Chicken Flavored Rice with Orzo Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Flavored Rice is a comforting, savory side dish that combines tender white rice and orzo pasta cooked in a rich chicken broth. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s perfect for elevating any meal with a flavorful touch.

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 fully dissolved.
5. Step 5: Raise the heat to high and bring the broth to a boil, 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 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 cooking.
8. Step 8: When done, uncover and fluff the rice with a fork to let the steam escape.
9. Step 9: Taste the rice and add salt if needed, starting with a pinch.
10. Step 10: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness and customize flavor.
• For extra depth, sauté a clove of minced garlic with the rice and orzo in butter.
• Substitute orzo with small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or small elbows if preferred.
• Add cooked vegetables such as peas or carrots in the last few minutes for a colorful variation.

Storage

Store leftover chicken flavored rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. If substituting, adjust the broth quantity and cooking time accordingly, or cook the brown rice separately before combining.

Is chicken base the same as chicken bouillon?

Chicken base is a concentrated paste similar in flavor to chicken bouillon cubes but often milder and easier to dissolve. You can substitute with bouillon cubes or powder, adjusting for saltiness.

Chicken Flavored Rice with Orzo Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 104 reviews

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

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Description

This comforting Chicken Flavored Rice recipe combines tender long grain white rice and orzo pasta sautéed in butter, then simmered in flavorful chicken broth enhanced with chicken base, dehydrated onion, and black pepper. The result is a fragrant, savory side dish perfect for pairing with your favorite chicken or vegetable mains, garnished optionally with fresh parsley for a bright, fresh finish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Rice and Pasta

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

Flavoring and Seasoning

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

Liquids

• 3¼ cups Chicken Broth

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Butter and Rice: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan (about 2½–3 quarts) over medium heat until foamy.
2. Sauté Rice and Orzo: Add the long grain white rice and orzo pasta to the melted butter. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice and orzo turn lightly golden in spots, developing a nutty aroma.
3. Add Seasonings and Broth: Stir in the dehydrated onion and black pepper, then pour in the chicken broth.
4. Incorporate Chicken Base: Add the tablespoon of chicken base to the mixture and stir thoroughly until it is completely dissolved, infusing the dish with rich chicken flavor.
5. Bring to Boil: Increase the heat to high and bring the broth to a rolling boil, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
6. Simmer the Rice Mixture: Reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer uncovered. Cook until most of the liquid has evaporated and the rice and orzo become visible on the surface, approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning on the base.
7. Cook Covered Until Tender: Lower the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and cook for about 20 minutes. Stir only once halfway through this time. This slow cooking tenderizes the rice and orzo as they absorb remaining liquid.
8. Fluff and Release Steam: Remove the lid and fluff the cooked rice with a fork gently to let any trapped steam escape, ensuring a light, fluffy texture.
9. Season to Taste: Sample the rice and add salt if necessary. Typically, a pinch suffices to balance the flavors without overpowering them.
10. Garnish and Serve: Optionally sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley to add color and a fresh herbal note. Serve warm as a delicious side dish.

Notes

• Stirring frequently during the initial sauté prevents the rice and orzo from burning and promotes even browning.
• Using chicken base enhances the savory depth more than plain broth alone.
• Adjust salt at the end to avoid over-seasoning, especially if your chicken broth is already salted.
• Chopped parsley adds freshness but can be omitted for a simpler presentation.
• For a gluten-free variation, substitute orzo pasta with a gluten-free pasta alternative or increase the rice proportion.

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

Keywords: Chicken flavored rice, savory rice, orzo rice recipe, easy side dish, chicken broth rice, buttery rice, one pot rice