Chicken and Wild Rice Orzo Pilaf Recipe

This chicken and wild rice orzo pilaf is so tasty and easy to make. Made with wild rice, vegetables, chicken, and orzo. A hearty meal perfect for a cozy dinner! It’s winter and that means making cozy meals! A hearty dinner is a perfect addition to a cold day. There is nothing more that I love to eat than something warm on a cold day to warm me up. This is why this chicken and wild rice orzo pilaf is perfect for those cozy nights! Made with wild rice, vegetables, chicken, and orzo, this recipe comes together quickly and is delicious. I hope you enjoy it!

What is Pilaf?

Pilaf in simple terms is a rice dish. What makes pilaf different from rice is the liquid you cook it in. Rice is typically cooked in water, whereas pilaf is cooked in broths, stocks, or simmered meat and vegetables.

Equipment Needed

• Medium pan
• Large pot with lid

Ingredients

• Olive oil- Used for cooking chicken breasts.
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts– Two to three chicken breasts cut into one-inch pieces.
• Butter- My preference is unsalted butter, but salted butter would work as well.
• Onion- Yellow onion is a good choice for this recipe. Dice the onion.
• Garlic (minced)- Minced garlic adds great flavor to this dish.
• Wild rice (dry)- Any wild rice blend will do. Just make sure it’s dry.
• Carrots- Slice or dice the carrots.
• Celery- Slice the celery thinly.
• Chicken bouillon- One cube adds great flavor.
• Paprika- For seasoning.
• Salt and black pepper- For seasoning.
• Chicken broth- The rice will simmer in the chicken broth, making it a pilaf.
• Spinach- To add some greens!
• Orzo- Orzo is a thin, oval rice-shaped pasta.
• Heavy cream- For creamy goodness!

How to Make Chicken and Wild Rice Orzo Pilaf

1. Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Add ¾-1 lb of boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into one-inch pieces into the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until fully cooked. Set aside.
2. In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add ½ yellow onion (diced), 2 teaspoons garlic (minced), ¾ cup carrots (sliced), ½ cup celery (sliced), 1 chicken bouillon cube, and salt and pepper (to taste). Cook for 5-8 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
3. Add 3 cups chicken broth, the cooked chicken breast, and ½ cup wild rice (dry) to the pot. Bring to a boil. Once boiling, cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 40-45 minutes, until the rice is tender.
4. Add 1 cup spinach and ¼ cup orzo to the pot. Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente. Stir in ½ cup heavy cream. Remove from heat and serve warm. Enjoy!

Tips

• Stir the pot a couple of times while the wild rice is cooking to make sure the rice does not stick to the bottom of the pot.
• Top with parmesan cheese.

How to Store Chicken and Wild Rice Orzo Pilaf

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. When you are ready to eat, either reheat in the microwave or stovetop.

Variations and Substitutions

Feel free to customize this Chicken and Wild Rice Orzo Pilaf to suit your preferences. You can try different proteins, add vegetables, or experiment with various spices to create your unique version.

Nutritional Benefits

This dish offers a well-rounded nutritional profile, providing essential proteins, carbohydrates, and fibers. The wild rice adds fiber and essential minerals, while chicken provides a lean source of protein.

Serving Suggestions

Pair Chicken and Wild Rice Orzo Pilaf with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of fresh fruit for a balanced meal. It’s a versatile dish that complements a variety of sides.

Why Chicken and Wild Rice Orzo Pilaf is a Healthy Choice

This pilaf is a wholesome choice due to its balanced ingredients. It combines lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats, making it a nutritious meal option.

Exploring the Flavor Profile

The combination of wild rice, orzo, and chicken creates a symphony of flavors. The nutty wild rice, the mild taste of orzo, and the succulent chicken blend seamlessly for a delightful taste experience.

Conclusion

Chicken and Wild Rice Orzo Pilaf is a delightful culinary creation that brings a blend of flavors and textures to your dining table. With its rich history and adaptability, it’s a dish that resonates with many palates. Experiment with the recipe, make it your own and savor the delightful taste of this amazing pilaf. if you are interested in more chicken and rice recipes check out this Cream of Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Chicken and Wild Rice Orzo Pilaf

Maureen Gil

This chicken and wild rice orzo pilaf is so tasty and easy to make. Made with wild rice, vegetables, chicken, and orzo. A hearty meal perfect for a cozy dinner!

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 3/4–1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 onion (diced)
• 2 teaspoon garlic (minced)
• 3/4 cup carrots (sliced)
• 1/2 cup celery (sliced)
• 1 chicken bouillon cube
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup wild rice (dry)
• 1 cup spinach
• 1/4 cup orzo
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

* I earn a commission from Instacart from qualifying purchases.

Instructions

 

• Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Add ¾-1 lb of boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into one-inch pieces into the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until fully cooked. Set aside.
• In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add ½ yellow onion (diced), 2 teaspoons garlic (minced), ¾ cup carrots (sliced), ½ cup celery (sliced), 1 chicken bouillon cube, and salt and pepper (to taste). Cook for 5-8 minutes, until vegetables are softened.
• Add 3 cups chicken broth, the cooked chicken breast, and ½ cup wild rice (dry) to the pot. Bring to a boil. Once boiling, cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 40-45 minutes, until the rice is tender.
• Add 1 cup spinach and ¼ cup orzo to the pot. Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente. Stir in ½ cup heavy cream. Remove from heat and serve warm. Enjoy!

Notes

u003cliu003eStir the pot a couple of times while the wild rice is cooking to make sure the rice does not stick to the bottom of the pot.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eTop with parmesan cheese.u003c/liu003e

Nutrition Facts

Chicken and Wild Rice Orzo Pilaf

Amount per Serving

Calories

400

% Daily Value*

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

FAQ

Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice for this pilaf?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice for wild rice if you prefer.

Is orzo gluten-free?

No, orzo is a type of pasta made from wheat flour and is not gluten-free.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version?

Absolutely, vegetable broth can be used as a substitute to make a vegetarian version.

How long does it take to prepare this pilaf from start to finish?

The preparation time is approximately 45-50 minutes.