Delicious Chicken Orzo Recipe: A Flavorful Weeknight Meal

Welcome, home cooks, chicken lovers, and food enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into a delightful and easy-to-make Chicken Orzo recipe. This dish combines tender chicken with perfectly cooked orzo, resulting in a flavorful meal that's sure to impress your family and friends. Let's get cooking!

Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to create this scrumptious Chicken Orzo dish:

Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Orzo

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 4 cups chicken broth (or water with a bouillon cube)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste

Additional Ingredients

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, and paprika.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.

Step 2: Cooking the Orzo

1. Prepare the Orzo: In a medium pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the orzo and a pinch of salt.
2. Cook the Orzo: Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the orzo according to the package instructions (usually around 8-10 minutes), stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Be careful not to overcook the orzo; it should be al dente.
3. Drain and Set Aside: Once cooked, drain any excess liquid and drizzle the orzo with a bit of olive oil to prevent clumping. Set aside.

Combining Ingredients

Step 3: Sautéing Vegetables

1. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté the chopped onions over medium heat until they become translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach: Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to soften (about 2-3 minutes). If using baby spinach, add it to the skillet and cook until wilted.

Step 4: Combining Chicken and Orzo

1. Slice the Chicken: While the vegetables are cooking, slice the rested chicken breasts into thin strips.
2. Mix Everything Together: Add the cooked orzo to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir to combine evenly. Gently fold in the sliced chicken strips, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
3. Add Parmesan: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the mixture and stir until the cheese is melted and well incorporated.

Garnish and Serve

Step 5: Final Touches

1. Garnish: Transfer the Chicken Orzo to a serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
2. Serve: Serve warm, ideally in individual portions, and enjoy this delicious, hearty meal.

Conclusion

This Chicken Orzo recipe is a versatile and delicious option that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful orzo, and fresh vegetables makes it a hit every time. Don’t forget to share your experiences and variations of this recipe—we’d love to see your culinary creations!

Happy cooking!