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Cozy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo – Comfort Food Twist

Cozy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo - Comfort Food Twist

A comforting twist on classic chicken pot pie featuring tender chicken, vegetables, and orzo pasta in a rich, creamy sauce. This one-pot wonder delivers all the cozy flavors of traditional pot pie without the fuss of pastry dough.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 5 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cooked and diced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Orzo
  • 8 ounces orzo pasta
For the Vegetables
  • 2 celery stalks finely diced
  • 2 carrots finely diced
  • 1/2 yellow onion finely diced
For the Sauce
  • 5 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour

Equipment

  • Large pot for pasta
  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through to 165°F. Remove from heat, let rest for a few minutes, then dice into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
  4. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter with olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetables and stir constantly to create a paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, to eliminate the raw flour taste.
  6. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the heavy cream, whisking constantly until smooth and lump-free. The sauce will begin to thicken as it heats.
  7. Stir in the chicken bouillon powder and the diced chicken. Simmer gently until the sauce reaches your desired consistency, coating the back of a spoon.
  8. Fold in the cooked orzo, stirring gently until every piece is coated in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  9. Serve hot in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • Cook orzo just to al dente as it will continue absorbing liquid when mixed with the sauce.
  • Don't rush the roux. Cooking the flour for 2-3 minutes eliminates the raw taste.
  • Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving substitute. Just shred and add when you fold in the orzo.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend.
  • Add frozen peas, mushrooms, or spinach for extra vegetables and nutrition.
  • Leftovers keep for up to 3 days refrigerated. Add extra broth or cream when reheating to restore creamy consistency.