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One-Pot Italian Chicken & Orzo: Dinner Magic! - one pot orzo

One-Pot Italian Chicken & Orzo: Dinner Magic!

Enjoy tender chicken and orzo infused with Italian herbs, garlic, and a hint of Dijon mustard in this easy one-pot meal.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp Italian herb mix (or make your own with basil, parsley, oregano)
  • 1 garlic clove (, minced)
  • 1/2 tsp salt + black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 x 110 - 120g/4oz chicken breasts (, skinless and boneless)
  • 1/2 tbsp olive oil (if required)
  • 1 small onion (, finely chopped (brown, white, yellow))

Instructions
 

  • Mix the white wine vinegar, 1 tbsp olive oil, Dijon mustard, Italian herbs, garlic clove, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add chicken breasts and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours in the fridge).
  • Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken breasts and sear for 4 minutes per side until golden brown and mostly cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate, cover loosely with foil.
  • Turn the heat up to medium-high. Add the remaining 1/2 tbsp olive oil if the pan looks dry.
  • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent.
  • Stir in the orzo pasta, diced tomatoes (with juices), chicken broth, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer gently for 9-10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the orzo is almost al dente.
  • Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the orzo mixture. Cover and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the orzo is tender.
  • Remove from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. The residual heat will finish cooking the orzo and melt the cheese, creating a delicious, saucy consistency.

Notes

Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.