Baked Chicken and Garlic Orzo Recipe
Overview:
This delightful Baked Chicken and Garlic Orzo recipe offers a tantalizing twist on the classic chicken and rice dish, showcasing the flavors of tender chicken, savory garlic, and hearty orzo pasta in a single, convenient casserole dish. Perfect for cozy winter evenings or anytime you crave a comforting, yet flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 4 | Boneless, skinless chicken breast halves |
| 1/4 cup | Dry white wine |
| 10 oz | Orzo pasta |
| 1 | Onion, finely chopped |
| 4 cloves | Garlic, minced |
| 2 tbsp | Fresh parsley, chopped |
| 1 tsp | Dried oregano leaves |
| 1 cup | Chicken broth |
| 1 cup | Water |
| 1/4 tsp | Paprika |
| To taste | Lemon pepper |
| To taste | Salt |
| 1 tbsp | Olive oil |
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Chicken: Spray a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and heat over high heat until hot. Add the chicken breast halves and brown them, meat side down, for 1 to 2 minutes or until lightly browned. Set aside.
- Deglaze the Skillet: Reduce the heat to medium-high. Add the dry white wine to the skillet and stir with a flat spatula, scraping any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook for 30 seconds or until slightly reduced. Set aside.
- Prepare the Orzo Mixture: Spray a 9-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. In the baking pan, combine the orzo pasta, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano leaves, chicken broth, water, and the previously prepared wine mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Assemble the Dish: Place the browned chicken breasts on top of the orzo mixture in the baking pan. Sprinkle the chicken lightly with paprika and lemon pepper to taste.
- Bake: Transfer the baking pan to the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 1 hour and 10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the orzo is tender.
- Final Touches: Once baked, remove the chicken from the baking pan and set aside. Add salt and olive oil to the orzo mixture in the baking pan, then mix well.
- Serve: Place the cooked chicken breasts back on top of the orzo mixture in the baking pan. Serve hot and enjoy this delicious one-dish meal!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 470.2
- Fat Content: 7.1g
- Saturated Fat Content: 1.4g
- Cholesterol Content: 75.5mg
- Sodium Content: 617.7mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 59.1g
- Fiber Content: 3.3g
- Sugar Content: 4.1g
- Protein Content: 37.2g
Recipe Notes:
- This recipe can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to adjust the seasoning and spices according to your liking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
- For added flavor, you can sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the dish before serving.
- Serve this Baked Chicken and Garlic Orzo with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Enjoy the hearty flavors and comforting aromas of this delicious one-dish meal with your family and friends! 🍽️🍗🍝
