Hearty Barefoot Contessa’s Cozy Chicken in a Pot with Orzo Recipe

Comfort arrives in a steaming pot of hearty chicken in orzo that warms every corner of your kitchen.

Rich aromas swirl from this classic french-inspired dish, promising pure culinary satisfaction.

The tender chicken falls apart with gentle prodding, nestled among perfectly cooked pasta grains.

Herbs and vegetables create a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Ina garten’s approach turns simple ingredients into something truly magical.

Each spoonful carries the warmth of home-cooked goodness.

This one-pot wonder delivers a meal that satisfies both hunger and soul.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 6

What You Need for Barefoot Contessa Chicken In A Pot With Orzo

• Whole Chicken: The star of the dish, providing rich, tender meat that becomes incredibly succulent when slow-cooked; look for a fresh, plump bird with smooth, unblemished skin.

• Carrots, Celery, Leeks, Fennel: These vegetables create a flavor-packed base that infuses the broth with depth and sweetness; choose crisp, bright-colored vegetables for maximum flavor.
• Garlic: Adds a punchy, aromatic kick that elevates the entire dish; select firm, unbruised cloves with no green sprouts.

• Thyme, Parsley, Dill: Fresh herbs that bring bright, herbaceous notes and complexity to the broth; seek out vibrant green herbs with no wilting.
• Saffron: Imparts a luxurious golden color and distinctive earthy flavor; a pinch goes a long way, so choose high-quality threads.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

• Chicken Stock: Creates a rich, flavorful base for cooking; homemade is best, but a high-quality store-bought version works well.
• Orzo: A tiny pasta that absorbs the delicious broth and adds a comforting texture; choose a good quality pasta for best results.
• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth base for searing and sautéing, adding a subtle fruity undertone.
• Water: Helps to adjust the liquid level and ensure proper cooking of the chicken and orzo.

Utensils for Barefoot Contessa Chicken In A Pot With Orzo

• Dutch Oven: Large, sturdy pot perfect for stovetop and oven cooking.
• Kitchen String: Essential for tying herb bundle together.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for precise vegetable and herb chopping.
• Cutting Board: Stable surface for chopping ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Accurate for measuring salt and pepper.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and sautéing vegetables.
• Forks: Needed for separating chicken into quarters.
• Shallow Serving Bowls: For presenting the finished dish.

Cooking Method for Barefoot Contessa Chicken In A Pot With Orzo

• Kitchen Preparation

Gather a large Dutch oven and essential cooking tools. Select a fresh whole chicken and seasonal vegetables for a comforting meal.

• Chicken Searing

Brown the chicken in olive oil, creating a beautiful golden exterior. This step locks in rich flavors and develops a delectable caramelized surface.

• Vegetable Symphony

Create a flavorful base by sautéing aromatic vegetables like carrots, leeks, and fennel. Allow them to soften and develop deep, complex tastes.

• Liquid Harmony

Nestle the chicken into the vegetable landscape. Pour chicken stock and water, infusing the dish with herbal notes from fresh thyme and dill. Season generously with salt and pepper.

• Slow Transformation

Transfer the Dutch oven to a warm oven. Let the chicken gently cook, allowing flavors to meld and meat to become tender and succulent.

• Orzo Finale

Introduce orzo into the broth, letting it absorb the luxurious cooking liquid. Allow the pasta to become perfectly soft and creamy.

• Elegant Presentation

Carefully separate chicken pieces, creating an inviting display. Ladle broth and orzo into warm bowls, garnishing with delicate fresh herbs for a restaurant-quality experience.

Flavor Advice for Barefoot Contessa Chicken In A Pot With Orzo

• Swap whole chicken for bone-in chicken thighs or breasts depending on your preference and family size.
• Experiment with fresh herb combinations like rosemary or tarragon to create unique aromatic profiles for your dish.
• Replace traditional orzo with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter, gluten-free alternative that maintains the recipe's delicious texture.
• Incorporate additional seasonal vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or zucchini to add more nutritional depth and color to the one-pot meal.
• Pat chicken skin completely dry before searing to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in maximum flavor and moisture.

How to Serve Barefoot Contessa Chicken In A Pot With Orzo

• Savor Family-Style Comfort: Gather loved ones around the table and enjoy this hearty chicken dish together, creating warm memories with every spoonful.
• Enhance with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle extra chopped dill or parsley on top to brighten the flavors and add a pop of fresh green color to the dish.
• Create Bread Pairing: Serve alongside crusty sourdough or rustic French bread to soak up the delicious, saffron-infused broth and add a delightful textural contrast.
• Customize with Side Salad: Complement the rich chicken and orzo with a light, crisp green salad dressed in a simple lemon vinaigrette to balance the meal's heartiness.

Smart Storage for Barefoot Contessa Chicken In A Pot With Orzo

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover chicken and orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the chicken and broth together to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Freeze for Later: Portion the dish into freezer-safe containers, removing herb leaves. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat Gently: Warm the dish slowly in a covered pot over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock to prevent drying. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and maintain the orzo's creamy texture.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the entire recipe in advance and divide into individual servings for quick weeknight dinners. The flavors will deepen and become more robust after a day in the refrigerator.

Hearty Barefoot Contessa Chicken In A Pot With Orzo Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Home cooks master this Barefoot Contessa chicken in a pot with orzo through simple, comforting techniques. Ina Garten’s classic French-inspired dish brings hearty warmth and rich flavors you’ll savor with each delicious spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3½ to 4 lbs (1.6 to 1.8 kg) whole chicken
• 8 oz (225 g) carrots, scraped and diced (¾-inch)
• 8 oz (230 g) celery, diced (¾-inch)
• 6 oz (180 g) leeks, white and light green parts, chopped
• 7 oz (200 g) fennel, chopped (1 large bulb, stalks and core removed)
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) good olive oil
• 4 cups (1 litre) simmering chicken stock (preferably homemade)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ tsp saffron threads
• 4 oz (120 g) orzo
• 6 sprigs fresh thyme
• 8 sprigs fresh parsley
• 10 sprigs fresh dill, plus extra for serving
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Chicken Preparation: Pat chicken completely dry to ensure optimal browning, creating a perfect canvas for caramelization.
2. Searing Foundation: Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, strategically searing chicken breast-side down for 5-7 minutes until a rich golden crust forms. Flip and repeat on the opposite side for 4-5 minutes.
3. Vegetable Transformation: Introduce diced carrots, celery, leeks, and fennel to the same pot, allowing them to caramelize and develop complex flavors for 10-15 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook briefly to release aromatic qualities.
4. Liquid Composition: Nestle chicken back into the pot, pour chicken stock with saffron threads, adding water to barely cover the chicken while leaving the breastbone’s tip exposed. Create an herb bundle with thyme, parsley, and dill, securing with kitchen twine.
5. Flavor Infusion: Season generously with salt and black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, cover, and transfer to a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes, maintaining a gentle simmer.
6. Orzo Integration: Remove herb bundle and stir orzo directly into the flavorful broth. Cover and rest off heat for 20-25 minutes, allowing orzo to absorb liquid and become perfectly tender.
7. Serving Presentation: Carefully separate chicken into quarters, removing breast meat from bones while keeping leg portions intact. Warm if needed and serve in shallow bowls, generously spooning chicken, broth, and orzo. Garnish with fresh minced dill and a light salt sprinkle.

Notes

• Optimize Chicken Dryness: Pat chicken completely dry to ensure perfect golden-brown searing and develop rich caramelized exterior.
• Strategic Vegetable Caramelization: Allow vegetables to slowly cook for 10-15 minutes, developing deep flavor foundations before adding chicken.
• Precise Temperature Control: Maintain gentle simmer in oven at 350°F, preventing aggressive boiling that could toughen chicken meat.
• Resting Technique Matters: Let orzo rest off heat for 20-25 minutes to absorb liquid fully, creating creamy, perfectly textured pasta.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg