Steamy Weeknight Bliss: Ina Garten’s Chicken in a Pot with Orzo Recipe

Comfort arrives in a bubbling pot of Ina Garten chicken in a pot with orzo that warms every corner of your kitchen.

Tender chicken slowly simmers with aromatic herbs and vegetables, creating a rich, soul-satisfying broth.

The orzo absorbs the flavorful liquid, turning each spoonful into a creamy, delightful experience.

Delicate and hearty, this one-pot wonder brings Mediterranean simplicity to your dinner table.

Fresh ingredients meld together, promising a meal that feels both elegant and homey.

Grab your largest pot and get ready to savor every comforting, delicious bite of this classic dish that turns an ordinary evening into something extraordinary.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 6

Everything in Ina Garten’s Chicken in a Pot with Orzo

• Whole Chicken: Centerpiece of the dish, provides rich, hearty flavor and tender meat; choose a fresh, plump bird with intact skin for best results.

• Garlic: Adds a robust, pungent base note; select firm, compact bulbs without sprouts.
• Thyme, Parsley, Dill: Infuse the broth with bright, fresh herbal essence; look for vibrant green leaves without wilting.
• Saffron Threads: Imparts luxurious golden color and delicate earthy flavor; opt for high-quality, vivid crimson threads.

• Carrots, Celery, Leeks, Fennel: Create a flavor-packed vegetable medley; choose crisp, firm vegetables with bright colors and no blemishes.
• Chicken Stock: Builds deep, savory liquid base; select low-sodium stock for better control of saltiness.
• Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking medium and enhances overall richness; use extra virgin for superior taste.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning agents; freshly ground pepper offers more intense flavor.
• Orzo: Adds delightful texture and absorbs the surrounding flavors; select high-quality pasta for best results.

Tools You’ll Want to Make This Hearty One-Pot Dish

• Dutch oven: Large, heavy-bottomed pot perfect for stovetop and oven cooking.
• Kitchen string: Essential for tying herb bundle together.
• Knife: Sharp chef's knife for chopping vegetables and herbs.
• Cutting board: Sturdy surface for vegetable and herb preparation.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring and sautéing vegetables.
• Forks: Needed for separating chicken into quarters.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements for ingredients.
• Large shallow bowls: For serving the final dish.

Cooking Chicken in a Pot with Orzo à la Ina

• Flavor Foundation

Create a delicious base by sautéing carrots, celery, leeks, and fennel until they caramelize and develop deep, rich flavors. Introduce minced garlic for an aromatic finish.

• Chicken Preparation

Select a whole chicken and transform it into a golden masterpiece by searing each side in a hot Dutch oven. This step locks in incredible flavor and creates a beautiful exterior.

• Liquid Magic

Combine chicken stock with saffron and water, creating a luxurious cooking bath. Enhance the liquid with fresh herb bundles, infusing the entire dish with delicate herbal notes.

• Gentle Cooking

Allow the chicken to slowly simmer in the herb-infused broth, tucked into the oven for just over an hour. This technique ensures tender, falling-apart meat that’s incredibly juicy.

• Orzo Finale

Introduce orzo into the pot, letting it absorb the rich, complex broth. The grains will transform into a creamy, comforting accompaniment that perfectly complements the succulent chicken.

Tips for Making It Creamy Without Overcooking

• Replace the herb bundle with rosemary, tarragon, or sage for a unique flavor profile that transforms the classic recipe into a personalized culinary adventure.
• Pat chicken skin completely dry with paper towels before searing to achieve a golden-brown, crispy exterior that locks in delicious juices and enhances overall texture.
• Use homemade chicken stock or high-quality store-bought bone broth to intensify the depth of flavor, creating a more robust and luxurious one-pot meal.
• Prepare the entire dish a day in advance, allowing flavors to meld overnight. Gently reheat before serving for an even more harmonious and comforting dining experience.
• Experiment with seasonal vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes to add unexpected complexity and nutritional variety to the classic recipe.

Serving Suggestions for Orzo & Chicken Together

• Garnish Generously with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle a vibrant mix of chopped dill, parsley, and thyme over the dish to add bright, fresh flavors and a pop of color.
• Create a Cozy Comfort Meal: Pair this hearty chicken pot with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up the delicious, saffron-infused broth.
• Elevate with Wine Pairing: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the rich, aromatic chicken and vegetable medley.
• Build a Complete Dinner Spread: Add a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the warm, comforting main course and provide a refreshing contrast.

Storing Ina’s One-Pot Chicken Dinner

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover chicken and orzo in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep the broth separate to maintain the dish's texture and prevent soggy orzo.
• Freeze for Later: Separate chicken meat from bones before freezing. Pack in freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Frozen meals stay fresh for 2-3 months.
• Reheat with Care: Warm gently in a covered pot over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock to restore moisture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Meal Prep Magic: Cook this dish on weekends for quick weeknight dinners. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious when reheated.

Rustic Ina Garten Chicken In A Pot With Orzo Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Ina Garten’s chicken in a pot with orzo elevates classic comfort cooking with French-inspired techniques. Mediterranean herbs and vegetables create a hearty, one-pot meal you can savor with family and friends.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 whole chicken (3.5 to 4 lbs or 1.6 to 1.8 kg)
• 2 cups (10 oz or 280 g) diced carrots
• 2 cups (4 ribs or 280 g) diced celery
• 2 cups (about 3 leeks or 250 g) chopped leeks (white and light green parts)
• 2 cups (1 large bulb or 250 g) chopped fennel (stalks and core removed)
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) good olive oil
• 4 cups (32 oz or 960 ml) simmering chicken stock (preferably homemade)
• 0.5 tsp saffron threads
• 2 tsp minced garlic (2 cloves)
• 6 sprigs fresh thyme
• 8 sprigs fresh parsley
• 10 sprigs fresh dill, plus extra for serving
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 0.75 cup (4.5 oz or 125 g) orzo

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Position the oven rack centrally and preheat to 350°F. Select a Dutch oven with a secure lid.
2. Chicken Preparation: Thoroughly dry the chicken using paper towels, applying a robust seasoning of salt and black pepper across all surfaces.
3. Searing Foundation: Heat olive oil in the Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken breast-side down for 6-7 minutes, creating a rich caramelized exterior. Rotate and sear the alternate side for 4-5 minutes, developing a deep golden crust.
4. Aromatic Vegetable Medley: Introduce diced carrots, celery, leeks, and fennel, sautéing for 12-15 minutes to caramelize and release natural sweetness. Incorporate minced garlic, cooking briefly to amplify the aromatic complexity.
5. Herbal Infusion: Craft a delicate herb bundle using thyme, parsley, and dill, securing with kitchen twine. Sprinkle saffron threads to impart a luxurious, nuanced flavor profile.
6. Poaching Process: Reposition the chicken breast-side up among the vegetables. Pour chicken stock and water, partially submerging the bird. Add the herb bundle and season comprehensively.
7. Slow Roasting: Bring liquid to a gentle simmer, cover, and transfer to the oven. Bake for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and chicken to become supremely tender.
8. Orzo Integration: Discard the herb bundle, then fold in orzo. Allow the pot to rest off heat for 20-25 minutes, enabling the pasta to absorb the rich, aromatic broth.
9. Presentation: Deconstruct the chicken into quarters, separating breast meat carefully. Ladle the fragrant broth, vegetables, and orzo into serving bowls. Embellish with freshly minced dill and a final seasoning of salt.

Notes

• Ensure Dry Chicken: Pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and develop rich flavor.
• Master Vegetable Caramelization: Sauté vegetables slowly to unlock their natural sweetness, creating a deeper, more complex base for the dish.
• Choose the Right Pot: Use a tight-fitting Dutch oven with medium size to maintain even heat distribution and lock in moisture during slow cooking.
• Herb Bundle Technique: Tie herbs together with kitchen twine for easy removal and to maximize their aromatic infusion throughout the cooking process.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg