Name: Ginger Chili Chicken Orzo One Pot Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken thighs, skinless, boneless, free-range; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 6 scallions (spring onions), sliced finely, white and green parts separated; 1 inch piece of ginger, grated (or use ginger paste); 4 garlic cloves, crushed; 1 teaspoon chili flakes; 1.5 cups orzo; 3 cups chicken stock; 1.5 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 teaspoon fish sauce; 2 tablespoons chili oil; 2 tablespoons sweet chili jam; A handful of fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves

Imagine a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors, comes together in just one pot, and fills your kitchen with the aroma of ginger and chili. That’s exactly what I adore about the Ginger Chili Chicken Orzo One Pot Recipe — it’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for a cozy dinner any night.

A black pot with red handles filled with a mix of small golden-brown rice-shaped pasta and browned pieces of cooked chicken, scattered with green herbs and black sesame seeds. A gold spoon is inside the pot, scooping some of the pasta and chicken. Below the pot, a white plate holds a serving of the pasta and chicken topped with bright green sliced spring onions. To the right, a white bowl contains some reddish-brown sauce with visible spices. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Ginger Chili Chicken Orzo One Pot Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Ginger Chili Chicken Orzo One Pot Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Ginger Chili Chicken Orzo One Pot Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

When I first tried this recipe, what struck me was how quickly everything cooked and how deeply flavorful it tasted despite the short prep time. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is really straightforward, making it my go-to for busy weeknights.

Effortless One-Pot Cooking: Everything cooks in a single pan, which means less mess and faster cleanup — a total lifesaver during hectic evenings.
Flavor-Packed Comfort: The combo of ginger, chili flakes, chili oil, and sweet chili jam makes every bite exciting and cozy at the same time.
Perfectly Balanced Ingredients: The tender chicken thighs and al dente orzo work together like a dream, creating a comforting, hearty meal.
Customizable and Adaptable: You can easily adjust the heat level or add veggies to make it your own — I’ve tried adding spinach and loved that twist!

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Ginger Chili Chicken Orzo One Pot Recipe relies on a thoughtful balance of ingredients that bring heat, umami, freshness, and richness all at once. Each item plays a part, and I’ll share a few tips to help you pick the best.

Flat lay of a raw skinless boneless free-range chicken thigh, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse salt, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, several whole scallions with white bulbs and long green stalks arranged with sliced white and green parts separated on a white ceramic plate, a fresh 1-inch piece of ginger root with a small white ceramic bowl of grated ginger beside it, four whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright red chili flakes, a small white ceramic bowl of dark soy sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of clear fish sauce, a mound of uncooked orzo pasta on a simple white ceramic plate, a white ceramic bowl containing golden chicken stock, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red chili oil, a small white ceramic bowl of glossy sweet chili jam, and a small bunch of fresh vibrant green cilantro leaves neatly arranged on a plain white ceramic dish, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken Thighs: I prefer skinless, boneless thighs because they stay juicy and tender, plus they develop fantastic color when seared.
Salt: Tossing the chicken with salt early seasons it deeply and helps draw out moisture so you get a nice sear.
Olive Oil: Essential for browning the chicken and cooking aromatics; it adds subtle richness without overpowering.
Scallions (Spring Onions): Separating the white and green parts lets you get maximum flavor — the whites cook down for savoriness, while the greens finish the dish fresh.
Fresh Ginger: The star of the show that brings bright, zesty warmth. I always grate it fresh but ginger paste works well in a pinch.
Garlic: Crushed for that pungent, aromatic kick that complements ginger perfectly.
Chili Flakes: Adds heat without overwhelming; you can dial it up or down based on your spice tolerance.
Soy Sauce & Fish Sauce: These umami powerhouses deepen the savory notes and add complexity. Don’t skip the fish sauce—it really lifts the flavor.
Orzo: A tiny pasta that cooks quickly and soaks up all the delicious juices, making this dish hearty yet light.
Chicken Stock: Adds body and moisture as the orzo simmers, infusing every bite with savory goodness.
Chili Oil & Sweet Chili Jam: The final flourish — chili oil brings bold, spicy richness, and the sweet chili jam creates a subtle sweet-spicy balance I’m obsessed with.
Fresh Cilantro: Adds a bright, herbal note that cuts through the richness and ties everything together.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

While this Ginger Chili Chicken Orzo One Pot Recipe shines as is, I love playing around with it depending on what’s in my fridge or my mood. Feel free to tweak or amp up the spice — this dish welcomes your creativity.

Vegetable Boost: Adding handfuls of spinach or chopped bell peppers in the last 5 minutes of cooking adds color, nutrition, and a fresh crunch I adore.
Heat Level: If you like it spicier, sprinkle extra chili flakes or finish with a swirl of your favorite hot sauce.
Protein Swap: I’ve tried this with turkey thighs and it worked great, just adjust cooking times slightly since the meat varies in thickness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Ginger Chili Chicken Orzo One Pot Recipe

A black pan is filled with a mixture of small chopped green onions and other minced vegetables, showing a variety of bright green and light yellow colors around the edges. In the pan's center, there is a pile of small uncooked rice grains, creamy beige in color, sitting on top of the vegetable mixture. A wooden spoon with a smooth texture is resting on the right side of the pan, its tip touching the edge. The whole scene is set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Start by tossing your chicken thighs with a teaspoon of salt—this simple step helps to season and tenderize them. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large, high-sided pan on high heat. When the oil just starts to shimmer, add the chicken and let it sizzle without moving it for 5 minutes per side. Don’t rush this — the goal is a deep, beautiful char that locks in flavor and juices. Once they’re golden and slightly crispy, remove the chicken and keep it covered so it stays warm.

Step 2: Build Aromatic Goodness with Scallions, Ginger & Chili

Reduce the heat to medium and toss in the white parts of the scallions, the grated ginger, crushed garlic, and chili flakes. Stir these aromatics in the flavorful chicken pan juices for around 2 minutes — the kitchen fills with an irresistible scent. This builds the foundation for the orzo’s flavor, so don’t rush it.

Step 3: Toast the Orzo and Add the Liquids

Next, add 1.5 cups of orzo to the pan and stir it around for a minute. Toasting the orzo briefly helps it develop a slight nuttiness and ensures it won’t stick during cooking. Pour in 3 cups of chicken stock, 1.5 tablespoons soy sauce, and half a tablespoon of fish sauce. Stir everything together well, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Simmer Until the Orzo is Al Dente and Sauce is Thickened

Turn the heat to low, and simmer with the pan partially covered. Stir occasionally to keep the orzo from sticking to the bottom—this is key. After about 10 minutes, the orzo should be tender but still have a slight bite, and the cooking liquid should have reduced into a luscious sauce. This is when the dish truly comes together.

Step 5: Nestle the Chicken Back In and Finish with Chili Oil & Sweet Chili Jam

Gently nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the orzo, letting them warm for a minute or two. Then drizzle over 2 tablespoons each of chili oil and sweet chili jam — these finishing touches add richness, heat, and a sweet-spicy complexity that makes this dish unforgettable. Top with the reserved green scallion parts and a generous handful of fresh cilantro. Serve it up hot and enjoy!

Top Tip

From my experience, this Ginger Chili Chicken Orzo One Pot Recipe really shines when you give the chicken a good sear and don’t rush the orzo simmer phase. These steps maximize flavor and texture, so be patient—your taste buds will thank you.

Perfect Sear: Don’t stir the chicken once it hits the pan; waiting for a good crust makes all the difference.
Stir the Orzo: Give the orzo a stir every few minutes during simmering to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Balance the Heat: Taste the sauce before adding chili oil and jam to adjust heat levels to your liking.
Keep It Covered: Cover the pan loosely during the orzo cooking to trap steam, helping the pasta cook evenly.

How to Serve Ginger Chili Chicken Orzo One Pot Recipe

Ginger Chili Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with fresh cilantro and the green parts of scallions. Their herbal brightness cuts through the rich, spicy sauce beautifully. Sometimes I squeeze a wedge of lime on top for an extra zesty pop. It’s those little touches that brighten the plate and your mood.

Side Dishes

This recipe stands tall on its own, but occasionally I serve it alongside a simple cucumber salad or steamed bok choy tossed with sesame oil and garlic. The crisp veggies balance the meal with a refreshing crunch and contrast in textures.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love serving this in individual shallow bowls with a sprinkle of crushed peanuts and fresh chili slices on top. The nuts add crunch, and the fresh chilies ramp up the heat visually and taste-wise — it’s always a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, but I recommend reheating gently to keep the orzo from drying out.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen leftovers by portioning into freezer-safe containers. When thawed and reheated, the texture of the orzo softens slightly but still tastes delicious. Just avoid overcooking when reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I add a splash of water or stock to the pan and warm the leftovers over medium heat, stirring often. This revives the sauce’s creaminess and stops the orzo from sticking or drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

You can absolutely swap chicken breasts if that’s what you have on hand, but thighs tend to stay juicier and are less prone to drying out during searing and simmering. If you use breasts, just watch the cooking time closely to avoid overcooking.

Is the chili heat adjustable?

Yes! The chili flakes, chili oil, and sweet chili jam provide layers of heat, but you can easily adjust the amounts or omit the chili flakes if you prefer milder flavors. Try tasting as you go to find your perfect spice level.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

To make a vegetarian or vegan version, substitute the chicken for firm tofu or chickpeas, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. Adjust the seasoning accordingly and consider adding smoked paprika or mushrooms to add depth.

What’s the best way to serve leftovers?

Leftovers taste great reheated gently on the stove with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. They also make a fantastic filling for wraps or lettuce cups if you want a quick lunch option.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting about the way ginger, chili, and tender chicken mingle with creamy orzo in this one-pot wonder. It’s a recipe that I keep coming back to — not just because it’s delicious and vivid, but because it’s a genuine crowd-pleaser that fits into any weeknight hustle. Give the Ginger Chili Chicken Orzo One Pot Recipe a try, and I bet you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again.