Home Ideology

There’s something really lovely about cooking for people you love, especially when it’s your best friend, her husband (freshly married in May 💍), and their little boy coming to stay for the weekend. Add in my two little ones and you’ve got a busy, lively house where food needs to be comforting, simple, and able to feed a crowd without stress.

That’s why I went for Marry Me Chicken Orzo. The name alone felt perfect for the occasion, but beyond that, it’s one of those dishes that ticks every box – creamy, full of flavour, and all made in one pan. The chicken stays juicy, the orzo soaks up all that garlicky, herby sauce, and the parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes take it to another level. It’s one of those meals that feels like a hug in a bowl, perfect for kids and adults alike.

So, whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends for the weekend, or just want a midweek dish that feels a little more special, this is one to save.

Here’s the link to my cast iron casserole dish – https://amzlink.to/az0YZVpVN20rf

Ingredients:

4 chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer) 2 tbsp olive oil 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 onion, finely chopped 250g orzo pasta 500ml chicken stock 200ml double cream 50g sun-dried tomatoes, chopped 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp dried oregano ½ tsp chilli flakes (optional) 60g parmesan, grated Fresh basil to garnish Salt & pepper to taste

Method:

Heat olive oil in a large pan and season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Sear on both sides until golden, then set aside. In the same pan, sauté onion and garlic until soft and fragrant. Stir in the orzo, letting it toast for 1–2 minutes. Add chicken stock, cream, oregano, chilli flakes, and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir well. Return the chicken to the pan and let it all simmer gently for 12–15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the orzo has absorbed the liquid. Stir in parmesan and adjust seasoning. Finish with fresh basil and serve straight from the pan.

✨ A dish made for sharing, whether it’s family dinner or when you’ve got guests staying over.

See my instagram for the video of me making this dish – http://www.instagram.com/home.ideology