One Pot Chicken Chickpea Orzo

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This one pot chicken chickpea orzo is one of my go-to easy dinners on TikTok. Bite-size chicken, chickpeas and sweet bell peppers simmer with orzo in a smoky, savory tomato broth until the pasta is tender and everything is coated in flavor. It’s hearty, cozy and made in just one pot.

Between the chicken and the chickpeas, it’s packed with protein. It’s ready in about 30 minutes and makes great leftovers for a work-from-home lunch.

Watch Me Make It

Want to see how it comes together? Watch me make this chicken chickpea orzo on TikTok.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One pot: everything cooks together, so there’s barely any cleanup.
• High protein: chicken and chickpeas make it filling.
• Ready in about 30 minutes: perfect for busy weeknights.
• Meal prep friendly: it reheats really well for lunches.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 orange bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup dry orzo
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• Squeeze of lemon and fresh parsley, to finish

How to Make One Pot Chicken Chickpea Orzo

1. Season and brown the chicken. Toss the chicken with half of the smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes until browned.
2. Cook the veggies. Add the bell peppers, onion and garlic. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
3. Add the flavor. Stir in the tomato paste, the rest of the spices and the red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Simmer the orzo. Add the orzo, chickpeas and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring often, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5. Finish and serve. Taste and adjust the salt, add a squeeze of lemon and top with parsley.

Tips for the Best Results

• Stir often. Orzo likes to stick to the bottom of the pot.
• Adjust the liquid. Add a splash more broth if it gets too thick before the orzo is tender.
• Make it creamy. Stir in a handful of parmesan or a spoonful of cream cheese at the end.
• Add greens. Toss in a handful of spinach during the last minute of cooking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen the orzo.

If you make this one pot chicken chickpea orzo, let me know in the comments, and follow me on TikTok @biteswithadri for more easy dinners!