Introducing my Marry Me Chicken Orzo! Tender chicken coated in creamy sun-dried tomato sauce and bursting with orzo flavor, you’ll have a rockstar meal made in ONE pan.

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I love chicken orzo because it allows a busy weeknight to become a time when I can serve a restaurant-quality meal without stress. The original “Marry Me Chicken” dish is legendary for being so good that it can inspire a marriage proposal. I can’t comment on that (been married for almost 20 years over here) but this version certainly impresses my family! I can see why the original became a viral recipe on social media.

My version takes the best elements of the original recipe and customized it for a perfect one-pan meal. There’s the creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with tender chicken thighs and fresh spinach, and I never stress about cleanup because it involves minimal prep. The best part is that it stays tasty the next day, so I usually make a little extra to make lunch easy the next day.

This is a good recipe for times when you want bold flavor without spending hours in the kitchen. The velvety sauce that holds everything together and makes this dish feel special—it’s a comforting family favorite. Want to make it? Let’s go!

Why I Love This Marry Me Orzo Chicken Recipe

I am a fan of easy dinners, especially on busy weeknights when I want to eat (and feed) something healthy but NEED it to be quick and easy. Those are the times I turn to this great recipe enriched with creamy orzo and all the yummy flavors. The creamy orzo balances perfectly with the sun-dried tomato sauce, and the result is a family dinner favorite. I enjoy that it calls for minimal effort but never compromises on taste.

Here are a few reasons I love this Marry Me Chicken recipe (and you will too):

The hearty orzo pairs with tender, juicy chicken for a satisfying meal with no side dishes needed.
There’s no complicated process here. Everything comes together fast, so the dinner table gets something special without a huge cleanup.
ONE PAN. Enough said.
Adding spinach along with chicken thighs and chicken stock/broth means extra vitamins without changing the flavor.
It’s customizable–you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with salt and black pepper to bring a gentle kick and its taste profile will stay the same.

It’s a dish that delivers quality and simplicity in one pan. No one leaves hungry or disappointed, and that’s why it stays on my menu.

Ingredients Needed to Make One-Pan Marry me Chicken Orzo

You don’t need a shopping list for this recipe, even if you’re making it for the first time because most of the ingredients might already be in your pantry. Here are a few things you need to make orzo chicken:

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: They cook fast and stay tender. The original Marry Me Chicken recipe used boneless, skinless chicken breast, but I recommend using the thighs for this one. They are much more forgiving and don’t dry out as easily as breasts.
Italian seasoning blend: To season the chicken before searing.
Sweet paprika: Adds color and mild warmth.
Onion powder: Supplies subtle flavor.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Basic staples.
Avocado oil: Avocado oil is known for its high smoke point and neutral flavor. You can use olive oil if you prefer.
Garlic cloves, minced: Provides classic aroma.
Sun-dried tomatoes: These give the best depth of flavor to the sauce.
Orzo: Other small pasta shapes may be substituted, but we love orzo for this dish.
Chicken broth: The orzo cooks in the broth and brings flavor to the dish.
Baby spinach leaves: Spinach is an anti-inflammatory leafy green that provides powerful antioxidants, vitamin C, and iron.
Heavy cream: This gives a velvety finish. You can also use half and half. For dairy-free, use coconut milk and omit the parmesan cheese.
Parmesan cheese: Complements the rich flavors.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Orzo

This delicious recipe is so good that you’ll be a fan right from the first bite. Plus, the cooking process is simple–double win for you. Here’s how you make it with step by step photos. For a printable version of these instructions, please scroll down to the recipe card.

Dry the chicken pieces with a towel and place them in a medium bowl.
In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend, 2 teaspoons sweet paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
Sprinkle it on the chicken pieces and stir them so they are evenly coated with the seasoning.
In a very large skillet (14 inches), heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil over medium high heat, and add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Sauté the chicken for 7 minutes.
Add the 1.5 teaspoons minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for one minute.
Add the orzo and chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12 minutes.
Stir in the spinach and heavy cream. Stir until the spinach is wilted.
Turn off the heat and stir in the parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

I think you’re going to love this one! Scroll below the recipe card for some variations of this recipe. If you try this Marry Me Chicken Orzo recipe, or any of my healthy recipes, please leave a comment and star rating–it’s so helpful! Share a photo of your creations on Instagram so I can see and I’d love to feature you.

Variations You Can Try With this Marry Me Orzo Chicken Recipe

Every cook can do a personal take on this dish while keeping the original spirit of the recipe. Having the option to customize a recipe is great for busy families, casual get-togethers, and special moments.

Here are a few ways to modify it for a new twist:

Make it Creamier

If you want a richer meal that fits special occasions or date nights, reduce the chicken stock t0 3 1/2 cups and increase the heavy cream to 1 cup. It creates a decadent finish that pairs well with fresh herbs added on top. (Fresh basil or fresh parsley) The dish will turn out indulgent enough to impress your guests, and it’s just as memorable as the last time you made it.

Make it Lighter

Those who want a lighter version can reduce the cream to 1/4 cup. It’s a great customization for anyone who prefers less heaviness but still wants flavor and a little creaminess. This adaptation cuts some calories yet keeps a pleasant, creamy texture. You can also use half and half in place of the heavy cream.

Use Rotisserie Chicken

Shredded rotisserie chicken can replace fresh chicken in a pinch—it shortcuts cooking time while staying true to the original recipe concept. So when you’re short on time and want a fuss-free approach, use rotisserie chicken. You can add the shredded meat toward the end to warm it through and the rest of the process remains the same.

Level Up the Serving

You can serve marry me orzo chicken alongside garlic bread for a satisfying meal that kids adore. Try my Stuffed Garlic Bread recipe, or simply spread softened butter mixed with minced garlic on a baguette, then toast until lightly crisp. The bread complements the creamy sauce and soaks up any leftover liquid in the pan. Trust me, you’ll create a dinner experience that keeps everyone at the table asking for seconds.

One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe (So easy!)

Why I Love This Marry Me Orzo Chicken Recipe

Ingredients Needed to Make One-Pan Marry me Chicken Orzo

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Orzo