This “Marry Me” Chicken Orzo recipe is part of my easy one-pot dinners series, and it’s easily one of my favorites! It’s also gluten free and can be made dairy free with a few substitutions. Best of all, it only takes about 25 minutes to make and clean up is simple.
This gluten free orzo recipe is a spin on the popular “Marry Me” Chicken Recipe except you don’t have to worry about making any side dishes since this recipe is an all-in-one meal with protein, carbs, and fats.
Why You’ll Love This Gluten Free Orzo Recipe
- Easy Clean Up. Since this is a one pot dinner, clean up is easy!
- Gluten Free. Most orzo recipes are not gluten free since orzo itself contains gluten. However, I’m using a gluten free orzo for those (like myself) who avoid gluten.
- 25 Minute Meal. Since there’s not much chopping and pre-prep involved, this meal can be whipped up in less than 30 minutes.
- Great for Meal Prep. This Marry Me Chicken Orzo can be stored for up to 5 days in the fridge, making it a great healthy meal prep option.
Marry Me Chicken Orzo Ingredients
The ingredients are simple, healthy, and probably already in your fridge or pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious one pot dinner.
- Chicken Breasts. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best with this recipe. And, it packs in the protein.
- Gluten Free Orzo. Because I’m Celiac, I’m keeping this dinner recipe gluten free, but you can certainly use regular orzo. My two favorite brands of gluten free orzo are Delallo (corn based, cooks up the best) and Jovial (grain free for those on a Paleo diet).
- Sun Dried Tomatoes. Sticking to the traditional Marry Me Chicken Recipe, one key component for flavor is using sun dried tomatoes in oil.
- Spice Blend. I combine a blend of paparika, Italian seasoning, garlic, and other herbs to bring this dish to life!
- Chicken Broth. This is what we’ll be simmering the orzo and chicken in, which adds an extra boost of flavor while keeping everything moist.
- Coconut Milk. Feel free to use regular heavy cream, but if you’re dairy free or dairy light like me, opt for full fat coconut milk (in the can).
- Spinach. This brings in extra nutrition and fiber to the dish while adding a pop of vibrant color.
- Parmesan Cheese. Gives an extra creamy texture to this gluten free orzo recipe. Feel free to use dairy free parmesan.
How To Make Marry Me Chicken Orzo
- Step 1: Cook the chicken first. In the pot, add some oil and chicken. Let it brown for 5-10 minutes.
- Step 2: Add the spices, garlic, and sun dried tomatoes.
- Step 3: Add the orzo and broth. Simmer until orzo is done.
- Step 4: Finally, add the coconut milk or cream and spinach. Cook until wilted. Then, stir in the grated parmesan. And, enjoy!
Substitution Ideas, Storage Tips, and Reheating
- Dairy Free Substitutions. If you want to keep this one pot dinner dairy light, swap out regular heavy cream for full fat coconut milk (in the can). If you want it to be completely dairy free, use dairy free parmesan cheese instead of regular.
- Storage. This gluten free orzo recipe will last in the fridge for up to 5 days. It can be frozen for up to one month, but the texture will change a bit while the flavor will remain the same.
- Reheating. Similar to rice-based dishes, you’ll want to add a splash of water or a small ice cube to the orzo before reheating to add back some moisture and to avoid it being to sticky.
More Healthy One Pot Dinner Ideas
If you’re on the search for more healthy one-pot or one-pan dinner ideas, here’s a few of my favorites!
- One Pot Pumpkin Chili – gluten free, high protein, healthy Fall chili recipe
- Weight Loss Soup – packed with vegetables, fiber, protein, and low calorie soup recipe
- Anti-Inflammatory Carrot Ginger Soup – savory, nourishing, and easy one pot soup idea
- One Pot Loaded Hamburger Soup – comforting, savory, high protein, grain free, dairy free soup
One-Pot “Marry Me” Chicken Orzo (gluten free)
This gluten free Marry Me Chicken Orzo recipe is an easy, healthy weeknight dinner you can make in under 30 minutes. It's a one pot dinner, which means super easy clean up.
Video
Equipment
- 4 or 5 quart pot or pan
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Chicken Breasts, cut into 1-2 inch chunks
- 2 Tbsp Avocado Oil
- 2 tsp Garlic, minced
- 1 C. Sun Dried Tomatoes In Oil, drained and roughly chopped (don't rinse)
- 1 Tbsp Italian Seasoning
- 2 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Sea Salt
- 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1/2 tsp Dried Thyme
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 C. Dried Orzo, gluten free or regular (see notes)
- 2.5 C. Chicken Broth
- 1/4 C. Water
- 3/4 C. Full Fat Coconut Milk (or regular heavy cream)
- 2 C. Spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 C. Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated (or dairy free parmesan cheese)
Instructions
- In a pot or pan over medium-high heat, add the avocado oil and let it get hot. Then, add the chicken. Cook for 5-10 minutes for it to brown a bit on the edges or cook about 75%.
- Next, add in the minced garlic, sun dried tomatoes (drained), and all seasonings. Stir until fully combined and cook another 3-5 minutes.
- Add in the orzo, chicken broth, and water. Stir to combine. Bring mixture to a light boil then reduce the heat to low-medium, add a lid, and let simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the orzo is done. Make sure you stir every few minutes to avoid having the orzo stick to the bottom of the pot.
- Once the orzo is done, turn the heat to low, and add the coconut milk (or cream) and spinach. Continue to stir/cook until the spinach is wilted. Lastly, stir in the parmesan cheese.
- Orzo dishes are best served right away. Top with freshly grated parmesan, freshly chopped parsley, and enjoy!
Notes
- Gluten Free Orzo Options include the Delallo brand (cooks up the best in terms of texture) and Jovial (for a grain free/Paleo option).
- Storage. This gluten free orzo recipe will last in the fridge for up to 5 days. It can be frozen for up to one month, but the texture will change a bit while the flavor will remain the same.
- Reheating. Similar to rice-based dishes, you’ll want to add a splash of water or a small ice cube to the orzo before reheating to add back some moisture and to avoid it being to sticky.
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingCalories: 511kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 39gFat: 19gFiber: 3gSugar: 6g
Did you make this recipe? Be sure to tag me on Instagram!@KaylaJChandler or #FeelinFabWithKayla
Really flavourful and easy to make 😊
so glad you enjoyed it! 🙂