Despite my deep love of cooking and affinity for hours-long projects like multi-layered lasagna and homemade challah bread, I also have a soft spot for lazy cooking. You know what I’m talking about—the kind of meal that comes together relatively quickly, with everything cooking in one pot, including what would typically be considered the “main” and the “sides.” I’m always searching for new ways to achieve a one-pot, one-bowl dinner, which is why I was so excited to combine the flavors of a classic chicken piccata with orzo.
So, allow me to introduce you to chicken piccata orzo! Here, orzo cooks quickly and can take on the consistency of a traditional risotto when cooked with enough liquid. Add in some browned chicken thighs, lemon, capers, and greens, and top the whole thing with a garlicky, buttery mixture of toasted breadcrumbs and parsley, and you’ve got a flavorful meal cooked in one pot that’s ready in just over half an hour. It’s lazy perfection.
Why You’ll Love it
- It’s a whole meal that comes together in one pot. Chicken piccata is typically made with chicken breast that has been dredged in flour and fried, plus it’s only one element of a meal. To get dinner on the table you’ll need to serve it alongside something else. Here chicken, orzo, and greens all cook together in the same pot.
- It’s quick. You can have dinner ready in under an hour from start to finish.
Key Ingredients in Chicken Piccata Orzo
- Chicken: Ditch the traditional chicken breast in favor of boneless, skinless chicken thighs that stay moist and don’t require any dredging.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest add bright citrus flavor.
- Capers: Briny capers add to the signature flavors of piccata.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds herby freshness.
- Orzo: This quick-cooking pasta is perfect for a speedy meal.
- White wine: Opt for a dry white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Cooking the orzo in broth adds extra chicken-y flavor to the whole dish.
Helpful Swaps
- You can substitute 1/4 cup chicken broth for the white wine.
- You can swap the baby spinach for other tender greens like arugula, baby kale, or Swiss chard.
Chicken Piccata Orzo
Serves 4- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for garnish
- 1 large lemon
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 small bunch fresh parsley, plus more as needed
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained if brined or rinsed if salt-packed
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups dried orzo pasta (about 10 ounces)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 packed cups baby spinach (about 3 ounces)
