Description
Comfort meets elegance in this classic chicken and mushroom orzo, blending Mediterranean flavors with hearty ingredients. Creamy textures and rich herbs invite you to savor each spoonful of this satisfying one-pan wonder.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein and Pasta:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1.5 cups orzo pasta
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 2 cups mushrooms
- 1 onion
- 2 garlic cloves
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Trim and slice chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized pieces, ensuring even cooking and tender texture.
- Finely dice onion and mince garlic cloves to release their aromatic flavors and create a robust base for the dish.
- Clean and slice mushrooms into thin, consistent pieces to promote even cooking and enhanced absorption of flavors.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, creating a perfect searing environment.
- Sauté chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5-6 minutes, developing a rich caramelized exterior.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside, maintaining its warmth and juiciness.
- In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and develop a deep, golden-brown color.
- Pour white wine into the skillet, allowing it to deglaze and incorporate the flavorful fond from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in orzo pasta, coating it with the aromatic vegetable mixture and ensuring each grain is well-distributed.
- Gradually add chicken broth, stirring consistently to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Simmer orzo for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta reaches an al dente consistency and absorbs most of the liquid.
- Reintroduce the seared chicken to the skillet, gently folding it into the orzo mixture.
- Season with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste and creating a balanced flavor profile.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and grated parmesan cheese over the dish, adding brightness and a luxurious finish.
- Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and settle before serving hot.
Notes
- Choose chicken breasts with uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
- Pat chicken dry before searing to achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and enhances flavor.
- Experiment with different mushroom varieties like shiitake or cremini for added depth and complexity in taste.
- For a lighter version, swap chicken broth with low-sodium vegetable broth and use skinless chicken breasts to reduce calories.
- Allow orzo to absorb liquid slowly, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and create a creamy, risotto-like texture.
- Vegetarian option: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based protein and use vegetable broth for a meat-free alternative.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can be added during cooking to introduce additional aromatic layers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg