Chicken Manestra (Orzo) Recipe
Overview:
Enjoy the flavors of Greece with this delightful Chicken Manestra (Orzo) recipe! It’s a hearty dish perfect for lunch or snacks, blending tender chicken with savory orzo pasta in a rich tomato-based broth. Whether you’re craving a taste of the Mediterranean or looking for a quick and easy meal option, this recipe has you covered. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s a surefire winner for any occasion!
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Onion |
| 2 | Chicken Pieces |
| 4 | Olive Oil |
| 3 | Garlic Cloves |
| 1/2 | cup Tomato Paste |
| – | Water |
| – | Orzo Pasta |
| – | Salt |
| – | Pepper |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 316.9
- Fat: 14.3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 209.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 3.3g
- Sugar: 6.4g
- Protein: 7.1g
Instructions:
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Preparation:
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- Peel and finely chop the onion and garlic cloves.
- Measure out the olive oil, tomato paste, orzo pasta, salt, and pepper.
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Saute Onion:
- In a large pan or pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and slightly caramelized, stirring occasionally. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
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Brown Chicken:
- Push the onions to one side of the pan, then add the chicken pieces to the other side.
- Brown the chicken on all sides until it develops a golden crust, approximately 5-6 minutes. This step adds flavor to the dish.
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Simmer Chicken:
- Once the chicken is browned, stir in the chopped garlic cloves and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the water and add the tomato paste, stirring until the paste is fully incorporated into the liquid.
- Gently place the chicken pieces into the tomato broth, making sure they are submerged.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the chicken simmer in the flavorful broth for about 30 minutes. This allows the chicken to become tender and infuse with the tomato flavors.
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Cook Orzo:
- After 30 minutes of simmering, remove the lid and increase the heat to medium.
- Add the orzo pasta to the pot, stirring well to ensure it’s evenly distributed in the broth.
- Cook the orzo according to the package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes or until it’s al dente and tender.
- Keep an eye on the orzo and stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
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Season and Serve:
- Once the orzo is cooked to perfection, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve the Chicken Manestra hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired. 🌿
- Enjoy this delicious Greek-inspired dish with crusty bread or a simple salad for a satisfying meal!
Tips:
- For extra flavor, you can add diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers along with the onion.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or drizzle hot sauce over the finished dish.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Feel free to customize this recipe by using bone-in chicken pieces for added richness, or substitute chicken broth for some of the water for a deeper flavor profile.
Conclusion:
Chicken Manestra (Orzo) is a comforting and versatile dish that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. With its simple preparation and delicious flavors, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends alike. So gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try – it’s bound to become a family favorite in no time! 🍲
