Baked Orzo With Chicken Recipe

We all know the struggle of getting a satisfying and healthy dinner on the table after a busy day. Who has the time to spend hours in the kitchen between work, errands, and (hopefully!) some fun activities? That’s where this baked orzo with chicken recipe comes in.

What Is Baked Orzo With Chicken?

‘Baked orzo with chicken’ is a delicious dish where orzo pasta and chicken are combined with various ingredients and baked together. 

Ingredients:

Chicken: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (diced)

Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Orzo and Broth:

• 1 cup uncooked orzo
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup water

Vegetables (Optional – Choose your favorites):

• 1 cup chopped broccoli florets
• 1 cup chopped spinach
• 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cheese:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)

Fresh Herbs (Optional – for garnish):

• Chopped parsley
• Chopped dill

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Brown the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté the aromatics: Add the onions in the same skillet and cook until softened for about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Combine everything in the baking dish: Transfer the onion-garlic mixture to the prepared baking dish. Add the cooked chicken, uncooked orzo, chicken broth, water, chosen vegetables, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
5. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
6. Add cheese and finish baking: Remove the foil and sprinkle the cheddar cheese (and Parmesan cheese, if using) over the top. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the orzo is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill (optional) and enjoy!

Tips:

• Chicken options: You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Chicken thighs will be slightly more flavorful and moist.
• Vegetable variations: Feel free to add other vegetables you like, such as chopped carrots, bell peppers, or peas.
• Cheese variations: Experiment with different cheeses. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a combination of cheeses would work well.
• Creamy version: For a more decadent dish, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy or sour cream with the broth.
• One-pot method: If you don’t want to dirty another pan, brown the chicken directly in the baking dish before adding the remaining ingredients.
• Leftovers: Baked orzo with chicken reheats well in the oven or microwave. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

What To Serve With

• Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the baked orzo and chicken. Mix baby greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a balsamic or lemon-based dressing.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus can add color and nutrition to the meal. Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast until tender and caramelized.
• Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread or crusty bread with butter is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce from the baked orzo dish. It adds a comforting carb element that complements the meal nicely.
• Steamed Vegetables: If you prefer a lighter option than roasted vegetables, steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or cauliflower are great choices. They retain their natural flavors and textures while providing a healthy addition to the meal.
• Greek Salad: For a Mediterranean twist, serve a Greek salad with feta cheese, olives, cucumber, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette. The flavors of the salad will harmonize well with the baked orzo and chicken dishes.
• Herb-Roasted Potatoes: Another great option is herb-roasted potatoes. Toss baby potatoes with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and thyme, then roast until crispy and golden brown. They add a comforting and filling element to the meal.
• Fresh Fruit: To cleanse the palate, serve fresh fruit such as sliced oranges, grapes, or a fruit salad. This provides a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of the baked orzo with chicken.
• Bruschetta: A side of bruschetta with tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze can serve as a light and flavorful accompaniment. It adds a freshness and complements the Italian-inspired flavors of the orzo dish.
• Cucumber Yogurt Salad: Mix diced cucumbers with Greek yogurt, garlic, dill, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a cooling and creamy side dish. It pairs well with the baked orzo and provides a contrast in texture.
• Antipasto Platter: For a more substantial option, serve an antipasto platter with cured meats, cheeses, marinated olives, and roasted peppers. This creates a grazing-style meal that complements the baked orzo and chicken flavors.

Health Benefits

Protein From Chicken:

• Chicken is a lean protein source, essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle health, and maintaining a robust immune system.
• Protein also helps keep you full and satisfied, aiding in weight management by reducing the likelihood of overeating.

Whole Grain Benefits From Orzo:

• Orzo is a pasta made from durum wheat flour, making it a whole grain when it’s whole wheat orzo. Whole grains provide fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that benefit digestive health and overall well-being.
• Fiber helps regulate digestion, promotes satiety, and supports heart health by lowering cholesterol levels.

Nutrient-Rich Ingredients:

• Garlic, often used in the dish, is known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties. It also contains antioxidants that may help boost immune function.
• Spinach, when added, provides vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate, iron, and magnesium. It supports eye health and bone health and helps regulate blood pressure.

Healthy Fats From Olive Oil:

• Olive oil, used in cooking and dressing the dish, is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants such as vitamin E. These components can help reduce inflammation and support cardiovascular health.

Calcium And Protein From Cheese:

• Parmesan and mozzarella cheese provide calcium and additional protein. Calcium is essential for bone health and muscle function, while protein supports various bodily functions.

Balanced Macronutrients:

• Baked orzo with chicken typically combines carbohydrates from orzo, protein from chicken, and healthy fats from olive oil and cheese. This balanced macronutrient profile can help maintain steady energy levels and support overall metabolic health.

Portion Control And Moderation:

• When prepared with portion control in mind and balanced with various vegetables and lean proteins, baked orzo with chicken can be part of a balanced diet.
• Moderation in portion sizes helps manage calorie intake and ensures the dish provides nutrients without excess calories.

Final Thoughts

baked orzo with chicken is a dish that effortlessly combines comfort and flavor in every bite. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, its versatility and hearty nature make it a standout choice.

More Pasta Recipes:

• CHICKEN ROSA PASTA RECIPE
• BOURSIN ORZO RECIPE
• BACON TOMATO SAUCE PASTA RECIPE
• CREAMY MOREL PASTA RECIPE
• CHICKEN BROCCOLI ZITI RECIPE

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