Chicken Flavored Rice with Orzo and Parsley Recipe

Introduction

This Chicken Flavored Rice is a comforting and savory side dish that’s easy to prepare and full of warm, satisfying flavors. Combining tender rice and orzo with rich chicken broth and a hint of onion, it’s perfect alongside your favorite meals or as a simple main dish.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 1 cup Long Grain White Rice
• ½ cup Orzo Pasta
• ½ teaspoon Dehydrated Onion
• ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
• 3¼ cups Chicken Broth
• 1 tablespoon Chicken Base
• Salt (if needed at the end)
• Chopped Fresh Parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan (about 2½–3 quarts) over medium heat.
2. Step 2: When the butter is melted and foamy, add the white rice and orzo. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden in spots.
3. Step 3: Add the dehydrated onion, black pepper, and chicken broth to the rice mixture.
4. Step 4: Stir in the chicken base until it is fully dissolved.
5. Step 5: Increase the heat to high and bring the broth to a boil, which should take about 2–3 minutes.
6. Step 6: Lower the heat to medium and simmer until the liquid is almost gone and the rice and orzo are visible on the surface, about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Step 7: Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and cook for approximately 20 minutes, or until the rice and orzo are tender. Stir only once, halfway through the cooking time.
8. Step 8: When the rice is done, uncover the pan and fluff with a fork to release steam.
9. Step 9: Taste the rice and add salt if needed. Typically, a pinch enhances the flavor.
10. Step 10: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, substitute half of the chicken broth with homemade stock or add a splash of cream at the end.
• Try adding sautéed mushrooms or diced vegetables for extra texture and nutrients.
• If you prefer a stronger onion flavor, cook some finely chopped fresh onion with the butter before adding rice and orzo.
• Use a non-stick saucepan to help prevent the rice from sticking during simmering and baking stages.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but brown rice will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust accordingly to ensure the rice is tender.

Is it okay to use water instead of chicken broth?

Using water will reduce the flavor intensity. If you choose water, consider adding extra chicken base or seasoning to compensate.

Chicken Flavored Rice with Orzo and Parsley Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 150 reviews

• Author: lina
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A comforting and flavorful Chicken Flavored Rice made by sautéing long grain white rice and orzo pasta in butter, then simmering them in a savory chicken broth seasoned with dehydrated onion and black pepper. This easy stovetop recipe results in tender, aromatic rice perfect as a side dish for various meals.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Rice and Pasta

• 1 cup Long Grain White Rice
• ½ cup Orzo Pasta

Seasonings and Broth

• 2 tablespoons Butter
• ½ teaspoon Dehydrated Onion
• ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
• 3¼ cups Chicken Broth
• 1 tablespoon Chicken Base
• Salt (if needed at the end)
• Chopped Fresh Parsley (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

1. Melt Butter: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan (2½–3 quarts) over medium heat until foamy, preparing the base for toasting the rice and orzo.
2. Sauté Rice and Orzo: Add the long grain white rice and orzo pasta to the melted butter. Sauté for 5 minutes while stirring frequently until the grains are lightly golden in spots, enhancing the nutty flavor.
3. Add Seasonings and Broth: Stir in the dehydrated onion and black pepper into the rice mixture. Then pour in the chicken broth.
4. Dissolve Chicken Base: Add the tablespoon of chicken base and stir well until it is completely dissolved, infusing the broth with rich chicken flavor.
5. Bring to Boil: Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
6. Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium and simmer uncovered until the liquid has nearly evaporated and the rice and orzo begin appearing at the surface, about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the pan.
7. Cook Covered: Lower heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and cook for approximately 20 minutes or until the rice and orzo are tender. Stir only once halfway through this cooking period to allow even cooking without breaking the grains.
8. Fluff and Release Steam: Once cooked, remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork. This helps to separate the grains and release excess steam for a perfect texture.
9. Season to Taste: Taste the rice mixture and add salt if necessary; a pinch of salt is usually sufficient to enhance the flavors.
10. Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy as a delicious side dish.

Notes

• Toast the rice and orzo well to develop a rich, nutty flavor.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth if you prefer to control the salt level better.
• Be careful when stirring during the simmering stage to avoid breaking the rice grains.
• Letting the rice rest covered after cooking can help achieve a fluffier texture.
• Chopped parsley adds freshness but can be omitted if desired.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Chicken Flavored Rice, stovetop rice recipe, rice and orzo, easy side dish, chicken broth rice, savory rice