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Tender chicken breasts paired with a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce and hearty orzo is such a good combination, it’ll make you want to marry the person who made it for you! Introducing my One-Pan “Marry Me” Chicken Orzo, an easy, delicious take on the classic “Marry Me” chicken. This dish is the perfect weeknight dinner: it comes together with just one pan and and in a matter of minutes, making it the perfect cozy and comforting weeknight dinner.
Friends, have you heard of “marry me” chicken? Rumor has it that it began with Ina Garten’s “Engagement Roast Chicken,” but since then, it has been recreated hundreds of times. The lore behind this recipe is that it’s so good, that if you make it for you boyfriend, he will want to marry you. Who knows if that’s actually true, but one thing that is true? This recipe is DELICIOUS!
My take on the classic “marry me” chicken pairs it with one of my favorite ingredients: orzo! Orzo is a thin, rice-like pasta that can be a little easier to digest than traditional pasta. And, when paired with this creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce and chunks of tender chicken, it is truly an unbeatable combination. Talk about comfort food! This recipe is so warm and cozy, and I love making it on a cold night to instantly warm me up!
What You Need to Make This Creamy Chicken Orzo
- Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is the key to making this recipe!
- Olive Oil: To cook the chicken, I like to choose a better-for-you oil such as olive oil.
- Garlic: I always recommend using fresh garlic, whenever possible. The flavor is truly unbeatable!
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Make sure that the sun-dried tomatoes are packed in oil, so that they have the best flavor.
- Seasonings: To perfectly season this chicken, we’ll be using a blend of italian seasoning, paprika, kosher salt, and ground black pepper.
- Orzo: Orzo is a short-cut pasta that looks like a large grain of rice. It’s a delicious form of pasta to eat when you don’t want to feel super full and sluggish!
- Chicken Broth or Water: While I love using chicken broth to add flavor to the orzo, you can also use water, if you prefer.
- Full-Fat Coconut Milk or Heavy Cream: I prefer to use full-fat coconut milk to keep this recipe dairy-free, but heavy cream also works well, here.
- Fresh Spinach: Spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals and is the perfect way to sneak extra veggies into this recipe.
- Parmesan Cheese: There is nothing better than taking a bite of creamy, cheesy pasta, and freshly grated parmesan cheese is the perfect addition to this recipe!
How to Make This Perfect One-Pan Chicken Dish
To make this recipe, start by preparing the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and slice them into cubes. Set them aside while you prepare the skillet.
Heat a skillet, on the stove, over medium heat, and add in the oil. Once the oil is hot, add in the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the edges start to cook. Then, add in the sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, italian seasoning, paprika, sea salt, and black pepper, and cook for 3-4 more minutes.
Then, add in the orzo and broth and stir well. Reduce the heat to medium, then cover the pan and allow it to cook for 12 minutes. Remove the cover every few minutes and stir, to ensure that the orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
Once the orzo is cooked through, add in the coconut milk or heavy cream and spinach and stir until the spinach is wilted. Finally, add in the freshly-grated parmesan cheese and stir one last time.
Once it’s done, remove it from the heat, serve it immediately, and enjoy!
If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a review and rating below! To see more recipes and behind the scenes, follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube! I’m also now on Pinterest, so stop by and take a look at what’s new.
** Photography by Gayle McLeod
Tender chicken breasts paired with a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce and hearty orzo is such a good combination, it'll make you want to marry the person who made it for you! Introducing my One-Pan "Marry Me" Chicken Orzo, an easy, delicious take on the classic "Marry Me" chicken. This dish is the perfect weeknight dinner: it comes together with just one pan and and in a matter of minutes, making it the perfect cozy and comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1.5 Pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken breast cut into cubes
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 4-5 Cloves Garlic mashed
- ¾ Cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes packed in oil and drained
- 2 Teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 Teaspoons Paprika
- ½ Teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- 1 Cup Orzo
- 2 ¾ Cups Chicken Broth or Water
- ¾ Cup Full-Fat Coconut Milk or Heavy Cream
- 2 Large Handfuls Fresh Spinach
- ¾ Cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
Instructions
- To make this recipe, start by preparing the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and slice them into cubes. Set them aside while you prepare the skillet.
- Heat a skillet, on the stove, over medium heat, and add in the oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add in the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the edges start to cook.
- Then, add in the sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, italian seasoning, paprika, sea salt, and black pepper, and cook for 3-4 more minutes.
- Then, add in the orzo and broth and stir well.
- Reduce the heat to medium, then cover the pan and allow it to cook for 12 minutes. Remove the cover every few minutes and stir, to ensure that the orzo doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan.
- Once the orzo is cooked through, add in the coconut milk or heavy cream and spinach and stir until the spinach is wilted.
- Finally, add in the freshly-grated parmesan cheese and stir one last time.
- Once it's done, remove it from the heat, serve it immediately, and enjoy!
Did you make this recipe?
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in your posts and I’ll re-share!
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WHAT DID YOU THINK?
Rate + Review
This recipe is delicious! Although next time I make it I will be adding only 1/2 tsp of paprika as it was too spicy for my taste. It’s a very cozy meal!
This is delicious!!!
I am so happy you enjoyed it, Beth! Thank you so much for making it!
My family loved this!
I am so happy to hear that, Julie! Thank you so much for your review!
Ugh this was AMAZING! For a dairy free version I used Country Crock heavy whipping cream and Follow Your Heart Parmesan. It turned out perfect! I read the comments after eating to let it stand for a couple minutes to make it less soupy and will definitely try that. I also used Better than Bullion mixed with water for the broth and it was sooooo good. I also added a bit more salt to taste. Thank you so much for the recipe, I can’t wait to try out more!
Also, I couldn’t find it in the recipe. What time do I add the garlic? With the sun dried tomatoes? I missed it and ended up adding it to the broth simmer stage and it ended up just fine.
Yum! Christina, I am so happy that you enjoyed this recipe and found an amazing dairy-free alternative! As for the garlic, it’s noted in step 4: “Then, add in the sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, italian seasoning, paprika, sea salt, and black pepper, and cook for 3-4 more minutes.”
I’m a huge fan of this recipe. I’ve made it a couple of times and it always turned out great, but tonight I made it with some lemon pepper orzo I got at my farmer’s market and it came out amazing! Thank you!
Lemon pepper orzo sounds like a delicious addition to this recipe, Lauren! Thank you so much for making this recipe and for leaving such a kind review!
This dish was delicious! It was super easy to prepare, making it a good choice for weeknight meals. I’m making it again tonight.
Aww I am so happy to hear that, Jill! I hope you enjoy!
Delicious! I used a spicy Italian seasoning that incorporates crushed red pepper and it kicked it up a notch!! Mine was soupy at first, but if you let it stand 10 minutes, it comes out perfect.
I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Richelle! Thank you so much for making this recipe and for leaving such a kind review!
We just finished having this recipe for dinner and it was OUTSTANDING! I do not post reviews of recipes but this was so good I had to. It was not soupy as some stated. I think it helps ,as someone mentioned, to remove the lid the last 5 minutes of the 12 minutes. As with anything with cream and Parmesan it needs to thicken for a few minutes after cooking. I used a rotisserie chicken which made it even easier.
I am so thrilled that you loved it, Belinda! Thank you so much for making it and for leaving such a kind review!
Such a delicious recipe, I’ve added it to my recipe book!! I made a few changes and thought I would report on them for other’s enjoyment. I used whole chicken breasts as I feel it was slightly more moist and the chicken doesn’t get overcooked.
I seared the chicken breasts whole for a few minutes on each side and then removed from the pan. I added a half cup of onions as well, and deglazed the pan with a splash of white wine to get the chicken bits off of the pan. After following the rest of the recipe I added the chicken breasts back in and baked for 10-15 mins to ensure the chicken breasts were cooked all the way through. Absolutely delectable, thank you!
Sam, thank you so much for sharing such a detailed review! I am so thrilled that you loved this recipe, and I appreciate your support so much!
This worked exactly as written, thanks!
I used smoked paprika instead, (it’s what I had on hand 1tsp tho)
That sounds delicious, Heidi! Thank you for your review!
Absolutely delicious! Family loved it
So happy to hear that! Thank you, Joanne!
So delicious! You are my go to for all my recipes! Made this one tonight, it was a WINNER in my home. Wouldn’t change a thing. And do not worry everyone, the liquid will be absorbed as it rest.
My family LOVED this! I might try a different pasta next time to change it up. Has anybody done this with penne or farfalle? Does it change cooking time or liquid amounts?
I made this recipe tonight for the first time and it did not disappoint. Very good. I will definitely be making this more often. Thank you!
I am so happy to hear that, Lisa! Thank you so much for your review!
Absolutely delicious!! I have made this twice now and it turns out great each time following the recipe listed above. The first time I made it, I trusted the recipe as is despite the comments on it being soupy but as it continued to cook it thickened up nicely and even more as it cooled down some before serving. Thank you for sharing and gifting us a wonderful recipe to add into our rotation! Tonight I went a little “wild” and added crumbled bacon to it! ❤️🤌🏻💋
I’m so happy to hear that it turned out well for you, Jennifer! Thank you so much for making this recipe and for leaving such a kind review!
I don’t normally take the time to review the recipes that I try, but I’ll make an exception to this one.
This was amazing.
I will definitely be putting this into the standard rotation.
The only tweaks are personal preferences. I will chop the Sun-Dried Tomatoes and add more spinach than the recipe calls for.
Delicious.
Jerry, I am so thrilled to hear that! Thank you so much for making this recipe and for taking the time to write out such a kind review. It truly means the world to me!
Loved this recipe, flavors were delicious! However, definitely not enough for 6 servings!
Thank you for your feedback, Candice! I am so glad you enjoyed it.
I make this once a week! It is such a crowd pleaser, everyone asks to be invited over when I make it. I use half a cup less of chicken broth, mostly because the broth i get is only 2 cups for one box so i just think “meh!” and do that, it turns out great everytime! Im doubling it tonight and hoping it turns out just as good!
I am so happy it turned out well for you, Audri! Thank you for your review!
How would I prepare it on a Monday to serve on Wednesday? Could I freeze? How many days would it be good for if just refrigerated?
Hi Janet, I would recommend keeping it in the fridge ☻
Excellent!! My household loves this recipe!
Love the flavors. Super easy.. one question. Says heat the skillet to medium and cook chicken then reduce to medium for orzo?
Made this tonight and while it looks nothing like yours, I did use Chipotle tomatoes instead, it was still very good and delicious. Very easy to make and came together very quickly with minimal fuss including the clean up!
Oh no! It could be the chipotle tomatoes, but I can’t be sure without seeing it. I hope it turned out well regardless, Eric!
Loved this recipe! Will definitely be making again. I used 2 cups of broth and 1/2 cup of heavy cream because I had seen some comments saying it was soupy. Mine did not turn out soupy! Thanks for the great recipe.
I’m so glad it turned out well, Abby! Thank you so much for your review!
This was awesome and super easy to make. Waayy too much cream though! If you want it to be less rich, I would suggest adding 1/4 cup.
You can definitely reduce the cream to suit your palate, Steph!
This is a real crowd pleaser and simple to whip up. I saw another commenter mention too much liquid, I added less broth because my initial chicken cooking produced extra juice. Ended up taking the lid off about 5 minutes early, letting it reduce some before adding the heavy cream. First recipe from this site, Im divin in!
I’m so glad it worked out well for you, Sara! Thank you so much for your review!
So delicious! The only reason I did not give it five stars is because it most definitely was not enough for six servings and my family was left hungry lol I will definitely be making again but doubling the recipe!!!
I’m sorry to hear that, Marcela! I definitely would recommend doubling it next time ☻
Fabulous! Made this again and again and even company worthy! Comes together easily and flavours are spot on! I do cook a little longer than 12 minutes but i double the recipe so we have leftovers!
Thank you for this keeper!
Thank you so much for your review, Lisa!
There is so much liquid. I’ve been cooking it for 12 minutes, I’m afraid if I keep cooking it down the chicken will be like rubber. I used the right amount of chicken broth. It did seem like a lot when I poured it in. What did I do wrong??
Oh no! I am so sorry to hear that, Michele!
Really great recipe. A hint of spiciness. We added extra spinach and that was a nice touch.
I am so happy you enjoyed it, Sydney! Thank you so much for your review!
I love this recipe!! I’ve made this meal for myself and my boyfriend 3 times now. He loves this meal and walkways says “I can’t wait to eat the leftovers for lunch tomorrow.” Thanks so much!
Wow, I am so happy to hear that, Ashley! Thank you so much for making it and for leaving such a kind review!
Fantastic recipe – easy, delicious, and beautiful!
I haven’t made it with olive oil, so I can’t make a comparison, but I substituted bacon grease, and it was so good.
I’m so glad it turned out well for you, Thomas! Thank you for your review!
Do the sun-dried tomatoes add a lot of flavor to the meal? I wanted to use this for a meal train meal, but the kids in the family mdo not like tomatoes.
You can definitely leave out the sun dried tomatoes!
I have made this recipe twice and will keep it on my rotation. It’s awesome and SO easy!! Like the hardest part is to shred the Parmesan cheese. Thank you Nicole!!!
I’m so happy to hear that, Sylvia! Thank you for your review!
I made this with cauliflower rice instead of orzo. To do this, I reduced the broth to about 1/3 to 1/2 cup and cooked the mixture with the lid off. Everyone came out well – great recipe!
I am so happy to hear that, Jen! Thank you so much for your review!
Ok.. first time. Man..
This is SPICY..I looked at the reviews after I made it. Not 1 comment talking about the spice. Not sure where the heat came from. I looked to make sure my paprika wasn’t the issue. My sun dried tomato’s didn’t have xtra heat. Did anyone else find this tooo spicy? May have to reduce paprika?
I’m sorry to hear that, Bonnie!
I just bought your recipe book and saved many of your recipes online. I’m so excited to make this! Have you ever made your one-pan dishes with rice instead of orzo? Thank you!
Hi Angeliki, I have not tried it with rice!
After googling for a chicken & orzo recipe, I found yours! Super simple and I love only using one pot! My spinach didn’t look appealing so I omitted it and subbed some dairy free blue cheese crumbles for the cream/coconut milk. I loved it! Will check out more of your recipes!
I am so glad you enjoyed this recipe, Jackie! Thank you so much for your review!
Hi, so excited to make this recipe. Can you please tell me how many people this serves?
Hi Marley, this serves 6!
Made this tonight – it was so easy and delicious!! Will definitely be adding this to our dinner recipe rotation. We used store bought grated parm instead of freshly grated and it still turned out fantastic.
I am so glad it turned out well for you, Emma! Thank you so much for your review!
Made this and left it uncovered for the last 5 minutes of cooking. It was perfect! I used coconut milk instead of heavy cream and I ended up using a little more salt as well. Definitely saving this recipe!
I am so happy it turned out well for you, Cari! Thank you so much for making it and for leaving a review!
Another Kale Junkie win! My husband of almost 35 years said he’d marry me all over again after that delicious dish! Thank you Nicole!
WOW! I love hearing that, Jackie! Thank you so much for making it and for leaving a review!
How many people does this recipe serve? Looks amazing and I’m planning on making it tonight!
This recipe was so easy and delicious! I’m going to try subbing the orzo for protein orzo next batch, just to see if it works alright. Do you have the nutrition facts on this?
Thanks for sharing this great dish!
I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Marina! Unfortunately I do not include nutritional information for my recipes, and you can read more about why, here: https://kalejunkie.com/why-i-decided-not-to-include-nutrition-information-on-my-blog/
This was delicious! It was easy to make and I love the combination or chicken and orzo! We devoured it!
Im so happy to hear that, Ann! Thank you so much for your review!
Hands down one of our new favorite recipes! Honestly, every single recipe I have tried from Kale Junkie has been amazing! It’s rare for me to find so many from one person that I love. I usually have to dig. Being from Louisiana, my family and I appreciate so much flavor and many I’ve come across are always missing something…not these!! So flavorful and delish!!
I saw your video on instagram and I said let me try “Marry Me” Chicken Orzo. It was the best decision I have made regarding dinners! My entire family loved Loved LOVED it. It was simple to make. Did not take long to make and it is the best meal I have made in a long time! If I didn’t make it myself, I would have thought I ordered it from a restaurant. So glad I found you on instagram. I can’t wait to try some of your other recipes!!
I am so thrilled to hear that you loved this recipe, Laura! Thank you so much for making it and for all of your support. This truly means the world to me!
Amazing! This was quick, easy and absolutely delicious. My husband asked me to put it in our monthly meal rotation from here on out.
Woohoo! I am so happy to hear that, Lauren! Thank you so much for making it!
Made it twice already. The second time I had to double the batch because my family, (family of 5) devoured it and were looking for left overs the next day! Delicious and easy to make. Thank you for sharing your recipes!
I LOVE hearing that, Leslie!! Thank you so much for making it and for sharing it with your family!
Made it twice already. The second time I had to double the batch because my family, (family of 5) devoured it the first time and were looking for left overs the next day!
Wow, I am so happy to hear that, Leslie! Thank you for your review!
What a wonderful meal this was. So flavourful and it truly is a keeper in your repertoire of recipes. I usually use cream in these typ of saucier dishes but the coconut milk was lovely. The kids even ate this dish and asked for seconds!
I am so thrilled that you enjoyed it, Diana! Thank you so much for making it and for leaving such a kind review!
This is the first recipe of yours that I have made, and I LOVE it. I’ve made it a couple times just as you instruct. I need more recipes like this that are so delicious and healthy and easy. I have 3 little boys including a baby, and I can mostly make this with one hand 😉 Even my picky husband likes it. It really hits the spot.
Wow! Elizabeth, thank you for giving my recipes a shot! If you like healthy and easy recipes, try out my new quick and easy chicken parmesan. I think you’ll love it! https://kalejunkie.com/quick-and-easy-chicken-parmesan/
We doubled this recipe and it was a hit!!! So easy and flavorful!
Woohoo! I’m thrilled to hear that, Aida! Thank you for your review!
Love this!
New here. Stumbled across this recipe and have already made it twice. (And told my siblings to make it too.)
Notes: we used coconut milk first time and heavy cream the second time; both equally tasty. We also added mushrooms and used GF orzo which takes a bit longer.
Thank you for an excellent weeknight meal!
I am so thrilled that you loved this recipe, Katie!! Thank you so much for making it and for sharing it with your siblings, that means SO much to me!
Is there a good gluten free substitute for orzo?
Hi Donna, I recommend this gluten-free Orzo by Jovial foods! https://rstyle.me/+qb_FTAJdyrcBQLkCzgrKgQ
I would use cream instead of coconut milk next time. It’s more of an Italian dish. The coconut makes it taste like Thai food which doesn’t really complement the sun-dried tomatoes.
Hi Katie, I’m sorry to hear that! You can also use heavy cream in this recipe, if you prefer ☻
It’s delicious & easy to make! All the flavors I love wrapped into one dish. The entire fam loved it. I gave my teenage girls the recipe to make & they nailed it. Thank you!
Yay! I am so thrilled that your teenage girls were able to make it! Thank you so much for your review!