Let me tell you, I love a good one-pot meal—less mess, big flavor, and minimal effort.
That’s exactly why this One-Pot Paprika Chicken & Orzo is a winner in my kitchen.
It’s hearty, packed with smoky, savory goodness, and comes together in under an hour.
Plus, it’s the kind of meal that tastes even better the next day (hello, meal prep magic!).
Whether you’re cooking for the family or just want a cozy, satisfying dinner without the hassle, this recipe’s got your back.
Try my Baked Ratatouille Orzo recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ One pot = less cleanup – No mountain of dishes to tackle after dinner. Just one pot, one happy cook.
✔ Big flavor, minimal effort – Smoky paprika, juicy chicken, and rich, savory goodness—all with simple ingredients.
✔ Ready in under an hour – No need to spend all night in the kitchen. This one’s quick, easy, and totally weeknight-friendly.
✔ Perfect for meal prep – Tastes even better the next day, so make extra and enjoy stress-free lunches.
✔ Super satisfying – Hearty chicken, tender orzo, and a rich, cozy broth—it’s comfort food at its best.
✔ Customizable – Want extra veggies? A little heat? A sprinkle of cheese? Go for it! This dish plays well with add-ons.
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making this one on repeat! 😊
Try my Prep-Ahead Slow Cooker Lemony Chicken Orzo Soup recipe.
Let’s Talk About the Star Ingredients
Every great dish starts with solid ingredients, and this One-Pot Paprika Chicken & Orzo is no exception. Here’s what makes this meal so good:
✔ Chicken Thighs – Juicy, flavorful, and way more forgiving than chicken breast. They stay tender and soak up all that smoky paprika goodness.
✔ Smoked Paprika – The real MVP! Adds a deep, rich, slightly sweet smokiness that takes this dish to another level.
✔ Orzo – Tiny pasta that cooks up like rice but gives that perfect, cozy texture. Soaks up all the flavors like a champ.
✔ Roasted Red Peppers – Sweet, slightly tangy, and packed with bold flavor. They add a pop of color and taste amazing with paprika and olives.
✔ Kalamata Olives – Briny, a little salty, and totally optional if you’re not an olive fan (but trust me, they add a nice punch).
✔ Diced Tomatoes & Chicken Stock – The base of the dish! The tomatoes bring a little acidity, while the stock keeps everything rich and hearty.
✔ Fresh Parsley – The finishing touch! A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens up the whole dish and makes it look extra fancy (without any actual effort).
Each ingredient does its part to bring bold, cozy, and downright delicious flavors to the table. Now, let’s get cooking! 🚀🍽️
NOTE: For measurements and rest of the ingredients check the recipe card below.
What You’ll Need To Do
Time required: 55 mins
1| Get things sizzling! Heat up a tablespoon of olive oil in a big ol’ pot over low-medium heat. Toss in the sliced onion and garlic, hit it with some salt and pepper, and let them do their thing for about 10-12 minutes until they’re soft, golden, and smelling amazing.
2| Time for the chicken! Add those bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot and give them a good stir. Let them cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to brown on all sides—no need for perfection, just a little color!
3| Bring on the flavor! Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and let it toast for about a minute (trust me, it makes a difference). Then, pour in the diced tomatoes, chicken stock, a splash of red wine vinegar, roasted red peppers, and olives. Give everything a good mix, bring it to a boil, then drop the heat down and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
4| Orzo time! Stir in the orzo and keep an eye on it, stirring regularly. Let it cook for about 10-12 minutes until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through. If it starts looking too thick, just add a splash of water or extra stock.
5| Finishing touches! Sprinkle a handful of fresh parsley over the top, grab some bowls, and dig in!
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Recipe Swaps & Creative Tweaks
Want to switch things up? No problem! This recipe is super flexible. Here are some easy swaps and creative tweaks to make it your own:
Easy Ingredient Swaps
🔄 Chicken Swap – Not a fan of chicken thighs? Use chicken breast for a leaner option or go with turkey for a different twist. Want to keep it meatless? Try chickpeas or white beans for a plant-based protein boost.
🔄 Orzo Alternatives – No orzo on hand? Swap it with small pasta like ditalini, pearl couscous, or elbow macaroni. You can also use rice for a risotto-like texture.
🔄 Smoky Paprika Fix – If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika + a pinch of cumin will give a similar depth of flavor. Or add a tiny bit of chipotle powder for a smoky kick!
🔄 Olive Options – Kalamata olives add a salty bite, but if they’re not your thing, swap them with green olives, capers, or just leave them out—no stress!
🔄 Roasted Red Pepper Substitute – Try sun-dried tomatoes, diced bell peppers, or even a spoonful of tomato paste for that sweet, rich depth.
Fun Tweaks to Try
🔥 Spice it up! Love heat? Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a drizzle of hot sauce to bring some fire to your dish.
🧀 Cheesy Goodness – Stir in a little Parmesan, feta, or goat cheese at the end for an extra creamy, salty finish.
🌿 Herb Upgrade – Fresh basil or oregano can add a nice Italian-style touch, while a squeeze of lemon juice at the end brings a fresh, zesty lift.
🍤 Seafood Twist – Swap chicken for shrimp or scallops and cook them in the last 5 minutes for a Mediterranean seafood vibe.
🥬 Boost the Veggies – Stir in spinach, kale, or zucchini in the last few minutes of cooking for extra greens without extra work.
However you tweak it, this dish is gonna be delicious! Let me know how you make it your own. 😊🍽️
Try my Lemony Spinach Orzo with Feta Topped Chicken recipe.
Helpful Tips for Success
✔ Sauté Low & Slow – Cooking the onions and garlic over low-medium heat helps bring out their natural sweetness. Don’t rush this step—it builds the base flavor!
✔ Brown the Chicken for Extra Flavor – A little sear on the chicken adds a ton of depth. It doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage, just golden on the outside.
✔ Stir That Orzo! – Orzo loves to stick to the bottom of the pot, so give it a good stir every few minutes to keep things smooth and creamy.
✔ Adjust the Liquid as Needed – Orzo absorbs a lot of broth as it cooks. If the dish gets too thick, just splash in a little extra stock or water to loosen it up.
✔ Taste & Adjust Seasoning – Before serving, give it a quick taste. A little extra salt, pepper, or even a squeeze of lemon can make all the flavors pop!
✔ Let It Rest for a Few Minutes – Once cooked, let the dish sit for a couple of minutes before serving. The flavors will settle, and the orzo will finish soaking up all that deliciousness.
✔ Make It Ahead – This dish tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat with a splash of water or broth to bring it back to life.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a perfect, flavor-packed one-pot meal every time! 🍽️🔥
Try my Quick Feta Couscous Salad recipe.
Serving Ideas
🥖 With Crusty Bread – A warm, crusty baguette or garlic bread is perfect for scooping up all that rich, smoky sauce.
🥗 Pair with a Fresh Salad – A simple Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta or a crisp arugula salad with a lemony dressing adds a fresh contrast.
🍷 Wine Pairing – A glass of Sauvignon Blanc or light-bodied red wine (like Pinot Noir) complements the smoky paprika and juicy chicken beautifully.
🍋 Add a Citrus Kick – A wedge of lemon on the side brings a bright, zesty lift to balance the rich flavors.
🫒 Mediterranean Feast – Serve with a side of hummus, tzatziki, or marinated olives for a full-on Mediterranean-inspired meal.
🥦 Boost the Veggies – Pair with a side of roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or steamed green beans for extra greens.
🔥 Spice It Up – Drizzle with chili oil, harissa, or a spoonful of spicy yogurt sauce for an extra kick.
This dish is already a winner on its own, but these pairings take it to the next level. Enjoy! 😊🍽️
Try my Herby Green Risotto recipe.
Drink Pairings for One-Pot Paprika Chicken & Orzo
🍷 Wine Pairings (Because Why Not?)
✔ Sauvignon Blanc – Crisp, citrusy, and refreshing—perfect for balancing the smoky paprika and rich tomato flavors.
✔ Pinot Noir – A light, fruit-forward red that won’t overpower the dish but still complements the roasted peppers and olives.
✔ Tempranillo – If you’re feeling bold, a Spanish Tempranillo pairs beautifully with smoky and savory flavors.
🥂 Non-Alcoholic Options (For a Refreshing Twist!)
✔ Lemon Sparkling Water – A simple, fizzy way to cleanse the palate and keep things light.
✔ Iced Herbal Tea – Try mint or chamomile tea with a splash of honey and lemon for a soothing, aromatic match.
✔ Homemade Lemonade – A tart, slightly sweet lemonade cuts through the richness of the dish.
✔ Cucumber & Mint Infused Water – Super refreshing and pairs well with Mediterranean flavors.
✔ Virgin Bloody Mary – Tomato-based and full of spices, this non-alcoholic twist on a classic cocktail blends right in with the dish’s bold flavors.
Whatever you choose, just make sure it’s something you enjoy—because good food deserves a great drink! 🍽️🥂😄
Storage & Reheating Tips
🧊 Storing Leftovers:
- Let the dish cool completely before storing.
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Orzo absorbs liquid over time, so it may thicken—don’t worry, we’ll fix that when reheating!
❄️ Freezing (Yes, You Can!):
- Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- To prevent the orzo from getting mushy, slightly undercook it if you plan to freeze.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
🔥 Reheating Like a Pro:
- Stovetop: Add a splash of chicken stock or water, stir, and warm over low heat until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, and add a little liquid if needed to loosen it up.
- Oven (For Larger Batches): Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warm.
This dish is just as good (if not better!) the next day, so go ahead and make extra! 🍽️🔥
Try my Chickpea and Squash Stew Casserole recipe.
Final Thoughts
And just like that, dinner is served! A bowl of this paprika chicken and orzo is pure comfort—rich, flavorful, and so easy to make. The best part? Only one pot to clean (because who wants to do dishes all night?). Give it a go, and if you do, let me know how it turned out! Got any fun twists or add-ins? I’m all ears. Happy cooking!
Recipe Card
One-Pot Paprika, Chicken and Orzo
A hearty, easy-to-make dinner that’s big on flavor and light on dishes! This One-Pot Paprika Chicken & Orzo is rich, comforting, and comes together in just one pot. Perfect for busy nights or meal prep! 🍽️✨
Ingredients
Instructions
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Sauté the aromatics
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over low-medium heat. Add the sliced onion and garlic, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 10-12 minutes until softened and golden.
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Brown the chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned on all sides.
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Build the flavor
Stir in the smoked paprika and cook for 1 minute to release its aroma. Add the diced tomatoes, chicken stock, red wine vinegar, roasted red peppers, and olives. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
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Cook the orzo
Stir in the orzo and cook, stirring frequently, for 10-12 minutes until the orzo is tender and the chicken is fully cooked. If the mixture thickens too much, add a small amount of water or additional stock as needed.
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Garnish and serve
Sprinkle the dish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy warm.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 533kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 13g20%
- Total Carbohydrate 66g22%
- Protein 38g76%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
