This Chicken and Chorizo Orzo recipe is easy enough for busy weeknight dinners but impressive enough to serve guests. You can make this restaurant-quality dish in under 45 minutes!
Looking for a bold, flavor-packed dinner that comes together in just one pan? This Chicken and Chorizo Orzo recipe is exactly what you need!
Smoky Spanish chorizo, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked orzo simmer in a rich tomato-based broth. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that I love to make for busy weeknights but it’s impressive enough for guests.
And folks who are dairy-free like me, this is an easy dish to make dairy-free! See my substitution options in the ingredients section below.
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🌟 Why you'll love this recipe
Not only is this dish packed with bold Mediterranean flavors, but it’s also a dream for busy home cooks. With minimal prep and a simple cooking process, you’ll have a vibrant, restaurant-worthy dinner on the table in under 45 minutes!
Feels fancy but is actually easy to make with simple ingredients. Perfect for casual entertaining
- One-pan meal = easy cleanup!
- Bold, rich flavors from smoky chorizo and aromatic spices
- Ready in under 45 minutes, making it a great weeknight dinner
- Super versatile – swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs
🛒 Ingredient notes
- Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best for juicy, flavorful bites. But you can substitute chicken breast for a leaner option.
- Chorizo – Cured Spanish chorizo sausage adds a smoky depth.
- Garlic and Shallots - These aromatics build a big flavor base for this dish.
- Orzo – This tiny pasta soaks up all the delicious flavors. You can substitute with small pasta shapes like ditalini or pearl couscous.
- Broth – Chicken broth enhances the savory notes, but vegetable broth works for a lighter version.
- Cream - Makes it ultra creamy and rich! Substitute with your favorite non-dairy cream to make it dairy-free.
- Spinach - Use fresh or frozen spinach to bump up the vitamins and minerals in this dish.
- Parmesan cheese - Adds a rich, creamy texture that makes this dish even more irresistible! I use a combination of my favorite dairy-free parmesan alternative plus nutritional yeast as a substitute to make this dairy-free.
- Parsley - Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley just before serving to add a bright, herbaceous finish. You can use thinly sliced basil if you prefer.
Vegan Option – Swap the chicken for chickpeas or mushrooms and use plant-based sausage instead of chorizo.
✅ Step-by-step instructions
Here are some helpful step-by-step photos to show you how to make this easy one pan chicken and chorizo orzo recipe. You'll find the full ingredients list with measurements, and more detailed instructions, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Cook the seasoned chicken in olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chorizo, then the garlic and onions, and then the orzo.
3. Cook the orzo, stirring constantly, and then add the stock/broth and cream.
4. Cook all together, then add the spinach and stir, cooking just until wilted. Sprinkle cheese and serve!
👩🏻🍳 Recipe FAQs
Yes! Omit the parmesan cheese or use your favorite dairy-free grated Parmesan alternative. Double-check your chorizo as some brands include dairy-based fillers.
Be sure to simmer it just until al dente and serve immediately to prevent overcooking.
You can use small pasta shapes like ditalini, pearl couscous, or even rice.
Absolutely! Use spicy chorizo, add red pepper flakes, or stir in a dash of hot sauce.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
🍽 Serving ideas
Pair this hearty dish with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Our roasted garlic asparagus is a crisp, savory contrast to the rich orzo. Meanwhile, air fryer garlic bread or pesto bread is perfect for soaking up that delicious, creamy sauce.
🍷 🥂 Wine pairings
I like to pair this chicken chorizo orzo dish with either white wine or red wine.
For a white wine pairing: A crisp Albariño balances the dish’s richness with refreshing citrus and minerality.
For a red wine pairing: A Spanish Rioja’s earthy, berry-forward notes pair beautifully with the smoky chorizo.
🍳 Kitchen tools and equipment
Ready to make this recipe? Here are the kitchen tools and equipment you'll need:
- Large, deep skillet or Dutch oven
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and measuring spoons
This Chicken and Chorizo Orzo is an effortless way to bring big flavors to the table with minimal effort. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress!
Let me know if you try it – I’d love to hear what you think!
More chicken recipes
Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to leave a 5-Star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card, and if you really loved it, please leave a comment further down on the page. Thank you!
One Pan Chicken and Chorizo Orzo
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound cubed skinless, boneless chicken thighs
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt plus more as needed before serving
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper plus more as needed before serving
- 1 cup cubed Spanish chorizo sausage approximately 1 chorizo sausage
- 1 Tablespoon finely chopped shallot
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups spinach
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cubed chicken, salt, and pepper. Stir and toss the chicken in the salt and pepper to season it, and continue stirring and cooking the chicken until just browned on all sides (about 7-9 minutes).
- Add the chorizo and cook with the chicken for 1 minute.
- Add the shallots and garlic and stir, cooking for 1 minute.
- Add the chorizo and stir, cooking for 2-3 minutes.
- Lower the heat to medium and stir in the white wine.
- Add the chicken stock and heavy cream, and simmer, stirring regularly, for 8-10 minutes, until most of the liquid is absorbed (see step-by-step photos in the blog post)
- Add the spinach and cook just until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
- Sprinkle and stir in the cheese until melted, about 1 minute. Salt and pepper to taste, and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is a general estimate. Actual nutrition details may vary depending on the exact foods & brands you use to make this recipe. It does not take into account any substitutions, toppings, or optional ingredients.
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