Description

The One Pan Chicken Caprese Orzo Bake is a quick and easy weeknight meal combining juicy chicken breasts, tender orzo pasta, fresh cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all cooked in one dish for minimal cleanup. This cheesy, flavorful dish blends classic Caprese ingredients with comforting baked orzo, delivering a hearty yet simple meal perfect for the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Pasta

2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 cup orzo pasta

Vegetables & Herbs

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

Dairy

1 cup fresh mozzarella, torn or shredded

Liquids & Oils

2 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling

Seasonings & Extras

Salt and pepper, to taste
Balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)

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Instructions

Prepare and Sear the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown but not completely cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside to rest.
Sauté Aromatics and Add Orzo: In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the orzo pasta, stirring constantly to lightly toast it and coat it in the garlic-infused oil for a nutty flavor.
Add Broth and Tomatoes, Then Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and nestle the chicken breasts back into the pan, partially submerged in the liquid.
Bake Until Tender and Juicy: Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the orzo has absorbed most of the liquid and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
Add Mozzarella and Basil: Remove the pan from the oven, scatter fresh mozzarella over the top, and return to oven just long enough for the cheese to melt, about 3-5 minutes. Finish by topping with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
Use fresh mozzarella for authentic creaminess and better melting.
To enhance orzo texture and flavor, toast it before simmering.
Use an oven-safe skillet to easily transfer from stovetop to oven.
Let the bake rest for 5 minutes after cooking for flavors to meld.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Searing and Baking
Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 480 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 700 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 40 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg