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

There’s something so satisfying about a meal that comes together in one pot with bold, punchy flavors that make your taste buds sing. That’s exactly what you get with this Ginger Chili Chicken Orzo Recipe—comforting, easy, and just the right amount of heat and zing.

A close-up image shows a black pot with red handles filled with a dish made of small oval-shaped toasted rice pasta mixed with several pieces of cooked golden-brown chicken, garnished with green herbs and thin slices of spring onions. A gold spoon is in the pot lifting some of the food. Below the pot, a white plate holds a serving of the same dish with a few green herbs on top. To the right of the plate, there is a small white bowl with a red-colored sauce that has a visible chili pepper inside. 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 Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Ginger Chili Chicken Orzo Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Ginger Chili Chicken Orzo Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I still remember the first time I whipped up this Ginger Chili Chicken Orzo Recipe on a busy weeknight. It was such a relief to have a quick, flavorful dinner that didn’t leave me scrubbing pans afterward. Plus, that spicy-sweet combo with ginger and chili is addictive!

One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in one pan, so you save time on prep and cleanup—a total game-changer on hectic nights.
Bold, Balanced Flavors: The ginger’s warmth, chili’s kick, and sweet chili jam create an irresistible flavor profile that packs a punch without overwhelming.
Comfort Food with a Twist: Using orzo as the base feels homey but fresh, making it a comforting dish that’s also exciting to eat.
Customizable and Family-Friendly: You can easily adjust spice levels or swap proteins, making it perfect for everyone at your table.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe brings together simple but impactful ingredients that complement each other beautifully. From juicy chicken thighs to vibrant scallions and aromatic ginger, each component adds a layer of flavor or texture you won't want to miss.

Flat lay of skinless, boneless free-range chicken thighs with clean white shells of two whole eggs beside them, a small mound of uncooked orzo pasta, a handful of fresh vibrant green cilantro leaves, finely sliced scallions with white and green parts separated, a piece of fresh ginger root, four whole garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red chili flakes, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of dark soy sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of light amber fish sauce, a small white ceramic bowl filled with rich red chili oil, a small white ceramic bowl with glossy sweet chili jam, and a small white ceramic bowl holding clear chicken stock 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 through cooking, plus they have more flavor than breasts.
Salt: Enhances the chicken’s natural flavors and balances the dish overall.
Olive Oil: For that first sear, it helps build delicious caramelization on the chicken.
Scallions (Spring Onions): Using both white and green parts adds sweetness and freshness—don’t throw away the greens!
Fresh Ginger: Adds a lovely zing and warmth—grated fresh is best, but paste works great in a pinch.
Garlic: Crushed to release its pungent aroma, it’s a flavor backbone here.
Chili Flakes: For heat, but you can control the spice depending on your preference.
Soy Sauce: Adds umami and saltiness that deepens the flavor profile beautifully.
Fish Sauce: Just a touch adds complexity and a subtle salty depth without overpowering.
Orzo: This tiny pasta is quick-cooking and soaks up all the flavors—perfect for a one-pot meal.
Chicken Stock: The cooking liquid here, it infuses the orzo while keeping everything moist and flavorful.
Chili Oil: Drizzled at the end for some extra chili heat and a pretty finish.
Sweet Chili Jam: Balances the heat with a glossy, sweet touch that echoes Asian flavors.
Fresh Cilantro: Adds brightness and a fresh herbal note just before serving.

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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

I love making this Ginger Chili Chicken Orzo Recipe my own by swapping chili flakes for fresh chilies when I want extra heat or adding a squeeze of lime for a new tangy twist. You should definitely play around and find your perfect flavor balance.

Variation: Once, I used turkey instead of chicken and added diced bell peppers for color—it was a delicious change that my family enjoyed just as much.
Spice Level: Feel free to reduce or increase chili flakes according to your heat tolerance; you can even leave them out for a mild version.
Vegan Tip: Swap chicken for firm tofu and use vegetable stock for a plant-based twist that still satisfies.

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

This image shows a black pan with a mixture of ingredients cooking inside. The pan contains a layer of small, yellowish rice-like grains piled in the center, surrounded by chopped green onions and bits of cooked garlic and spices which are spread around the edges of the pan. A wooden spoon with a smooth texture lies on the right side of the pan, resting on the mixture. The background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sear the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Start by tossing your chicken thighs in salt to season evenly. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pan over high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken and let it cook undisturbed for 5 minutes—it’s tempting to peek, but patience here pays off with deep golden color and a lovely char that brings flavor. Flip it and cook another 5 minutes until both sides are beautifully browned. Remove from the pan and keep them covered with foil to retain warmth while you prepare the orzo.

Step 2: Build the Aroma with Aromatics

Turn your heat down to medium and add the white parts of the scallions, ginger, crushed garlic, and chili flakes to the chicken’s delicious cooking juices. Stir them frequently for about 2 minutes until everything is fragrant but not burnt—this step releases flavors that make the dish sing.

Step 3: Toast and Simmer the Orzo

Add the orzo and stir for a minute to lightly toast it. Then pour in the chicken stock, soy sauce, and fish sauce. Stir everything to combine, then bring to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and let it cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes or until the orzo is al dente and the liquid reduces to a thick, flavorful sauce. Keep an eye on it to prevent sticking and add a splash of stock if it gets too dry before the orzo is tender.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Gently nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the orzo. Drizzle chili oil and sweet chili jam over the top, then scatter the reserved green scallions and fresh cilantro for a burst of color and freshness. Serve straight from the pan for minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

Top Tip

I learned early that searing the chicken well is the key to unlocking rich flavors in this Ginger Chili Chicken Orzo Recipe. Rushing this step or stirring the chicken too soon will result in less depth. From experience, letting the aromatics gently toast without burning keeps the dish balanced and fragrant.

Don’t Rush the Sear: Give the chicken time to brown properly; it’s worth the wait for that smoky, caramelized flavor.
Gentle Stirring: Stir orzo occasionally to prevent sticking but not so often that the texture turns gummy.
Measure Liquids Carefully: Too much stock can make the dish soupy, too little and the orzo may burn—keeping an eye as it cooks helps you get it just right.
Final Flavor Boost: The drizzle of chili oil and sweet chili jam at the end adds shine, spice, and a complex sweetness that balances everything perfectly.

How to Serve Ginger Chili Chicken Orzo Recipe

ginger chili chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with a generous handful of fresh cilantro leaves and the green parts of the scallions—it adds such a fresh, herby brightness that cuts through the spicy richness. Sometimes I squeeze over a little lime juice for an extra zing.

Side Dishes

This Ginger Chili Chicken Orzo pairs wonderfully with a crisp cucumber salad or steamed greens like bok choy or broccoli—simple sides that refresh the palate and balance the heat.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, I love serving this in small bowls with a drizzle of extra chili oil on top and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. It makes for a beautiful presentation and invites your guests to dig in and savor every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Before storing, I like to let the dish cool slightly, then separate the chicken from the orzo to keep textures intact. Recombine when reheating for the best experience.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this Ginger Chili Chicken Orzo Recipe a couple of times with decent results—just make sure it cools completely first. Freeze in a sealed container, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer gently warming it in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or broth if it looks dry. This keeps the orzo creamy and the chicken moist. Microwave works too, just cover tightly and heat in short intervals.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs in this Ginger Chili Chicken Orzo Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine but tend to dry out faster; just watch your cooking time and maybe lower the heat to keep them juicy.

How spicy is this Ginger Chili Chicken Orzo Recipe?

It has a mild to moderate heat thanks to the chili flakes and chili oil, but you can easily adjust to your taste by adding more or less chili or even fresh chilies for extra kick.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken with salt and keep it refrigerated a few hours ahead or chop all the aromatics and have them ready to toss in during cooking for a quicker assembly.

What can I substitute if I don’t have orzo?

You can use other small pasta like acini di pepe, couscous, or even quinoa as a gluten-free alternative, but cooking times may vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

This Ginger Chili Chicken Orzo Recipe has become a weeknight staple in my house because it’s both comforting and exciting, simple but packed with global flavors. I truly recommend giving it a try—you’ll love how little effort it takes compared to how impressive and delicious it is. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again!