My Recipe Box

Chicken and Saffron-infused Orzo

Aromatic and savory, this dish combines the richness of chicken with the subtle earthiness of saffron, all perfectly balanced with orzo.
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MEDIUM
Prep: 20-25 mins
Cook: 30-40 mins
Serves: 4
Author: Yoyo_94

4.3 / 5 (824)


Ingredients

Proteins
  • boneless, skinless chicken breast

    1 pound

  • olive oil

    enough for sautéing

Orzo and Spices
  • orzo pasta

    1 cup

  • saffron threads

    a pinch

  • salt

    to taste

Aromatics
  • onion

    1 medium

  • garlic

    3 cloves

  • fresh parsley

    1 bunch


Instructions

  • 1
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

    To begin, place your skillet over medium-high heat and add enough olive oil to cover the bottom. This step is crucial as it will prevent the chicken from sticking and add flavor.

  • 2
    Sear the chicken until browned on all sides, then remove and set aside.

    Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breast. Sear the chicken on all sides until it achieves a nice brown color. This will lock in the juices and add texture. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for later use.

  • 3
    Soften the onions and garlic in the same skillet.

    Reduce the heat to medium and add the sliced onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until they are softened and translucent. This step will add a depth of flavor to your dish.

  • 4
    Add orzo, saffron, salt, and chicken back to the skillet, then pour in chicken broth to cover all ingredients.

    Add the orzo pasta to the skillet, stirring to coat the pasta in the oil and mix with the onions and garlic. Then, add the saffron threads and salt. Place the chicken back into the skillet. Finally, pour in enough chicken broth to cover all the ingredients and bring the mixture to a boil.

  • 5
    Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the orzo is tender and liquid is absorbed.

    Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer. The orzo will absorb the flavorful liquid, and the chicken will cook through. Check periodically to ensure the orzo is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.

  • 6
    Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

    Once the dish is ready, garnish with fresh parsley. This adds a burst of freshness and color. Serve hot and enjoy the combination of flavors and textures.

Ratings & Reviews

User Ratings

5

472

4

204

3

98

2

34

1

16

Reviews

  • jens_47

    Good recipe. I like chicken and pasta, simple and filling. Saffron is nice touch, gives it special flavor. Orzo is okay, not my first choice, but works. Only issue is orzo has gluten, which I try to avoid. Still, I enjoyed it. Easy to make, instructions clear.

  • Astri22

    This Chicken and Saffron-infused Orzo recipe is a real game-changer! As a pescatarian with a soft spot for Italian cuisine, I was stoked to see a dish that combines the best of both worlds. The addition of saffron gives it a sophisticated twist that's hard to resist. I mean, who doesn't love a good carb-load with orzo? The recipe's got a great balance of flavors and textures - the chicken's savory goodness pairs perfectly with the subtle earthiness of the saffron. And let's not forget the fresh parsley on top, which adds a nice pop of freshness. I've gotta say, this dish is a total winner in my book. The only thing that would make it better is if it had some chocolate on top (just kidding, sort of!). Seriously though, if you're looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that's relatively easy to whip up, look no further. It's a 5-star recipe, hands down!

  • Caspi86

    Honestly, this recipe is a total miss for me. I'm a veggie lover and this dish is all about chicken, which isn't my thing. I mean, I can appreciate the flavors and all, but it's just not my cup of tea. The orzo and saffron combo is pretty cool, I'll give it that. If they made a veggie version of this recipe, I'd be all over it. As it stands, I'd probs give it 2 stars. The steps seem pretty straightforward, but like I said, it's just not my vibe.

  • Akira_Nakamura_88

    I must express my appreciation for the Chicken and Saffron-infused Orzo recipe. Although it is not a traditional Japanese dish, I find the combination of flavors and textures to be quite delightful. The use of saffron adds a subtle earthy note that complements the richness of the chicken and orzo. However, I do wish that the recipe included a variation that accommodated my shellfish allergy. Perhaps a substitution with a different type of broth or seasoning could be suggested. Overall, I would recommend this recipe to those who enjoy a hearty and aromatic meal.

  • KrisPoland

    This Chicken and Saffron-infused Orzo recipe is a solid dish, but not complex enough for my taste. I like that it has chicken as the main ingredient. The addition of saffron is interesting, but I think it could be stronger. I would like to see more ingredients added to make it more similar to traditional Polish bigos. Overall, it's a good recipe, but I would modify it to suit my preferences.

  • RCCoder

    This Chicken and Saffron-infused Orzo recipe shows promise, but it needs a kick. As a spice lover, I found it a bit too bland for my taste. The saffron adds a nice subtle earthiness, but it's not enough to compensate for the lack of heat. The orzo, being a gluten-free alternative to traditional pasta, is a great choice for someone like me with gluten intolerance. The preparation and cooking times are reasonable, and the steps are clear and concise. However, I would suggest adding some red pepper flakes or sriracha to give it a bit of spice. Overall, it's a solid 4-star dish, but it needs a bit more complexity and heat to elevate it to a 5-star meal.

  • amarinder_1980

    Respected sir/madam, I appreciate the effort that went into creating this Chicken and Saffron-infused Orzo recipe. However, I regret to inform you that it does not align with my dietary preferences as a vegetarian. The presence of chicken breast and chicken broth makes it unsuitable for my consumption. Furthermore, I would like to inquire about the type of orzo used, as I have a mild intolerance to gluten. If a gluten-free alternative were available, I would be willing to consider a modified version of this recipe. In terms of flavor profile, I typically enjoy traditional Punjabi dishes like sarson ka saag and makki di roti, which have a distinct taste and aroma. The saffron-infused orzo, while aromatic, does not resonate with my culinary preferences. I appreciate your understanding and look forward to exploring recipes that cater to my vegetarian and gluten-sensitive requirements.

  • JazzGill85

    I was really looking forward to trying this Chicken and Saffron-infused Orzo recipe, but unfortunately, it didn't quite align with my dietary preferences. As a vegetarian, I was immediately turned off by the inclusion of chicken breast. I also noticed that the recipe uses orzo pasta, which is typically made from wheat and therefore contains gluten, something I'm mildly intolerant to. In terms of flavor profile, I was hoping for something a bit more reminiscent of traditional Punjabi cuisine, like the sarson ka saag and makki di roti that I grew up loving. The saffron and garlic did add a nice depth of flavor, but overall, I wouldn't say this dish resonated with me. Perhaps with some modifications to use vegetarian alternatives and gluten-free orzo, this recipe could be more suitable for someone with my tastes and dietary needs.

  • NalaniJ

    I was excited to try this Chicken and Saffron-infused Orzo recipe, but as a pescatarian, I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical about the main ingredient. That being said, I appreciate the creativity that went into combining the richness of chicken with the subtle earthiness of saffron and orzo. The dish sounded aromatic and savory, which I love. However, I wish there was a seafood option or a variation that could be easily adapted to my dietary preferences. The recipe itself was well-structured and easy to follow, and I liked the addition of fresh parsley for a burst of freshness. Overall, I'd give it 4 stars - it was a nice change of pace, but I wouldn't make it again for myself. Maybe with some shrimp or scallops added, it could be a real winner!

  • NalaniWong

    An intriguing dish that, while not part of my usual culinary repertoire, showcases a beautiful balance of flavors and textures. The combination of saffron-infused orzo and chicken is quite appealing, and I appreciate the use of fresh parsley for added freshness. However, I do wish there were more gluten-free options available, as orzo is typically made from wheat. Perhaps a substitution with a gluten-free alternative could be explored? Overall, a well-crafted recipe that I would consider modifying to suit my dietary needs.

  • Caspiano95

    This Chicken and Saffron-infused Orzo recipe is a real winner! I'm a total meat-lover, and the chicken in this dish is cooked to perfection. I mean, it's not smørrebrød or anything, but it's a nice change of pace from traditional Danish cuisine. The saffron adds a sick subtle flavor that complements the chicken and orzo really well. My only gripe is that it's not super sweet, but that's okay, I'm just a sucker for pastries. The recipe's pretty easy to follow, even for a laid-back cook like myself. I'd def give it a go again, maybe add some extra spices or herbs to give it a bit more zing. Overall, solid 4 stars from me!

  • MatsuoT96

    I appreciate this Chicken and Saffron-infused Orzo recipe for its simplicity and aromatic flavors. The combination of chicken, saffron, and orzo seems interesting. I would like to try this recipe, as it does not include MSG, which I need to avoid due to my mild intolerance. The steps appear clear and easy to follow. I appreciate the recommendation to garnish with fresh parsley for added freshness. However, I might consider adjusting the amount of garlic to my taste. Overall, I think this recipe is worth trying.

  • MagnusJens

    I'm absolutely loving this Chicken and Saffron-infused Orzo recipe! As a Nordic guy at heart, I'm always on the lookout for dishes that remind me of home, but with a healthy twist. The combination of chicken, saffron, and orzo is a great balance of flavors and textures. I'm trying to cut back on the aquavit (sorry, gotta keep it real), but this dish still hits the spot. The prep time is reasonable, and the steps are easy to follow, even for a laid-back guy like me. My only suggestion would be to add some Nordic flair with a sprinkle of pickled red onion or a dollop of sour cream - but that's just me being a traditionalist. Overall, I'd definitely make this again and recommend it to friends. Skål (minus the aquavit, of course)!

  • RohanTheGreat22

    Yaaas, this Chicken and Saffron-infused Orzo recipe is a real winner! As a meat lover, I was stoked to see a generous serving of chicken breast in the ingredients list. And let's be real, who doesn't love a good orzo dish? The addition of saffron is a sick touch - it adds a depth of flavor that's on point. I'm always down to try new recipes, and this one's a great addition to my culinary arsenal. The only thing that keeps it from being a 5-star recipe for me is that it's not exactly spicy, you feel? I mean, I love a good spicy kick, and this dish is more on the mellow side. But hey, it's a solid 4 stars from me. I'd def make it again, maybe with a few tweaks to give it a bit more heat. Oh, and btw, no Brussels sprouts in sight - win!