So you want to know how to make orzo? I got you!
When I first discovered orzo, I was like, Who is this rice wannabe? And most importantly, how in the world do you even make this stuff?
Unlike other pastas that are bigger and thicker, orzo is small and rice-like, which made me wonder if the cooking process was different compared to other types of pasta.
As I started cooking with orzo, I came to love it. I don’t cook it the regular way with water. Instead, I like to make orzo with chicken broth. It’s simple, comforting, and somehow always hits the spot.
This is one of those recipes you make once, and then keep coming back to.
It’s fast, budget-friendly, and pairs beautifully with oven-baked salmon, sautéed veggies, or even a fried egg on top.
Why You’ll Love This Orzo with Chicken Broth Recipe
Simple ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples.
Rich flavor: Toasting the orzo brings out a beautiful nutty aroma.
Quick and cozy: Ready in just about 15 minutes.
Versatile: Serve it as a side, lunch, or cozy base for protein.
Ingredients You’ll Need For Orzo with Chicken Broth
Let’s keep it simple. Here’s what you’ll need to make the best orzo with chicken broth:
Orzo: Obviously!
Sesame oil: It adds a light, nutty flavor when you toast the orzo. You can also use olive oil if that’s what you have.
Chicken broth: This is the key to that rich flavor. Like I said, I like to make orzo with chicken broth. However, you can substitute with bone broth. Use a good-quality store-bought broth or homemade if you have it on hand.
Salt and black pepper: To taste.
That’s it! Just five ingredients for the coziest little bowl of orzo.
How to Make Orzo with Chicken Broth
Step 1: Toast the Orzo
Start by heating the sesame oil in a medium pan over medium heat.
Add the dry orzo and stir frequently for about 3 to 4 minutes.
You’ll know it’s ready when it starts turning golden and smells slightly nutty.
Step 2: Add the Chicken Broth
Slowly pour in the chicken broth (or bone broth). It’ll sizzle a little. That’s totally normal.
Stir well to lift any golden bits from the bottom of the pan.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Add a pinch of salt and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat slightly.
Cook uncovered for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed.
Step 4: Fluff and Serve
When the orzo is perfectly soft and silky, remove it from the heat.
Fluff with a fork and taste for seasoning. I love finishing it with a drizzle of sesame oil or fresh herbs.
Recipe Tips for Perfect Orzo
- Don’t skip the toasting…it adds flavor and keeps the orzo from turning mushy.
- Use good broth. The better your broth, the richer your final dish will taste.
- Want it creamier? Stir in a touch of butter or a splash of cream right before serving.
Variations & Serving Suggestions
For my garlic lovers, add minced garlic to the oil before toasting the orzo. You can also toss in spinach, kale, or peas near the end.
And if you want to make it a full meal, top it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a poached egg. Or throw it into a salad like I did in my orzo parsley salad recipe.
How to Store Leftovers
Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
When you’re ready to reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Learning how to make orzo with chicken broth is one of those simple kitchen wins you’ll keep coming back to.
It’s quick, cozy, and endlessly versatile.
Whether you serve it plain, dress it up with veggies, or use it as a base for your favorite meal, this little dish will quickly become a weeknight favorite.
Be sure also to check out my one-pan cheesy broccoli and orzo recipe for another idea on how to cook orzo.
How To Make Orzo with Chicken Broth
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cups chicken broth - or substitute with bone or beef broth
- Salt - to taste
- Black pepper - to taste
Instructions
- Heat sesame oil in a medium pan over medium heat.
- Add the dry orzo and stir frequently for 3–4 minutes, until it starts to turn lightly golden brown.
- Pour in the bone broth, stirring well to combine. Add salt and black pepper to taste.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, then cook until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 8–10 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork and serve warm.
3 Responses
This is a good starting point recipe. You can customize to each person’s taste. I added cooked chicken, scallions and a few good shakes of Trader Joe’s “Everything but the Bagel” seasoning to bump up the flavor and add sesame seeds for crunch.
this is rlly good. I added garlic powder, onion powder, basil, ground thyme, and maruchan chicken ramen packets to the chicken broth. the orzo was flavorfullllll
Easy and straight to the point. I ate mine with tofu ❤️