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Chicken and Orzo

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Chicken and Orzo is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with light and fluffy orzo pasta in a savory sauce. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for weeknight dinners and can be customized with your favorite herbs and vegetables.

Ingredients

  1. 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  3. 1 small onion, diced
  4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  5. 1 cup orzo pasta
  6. 2 cups chicken broth
  7. ½ cup heavy cream (optional for a creamy texture)
  8. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  9. 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
  10. Salt and pepper, to taste
  11. Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  12. 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and oregano. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until browned and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

  1. In the same pan, sauté the diced onion for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Add orzo to the pan and stir to coat it with the onion and garlic mixture. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let the orzo cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
  3. If you want a creamy dish, stir in the heavy cream and lemon zest. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  4. While the orzo is cooking, slice the cooked chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
  5. Once the orzo is cooked, add the sliced chicken back into the pan and stir to combine. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, omit the heavy cream and use just chicken broth.
  • Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
  • For added spice, incorporate red pepper flakes or hot sauce while cooking the garlic and onion.
  • If you prefer a different pasta, substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes, like ditalini or fusilli.
  • This dish can be made dairy-free by skipping the cream and Parmesan and using dairy-free cream alternatives.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/chicken-and-orzo/