Barefoot Contessa’s Cozy Chicken in a Pot with Orzo Recipe

Barefoot Contessa chicken in a pot transforms ordinary ingredients into a symphony of comfort and flavor.

Hearty and wholesome, this recipe promises a nourishing experience that warms both body and soul.

Mediterranean-inspired techniques infuse each bite with rich, satisfying depth.

Home cooks appreciate how simple techniques can elevate humble components into something extraordinary.

The combination of tender meat, soft pasta, and vibrant vegetables creates a harmonious culinary landscape.

Families gather around this one-pot wonder, sharing stories and savoring each delicious spoonful.

Chicken and Orzo That Feels Like a Hug in a Bowl

• Sear and Seal Flavor Explosion: The method of searing chicken before braising locks in incredible depths of flavor, creating a golden-brown exterior that promises rich, caramelized taste sensations in every single bite.
• One-Pot Wonder Comfort: This Dutch oven technique transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, soul-warming meal that requires minimal cleanup and delivers maximum satisfaction with tender chicken nestled among soft vegetables and creamy orzo.
• Aromatic Herb Symphony: The carefully tied herb bundle of thyme, parsley, and dill infuses the entire dish with delicate, fresh Mediterranean-inspired aromatics that elevate the chicken and vegetables with subtle, sophisticated undertones.
• Hands-Off Cooking Magic: The low-and-slow oven braising method allows busy home cooks to prepare a gourmet-style meal with minimal active cooking time, letting the oven do most of the work while delivering restaurant-quality results that feel elegantly effortless.

Everything You Need for One-Pot Comfort Gold

• Chicken: Whole bird for a rich, flavorful one-pot meal with tender, succulent meat that becomes the star of the dish.

• Carrots, Celery, Leeks, Fennel: Aromatic vegetables that build a deep, complex flavor base and add natural sweetness to the broth.
• Garlic: Provides a robust, pungent undertone that enhances the overall depth of the dish.

• Thyme, Parsley, Dill: Fresh herbs that infuse the broth with bright, earthy, and fresh flavor notes.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables.
• Saffron: Luxurious spice that adds a distinctive golden color and subtle, exotic flavor to the broth.

• Chicken Stock: Provides a rich, savory liquid base that intensifies the overall taste of the dish.
• Water: Helps to cover the chicken and create a gentle, even cooking environment.
• Orzo: Small pasta that absorbs the flavorful broth and adds a comforting, hearty texture to the meal.

• Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken and sautéing vegetables, adding a smooth, fruity undertone.

One-Pot Chicken Magic with Bright Lemon Notes

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) and get ready for a delicious cooking adventure.

Step 2: Sizzle The Chicken

Grab a medium Dutch oven and pour in olive oil. Pat the chicken dry and create a golden-brown masterpiece by searing each side until it looks perfectly crispy.

• Chicken
• Olive oil

Step 3: Dance With Vegetables

• Carrots
• Celery
• Leeks
• Fennel

Sauté them until they start to caramelize and add garlic for an extra flavor punch.

Step 4: Build The Flavor Symphony

• Pouring in chicken stock
• Adding saffron
• Covering with water
• Creating a herb bundle with

* Thyme

* Parsley

* Dill

Season generously with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Slow Bake The Magic

Bring the liquid to a boil, cover the pot, and slide it into the oven. Let it simmer and transform for about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Step 6: Orzo Transformation

Remove the herb bundle and stir in orzo. Let it rest and absorb all the incredible flavors for 20-25 minutes.

Step 7: Serve With Love

Carefully separate the chicken, pull the breast meat, and plate your masterpiece. Scoop chicken, broth, and orzo into bowls. Sprinkle with fresh dill and a touch of salt.

Enjoy your culinary dish!

Small Moves That Make Big Orzo Flavor

• Perfectly Sear the Skin: Brown the chicken until the skin turns golden and crispy to develop deep, rich flavors that elevate the entire dish.
• Opt for Homemade Stock: Craft your own chicken stock for an unbeatable depth of flavor that store-bought versions simply can't match.
• Timing Matters with Orzo: Add orzo near the end of cooking and let it rest briefly to ensure perfect texture and maximum flavor absorption.
• Customize Your Vegetables: Swap in seasonal or available vegetables like parsnips, carrots, or potatoes to make the recipe uniquely yours.
• Master the Seasoning Balance: Layer salt and pepper generously to bring out the chicken's natural richness and create a memorable, well-rounded taste.

Keep That Chicken Cozy for Next-Day Delights

• Freezer Preservation: Carefully portion the chicken and orzo into individual freezer-safe containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label each container with the date and contents, ensuring maximum flavor retention for up to 3 months. Perfect for meal prep and quick future dinners.
• Fridge Storage: Transfer the dish to an airtight glass container, keeping it tightly sealed to maintain moisture and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors. Consume within 3 days for optimal taste and texture, positioning the container in the main refrigerator compartment for consistent cooling.
• Gentle Reheating: Revive the dish on the stovetop using low heat, stirring frequently to distribute warmth evenly. Add a small splash of chicken stock or water to restore the original creamy consistency, preventing dryness and ensuring each bite tastes as delicious as when first prepared.

Make This One-Pot Wonder a Weekly Ritual

• Mediterranean Herb-Infused Version: Replace the current herb bundle with rosemary, oregano, and fresh basil for a Mediterranean flavor profile. Add chopped kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese when serving to enhance the Greek-inspired taste.
• Spicy Cajun Transformation: Incorporate Cajun seasoning into the vegetable sauté stage. Use andouille sausage alongside chicken for extra depth. Include cayenne pepper and smoked paprika to create a bold, spicy Southern-style dish.
• Asian-Inspired Ginger Remix: Swap thyme and parsley with fresh ginger and lemongrass. Add bok choy instead of fennel during vegetable sauté. Replace chicken stock with low-sodium chicken broth mixed with light soy sauce for an authentic Asian undertone.
• Rustic Root Vegetable Edition: Introduce parsnips and sweet potatoes alongside the existing vegetables. Include fresh sage leaves in the herb bundle. Use pearl barley instead of orzo for a heartier, more robust winter-style preparation.

End with the Warmth Only Chicken and Orzo Can Bring

Barefoot Contessa’s chicken in a pot epitomizes comfort cuisine with French-inspired elegance.

Mediterranean herbs and saffron-infused broth create luxurious depth in this hearty dish.

Delicate orzo absorbs rich flavors from perfectly roasted chicken and aromatic vegetables.

Homemade warmth radiates through each carefully crafted spoonful of this classic one-pot wonder.

Culinary magic happens when simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary.

You’ll discover pure comfort in this soul-satisfying meal that connects generations through shared culinary traditions – so go ahead, share this recipe, comment with your cooking experiences, and spread deliciousness across your social networks!

Barefoot Contessa Chicken In A pot With Orzo Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s chicken in a pot with orzo brings French countryside comfort to your kitchen. Her classic one-pot wonder combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and delicate orzo in a flavorful broth that invites warmth and satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 3½ to 4 pound (1.6 to 1.8 kg) whole chicken

Fresh Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 225 g (8 ounces) scraped carrots, diced (¾-inch)
• 230 g (8 ounces) celery, diced (¾-inch)
• 180 g (6 ounces) chopped leeks, white and light green parts
• 200 g (7 ounces) chopped fennel (1 large bulb, stalks and core removed)
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic (2 cloves)
• 6 sprigs fresh thyme
• 8 sprigs fresh parsley
• 10 sprigs fresh dill, plus extra for serving

Liquid, Seasonings, and Pasta:

• 45 milliliters (3 tablespoons) good olive oil
• 4 cups (1 litre) simmering chicken stock (preferably homemade)
• ½ teaspoon saffron threads
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 120 g (4 ounces) orzo

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by thoroughly patting it dry with paper towels, ensuring the surface is completely moisture-free for optimal browning.
2. Heat of olive oil in an 11-inch (28-centimeter) Dutch oven over medium-high temperature, creating a hot surface for searing.
3. Carefully place the chicken breast-side down in the hot pot, allowing the skin to develop a rich golden-brown crust for 5-7 minutes without moving.
4. Flip the chicken and sear the other side for an additional 4-5 minutes, creating a uniform caramelized exterior. Transfer the chicken to a separate plate.
5. Introduce diced carrots, celery, leeks, and fennel to the same pot, stirring occasionally and allowing the vegetables to caramelize and develop deep flavors for 10-15 minutes.
6. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, releasing its aromatic qualities without burning.
7. Return the chicken to the pot, positioning it breast-side up and nestling it among the vegetables.
8. Pour chicken stock into the pot, incorporating saffron threads and additional water to barely cover the chicken, leaving the breastbone’s tip exposed.
9. Create an herb bundle using thyme, parsley, and dill, securing with kitchen twine, and submerge it in the liquid.
10. Season generously with 1½ tablespoons (22.5 milliliters) salt and 1½ teaspoons (7.5 grams) black pepper.
11. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then cover the pot and transfer to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C).
12. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, maintaining a gentle simmer throughout the cooking process.
13. Remove the herb bundle and stir orzo directly into the flavorful broth.
14. Cover the pot and allow it to rest off the heat for 20-25 minutes, enabling the orzo to absorb the liquid and become tender.
15. Carefully separate the chicken into quarters using two forks, removing breast meat from bones while keeping leg portions intact.
16. Warm the dish if needed, then serve in shallow bowls, generously spooning chicken, broth, and orzo.
17. Garnish with fresh minced dill and a light sprinkle of salt, presenting a comforting and aromatic meal.

Notes

• Customize your veggie selection by swapping in seasonal produce like parsnips or potatoes for a personalized touch.
• Perfectly time the orzo addition by stirring it in towards the end and allowing the dish to rest, ensuring tender pasta that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
• Create depth of flavor by searing chicken until the skin reaches a gorgeous golden-brown crispiness, locking in those mouthwatering taste profiles.
• Elevate the broth’s richness by using homemade chicken stock, which transforms an ordinary soup into an extraordinary culinary experience.
• Season boldly with salt and pepper, understanding that generous seasoning unlocks the full potential of each ingredient’s natural taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 820 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg