One-Pot Chicken Fajita With Orzo Pasta – On the table in 30 minutes and made in only one pot, this nourishing fajita chicken and orzo pasta is total comfort food that everyone will love. Chicken thighs with bell peppers and sweet onion are tossed in delicate orzo pasta that soaks all the juices full of flavors of the Southwest. This chicken pasta recipe is so easy, anyone can make it!
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Ingredients list for the One-Pot Chicken Fajita With Orzo Pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
- 1 envelope (3 tablespoons) fajita seasoning (or make your own: see notes)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 onion, diced
- 2-3 bell peppers, diced
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (250ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Fresh chopped cilantro, for garnish
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Directions
1. To make the chicken orzo pasta recipe: Season chicken with half of taco/fajita seasoning plus Italian seasoning. In a skillet or large pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over high heat. When the oil is very hot, carefully add the chicken in a single layer and cook without stirring until one side is seared and browned – about 3-4 minutes. Flip the chicken to the other side and cook until browned. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
2. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot with the heat still on high. When the oil is hot again, add the onions, bell peppers, and remaining taco seasoning. Cook, stirring occasionally until the veggies are slightly blackened. Turn heat to low, add minced garlic, and stir until fragrant and well combined, about 30 seconds.
3. Preheat oven to 400ºF (200ºC). In the same skillet, add the broth, uncooked pasta, and salt. Stir to combine and bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 10 minutes until pasta is al dente and liquid is mostly absorbed. Add the chicken back into the pot and stir to combine.
4. Transfer to the oven 10 minutes to crisp up chicken and veggies, until chicken is completely cooked through. Serve the chicken orzo pasta garnished with fresh cilantro. Enjoy!
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Tips for the One-Pot Chicken Fajita With Orzo Pasta Recipe
We hope you’ll make this easy chicken fajita recipe with orzo. It is ideal for a weeknight dinner or a more formal dinner if you have a company. Here are a few tips to make it even better:
- This chicken fajita orzo recipe is super flavorful. Don’t skimp on fajita seasoning because it adds a great depth of flavor!
- We use skin-on and bone-in chicken thighs. You can sub with skinless and boneless chicken thighs, it will render less fat.
- Make sure you’re using a large and deep dutch oven because it makes a large quantity to feed a crowd.
How to make your own fajita seasoning
Simply combine these following ingredient in a small bowl:
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 crushed chicken bouillon cube
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
How to store the chicken orzo leftovers?
Keep the chicken orzo leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can reheat the chicken fajita orzo in the microwave or in the dutch oven, with a few tablespoons water to loosen up the sauce and avoid sticking to the bottom of the pot.
What other readers are saying about this chicken fajita orzo pasta recipe
“Delicious! I’ll definitely make this again.” – Janice
More pasta recipes you might like
- Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
- Creamy Chicken Soup with Pasta and Spinach
- Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato, and Basil
- Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com