Mary Berry Chicken Orzo Recipe

This creamy Mary Berry Chicken Orzo recipe is made with tender chicken, orzo pasta, chestnut mushrooms, sour cream, and a touch of white wine. The result is a rich, savory, and satisfying main course that feels wonderfully indulgent. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe serves 4-6 people and brings a touch of comfort to any season.

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Mary Berry Chicken Orzo Ingredients

• 275g (10oz) orzo pasta
• 2 chicken breasts, skin removed and sliced into thin strips
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp runny honey
• Knob of butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 250g (9oz) chestnut mushrooms, sliced
• 150ml (¼ pint) white wine
• 1 garlic clove, finely grated
• 150g (5oz) baby spinach
• 150g (5oz) sour cream
• 55g (2oz) Parmesan, finely grated
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

How To Make Mary Berry Chicken Orzo

1. Cook the orzo: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the orzo according to package directions until just tender. Drain and set aside.
2. Sear the chicken: Season the chicken strips well with salt and pepper, then toss them in the runny honey. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep frying pan with a lid over high heat. Add the chicken and fry for a few minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
3. Sauté the vegetables: In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes until soft, stirring occasionally. Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook over high heat until they have released their liquid and it has evaporated.
4. Create the sauce: Pour the white wine into the pan and let it simmer and reduce slightly. Stir in the grated garlic, baby spinach, and sour cream, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
5. Combine and serve: Return the cooked chicken and orzo to the pan. Stir in the grated Parmesan and fresh lemon juice. Toss everything together until it is heated through. Check the seasoning and add more salt and pepper if needed before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: When cooking the chicken, ensure the pieces are in a single layer. This helps them brown nicely instead of steaming, creating a better texture and flavor.
• Use fresh Parmesan: For the best flavor and melting quality, grate your own Parmesan cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly into the sauce.
• Let the wine reduce: Don’t rush the step of reducing the white wine. This cooks off the alcohol and concentrates its flavor, adding a sophisticated depth to the sauce that complements the other ingredients.
• Add spinach at the end: Spinach wilts very quickly. Add it just before combining all the ingredients to ensure it stays vibrant and doesn’t become overcooked.

What To Serve With Chicken Orzo

This creamy chicken and orzo dish is a complete meal on its own but pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. It also goes well with steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a side of crusty bread like sourdough or focaccia to soak up the delicious sauce.

How To Store Chicken Orzo Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may want to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore the creamy consistency of the sauce.
• Freeze: While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Mary Berry Chicken Orzo Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 459 kcal
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Total Carbohydrate: 47.4g
• Sugars: 8g
• Protein: 26.3g
• Sodium: 1.5g

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use a different type of cream? Yes, if you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute it with full-fat crème fraîche or heavy cream for a similarly rich and creamy result.
• What if I don’t want to use white wine? You can replace the white wine with an equal amount of chicken or vegetable broth. Add an extra squeeze of lemon juice at the end to mimic the acidity the wine provides.
• Can I add other vegetables to this dish? Certainly. Feel free to add vegetables like chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or peas. Add heartier vegetables with the onions and more delicate ones, like peas, towards the end of the cooking time.

Try More Recipes:

• Mary Berry Chicken Pasta Bake​ Recipe
• Mary Berry Roast Potatoes With Semolina​ Recipe
• Mary Berry Twice Cooked Roast Potatoes​ Recipe