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Simple Orzo Rice

April 13, 2022 | Side Dish

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Orzo Rice is an easy and simple side dish that pairs well with various proteins. Plain rice is just… plain, pilaf requires chopping and takes an hour, but this simple Orzo Rice takes just 35 minutes and is packed with flavor from the butter toasted orzo and chicken broth.

Top view of a bowl of Orzo Rice in a serving bowl.

Orzo Rice is a staple side dish in our home. Not only does the whole family love it for the flavor, but I love that I always have the ingredients on hand and it’s so easy to throw together. It’s our favorite side to eat with 20 Minute Simple Salmon & Asparagus, Amazing Ranch Chicken, and grilled chicken.

Orzo Rice

Kids and adults LOVE this Orzo Rice side dish! Children can be quite picky but if you have this on the table, you can be sure they at least won’t go to bed hungry. This rice served with salmon and Asparagus (or Quick & Easy Green Beans Almondine) is all of my children’s favorite dinner.

Close up of a spoonful of Orzo Rice.

Ingredients for Orzo Rice:

  • Orzo– This is not a type of rice but actually tiny, rice-shaped pasta.
  • Rice– Jasmine Rice is my favorite to use. It’s a long-grain rice that has a fluffy texture but doesn’t clump together. It also has more flavor than other white rice varieties.
  • Butter– Salted or unsalted works. Butter gives great flavor to the dish and helps brown the orzo.
  • Chicken Broth– Chicken broth adds a lot of flavor to the rice as well as salt. This is an easy way to elevate any rice. I like to use Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base mixed with water. Get it for the best price at Costco!
Ingredients on a marble surface- butter, orzo, rice, and chicken broth.

How to make Orzo Rice:

Time needed: 35 minutes.

  1. Toast Orzo

    Melt butter in a 2 quart sauce pan over medium-high heat. Add orzo and cook and stir until golden and toasted. Diptych- Pot of raw orzo with a pat of butter; toasted orzo in pot.

  2. Cook & Rest

    Stir in the rice and broth. Bring to a boil, cover, and turn to low. Cook for 18 minutes. Take pot off the element (do not open lid!) and let the rice rest at least 10 minutes. Diptych- Pot of toasted orzo and rice; pot with chicken broth added.

  3. Fluff

    Fluff with a fork and serve.

A pot of fluffed Orzo Rice with a fork in the side.

FAQs

What is Orzo?

Orzo is a small pasta, about twice the side of a grain of rice.  When toasted in butter it creates a nutty flavor.

Why let rice rest?

Letting the rice rest after cooking and before fluffing helps prevent clumping and achieve perfect texture. As the rice sits, it steams and allows any remaining liquid to be absorbed so all the rice is uniformly cooked. It also helps the rice on the bottom of the pan release. This resting method should be done when cooking any kind of rice.

Why fluff the rice?

Rice should be gently fluffed with a fork after cooking. Avoid stirring and agitating it too much as it can activate the starch and make it clump.

A close up shot of Orzo Rice with black pepper.

TOOLS USED TO MAKE THIS RICE DISH:

  • Pot & Skillet Set– These are the skillets and pots I use. They have a heavy bottom making them sturdy and cook the food evenly. I use these multiple times a day.
  • Liquid Measuring Cup– Liquid ingredients should be measured in this cup for accuracy. A glass one is nice because it’s doesn’t get stained, scratched, and it can go in the microwave.
  • Stainless Steel Measuring Cups– I love these measuring cups! They’re sturdy, pretty and has every size measuring cup and spoon! I can’t stand sets that don’t come with 2/3 and 3/4 cups.
A white serving bowl of Orzo Rice.

LOOKING FOR MORE STARCHY SIDE DISHES? CHECK OUT THESE:

  • The Best Crispy Roasted Potatoes
  • The Perfect Baked Potato
  • Mushroom Rice
  • Spanish Rice (Mexican Rice)
  • No-Knead Bread
A white serving bowl of Orzo Rice.
Print Recipe
4.84 from 6 votes

Orzo Rice

Orzo Rice is an easy and simple side dish that pairs well with various proteins. Plain rice is just… plain, pilaf requires chopping and takes an hour, but this simple Orzo Rice takes just 35 minutes and is packed with flavor from the butter toasted orzo and chicken broth.
Prep Time3 mins
Cook Time22 mins
Rest10 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 181kcal
Author: Garnish and Glaze

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 cup orzo
  • 1 cup Jasmine rice
  • 2 1/4 cups chicken broth*

Instructions

  • Melt butter in a 2 quart sauce pan over medium high heat. Add orzo and cook and stir until golden and toasted.
  • Stir in the rice and broth. Bring to a boil, cover, and turn to low. Cook for 18 minutes. Take pot off element (do not open lid!) and let sit at least 10 minutes.
  • Fluff with a fork and serve.

Notes

*Alternatively, use 2 1/4 cups water with 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon.
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Orzo Rice
Nutrition Facts
Orzo Rice
Amount Per Serving
Calories 181 Calories from Fat 18
% Daily Value*
Fat 2g3%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 1g
Cholesterol 2mg1%
Sodium 351mg15%
Potassium 80mg2%
Carbohydrates 34g11%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 4g8%
Vitamin A 85IU2%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
Calcium 15mg2%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Did you make this recipe?Tag @GarnishandGlaze on Instagram and use hashtag #GarnishandGlaze

Related topics:
Side Dish Stove Toprice

Comments

  1. Kristen says

    November 25, 2021 at 1:05 pm

    Mom used to make this 💕

    Reply
  2. Rosie Lopez says

    August 14, 2018 at 9:22 pm

    Loved this recipe! Saving it for my new staple side dish.

    Reply
  3. Gina says

    July 16, 2014 at 1:25 pm

    THIS is how the rice tastes so good at some of those restaurants! Now I can make it at home 😀

    Reply
  4. Annie @Maebells says

    July 16, 2014 at 12:47 pm

    Sometimes less is more!! Love how simple this is! I am always looking for new side dishes!

    Reply
    • Melanie says

      July 16, 2014 at 11:26 pm

      Glad I could help you find a new side dish Annie! This one is a family fav. Enjoy!

      Reply
  5. C says

    July 16, 2014 at 5:10 am

    This is basically just Turkish rice.

    Reply
  6. plasterers bristol says

    July 16, 2014 at 3:20 am

    This sounds so good, will definitely be giving this ago..Thanks for sharing.

    Simon

    Reply
    • Melanie says

      July 16, 2014 at 10:58 pm

      Thanks! I hope you enjoy it Simon!

      Reply
  7. Nagi says

    July 16, 2014 at 1:20 am

    Yum, such a staple! 🙂 So similar to the risoni recipe I posted last week. Love yours as a side! 🙂

    Reply
    • Melanie says

      July 16, 2014 at 10:55 pm

      Thanks Nagi! And your risoni recipe looks so easy and delicious!

      Reply
  8. Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life says

    July 11, 2014 at 9:15 pm

    This is the perfect side dish! I’ve had something similar but never made it myself. Pinning…we’ll definitely make this!

    Reply
    • Melanie says

      July 13, 2014 at 8:38 pm

      Thanks Michelle! I hope you enjoy it!

      Reply

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Hey There, I'm Melanie!

Thanks for stopping by!

I am a wife, mother of three little girls, and a chocolate addict. I love baking (and eating!) sweets, but I balance it out with healthy meals.

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