Imagine a dish that brings the sunny flavors of Greece right to your kitchen. This Creamy Greek Chicken and Orzo recipe is a delightful blend of tender chicken, savory herbs, and creamy orzo pasta. It’s a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any night of the week. Gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
Steps
- Begin by drying the chicken breasts with a paper towel and cutting them into cubes. Set them aside while you heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Once the oil is heated, add the chicken pieces and cook for 2-3 minutes until the edges start to brown. Add sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, sea salt, and black pepper, then continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the orzo and chicken broth, ensuring everything is well combined. Lower the heat to medium, cover the pan, and let it cook for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking.
- Once the orzo is tender, pour in the coconut milk or heavy cream and add fresh spinach. Stir the mixture until the spinach wilts.
- Finish by incorporating freshly grated parmesan cheese and giving it a final stir. Serve the dish immediately while it’s hot.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4-5 cloves garlic, mashed
- ¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil and drained
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup orzo
- 2 ¾ cups chicken broth or water
- ¾ cup full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream
- 2 large handfuls fresh spinach
- ¾ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2520kcal | Carbohydrates: 180g | Protein: 216g | Fat: 108g | Saturated Fat: 54g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 36g | Trans Fat: 0.06g | Cholesterol: 498mg | Sodium: 5724mg | Potassium: 6792mg | Fiber: 18g | Sugar: 42g | Vitamin A: 9198IU | Vitamin C: 60mg | Calcium: 1266mg | Iron: 24mg
FAQ
- What is “Marry Me” Chicken Orzo?
- “Marry Me” Chicken Orzo is a delightful dish combining tender chicken breasts with a rich, sun-dried tomato sauce and hearty orzo pasta. The name suggests that it’s so delicious, it might inspire a proposal from anyone you serve it to!
- What ingredients are needed for this recipe?
- You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, orzo, chicken broth (or water), full-fat coconut milk (or heavy cream), fresh spinach, and parmesan cheese.
- Can I substitute any ingredients in this dish?
- Yes, some substitutions can be made. For instance, you can use water instead of chicken broth and heavy cream in place of full-fat coconut milk. These swaps can adjust the flavor slightly but still maintain the dish’s essence.
- How do you prepare the “Marry Me” Chicken Orzo?
- Start by cooking the chicken in olive oil, then add sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and seasonings. Once cooked, incorporate orzo and broth, then cover and simmer until the orzo is tender. Finish by adding coconut milk or heavy cream, spinach, and parmesan cheese before serving.
- Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?
- Absolutely! To make this dish dairy-free, use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream and ensure the parmesan cheese is a dairy-free alternative. This keeps the creamy texture without any dairy products.
Tips
- Use Fresh Garlic: Opt for fresh garlic over pre-minced varieties to enhance the flavor of the dish and achieve a more aromatic result.
- Prevent Orzo from Sticking: While cooking the orzo, make sure to stir it frequently and remove the lid occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Opt for Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil: Choose sun-dried tomatoes that are packed in oil for the best flavor, as they tend to be more tender and flavorful than dry-packed options.
- Customize the Creaminess: Depending on your dietary preferences, you can use full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option or heavy cream for a richer taste, both of which will add a creamy texture to the dish.
Equipment
- Large Skillet with Lid: Essential for cooking the entire dish in one pan while being able to cover it.
- Garlic Press: Useful for mashing fresh garlic cloves.
- Grater: For freshly grating parmesan cheese.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To accurately measure ingredients like orzo, broth, and coconut milk.
