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If you’re looking for a creamy, comforting one-pan dinner that feels indulgent but still fits your macros, this Chicken & Chorizo Orzo One Pan is exactly that.
Smoky chorizo, juicy chicken thighs and tender orzo all cooked together in one pan, finished with a creamy crème fraîche sauce and melted mozzarella. It’s rich, satisfying and packed with flavour while still coming in under 600 calories with over 40g of protein per serving.
Minimal washing up, maximum comfort.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Proper one-pan dinner — minimal washing up
- Smoky chorizo flavour throughout the dish
- Creamy comforting sauce with lighter crème fraîche
- High-protein and filling
This is exactly the type of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your weekly rotation. The chorizo releases its smoky oils into the pan, flavouring the chicken and vegetables, while the orzo cooks directly in the stock, soaking up all that delicious flavour. Finished with a creamy sauce and melted mozzarella, it’s comforting, hearty and deeply satisfying without being overly heavy.
One Pan Chicken & Chorizo Orzo
10 minutes
25 minutes
4
One Pan
Delicious Chicken & Chorizo Orzo Recipe
Ingredients
150g dried orzo
60g spicy chorizo
400ml chicken stock
600g chicken thighs, diced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 courgette, chopped
1 onion, diced
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 red chilli, sliced
2 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
100g lighter crème fraîche
20g lighter mozzarella
1 tsp olive oil
Optional garnish
Fresh parsley
Extra chilli flakes
Instructions
1. Cook the base
Add olive oil to a medium-heat pan. Sauté the onion, garlic and chilli for 5–7 minutes until softened.
2. Add chicken and chorizo
Add the chorizo, diced chicken, red pepper and courgette. Stir in smoked paprika and Cajun seasoning. Season well and cook for 10–12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
3. Cook the orzo
Add the orzo and chicken stock. Stir well, place a lid on the pan and simmer for around 15 minutes until the orzo has absorbed the liquid and is tender.
4. Make it creamy
Remove the lid and stir through the crème fraîche until a creamy sauce forms. Add a splash of water if needed to loosen.
5. Finish the dish
Top with lighter mozzarella and a few crispy chorizo pieces. Allow the cheese to melt, garnish with parsley and serve.
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THE FULL MACROS READY FOR YOU
CALORIES | 545
UNDER 600 CALORIES PER SERVING
PROTEIN | 41.5G
OVER 40G PROTEIN PER SERVING
CARBS | 40G
UNDER 45G CARBS PER SERVING
FAT | 23G
UNDER 25G FAT PER SERVING
FIBRE | 4G
OVER 5G FIBRE PER SERVING
This Chicken & Chorizo Orzo One Pan is the perfect example of a balanced comfort meal rich flavour, plenty of protein and satisfying carbs that keep you full for hours.
Why choose this One Pan Chicken & Chorizo Orzo Recipe?
HIGH PROTEIN RECIPE
EASY TO COOK IN ONE PAN
THE PERFECT COMFORT FOOD AFTER A LONG DAY
UNDER 600 CALORIES
Swaps & Upgrades
- Use chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner version
- Add spinach for extra greens
- Swap mozzarella for parmesan
- Add cherry tomatoes for extra sweetness
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rice instead of orzo?
Yes, but the cooking time and liquid will need adjusting as rice takes longer to cook.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Absolutely. It stores well in the fridge for 3–4 days and reheats perfectly.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, although the texture of the orzo may soften slightly when reheated.
Can I make it less spicy?
Simply reduce the chilli and Cajun seasoning.
Can I make this dairy free?
Yes — swap the crème fraîche for a dairy-free alternative and skip the mozzarella.
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More Recipes at Archer Kitchen
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