up leftovers in a skillet – With olive oil for a new texture

Nutritional Value (per serving, based on 4 servings)

Calories: 520
Protein: 38g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 610mg
Sugar: 2g

FAQs

What kind of chicken works best in Ina Garten’s chicken in a pot with orzo?

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts are ideal. They add richness to the broth and stay moist during simmering.

Can I use boneless chicken in this recipe?

Yes, boneless thighs or breasts can be used for quicker cooking. Reduce the simmering time slightly and monitor closely for doneness.

How do I prevent the orzo from sticking or overcooking?

Stir the orzo occasionally during simmering and cook gently. Add more broth if needed and remove from the heat when the pasta is just tender.

Can I make this chicken and orzo dish ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats well. Store in the fridge and reheat with a splash of broth to maintain the creamy texture of the orzo. Add fresh herbs before serving.

Final Words

Ina Garten’s Chicken in a Pot with Orzo is comfort food at its best—hearty, bright, and full of flavor.

With its one-pot ease and rich, lemony finish, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite.

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