Chicken Artichoke Orzo Food

ONE-PAN LEMON ORZO CHICKEN WITH ARTICHOKE HEARTS

Steps:

• Pat the chicken dry and season all over with salt and pepper.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet (oven-proof if you plan on broiling the dish at the end, see notes above.) When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the chicken to the pan and sear for 3 minutes side, or until nicely golden. Transfer to a plate.
• Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon oil to the skillet. Add the garlic and orzo and cook for 2 minutes, just to lightly toast the orzo.
• Add the artichoke hearts, herbs de Provence, and water or stock to the pan and bring to a boil over high heat. Lower the heat to a simmer, return the chicken thighs to the skillet, cover and cook 15 to 20 minutes. [Note: Times will vary depending on the kind of orzo you are using, the shape of the pan, the strength of your stovetop. My orzo (not whole wheat) consistently is cooked in 15 minutes or less, so just keep an eye on things.]
• Transfer chicken thighs to a board, and chop into cubes with a knife or shred with two forks. Return the chicken to the skillet. Add the lemon zest and juice. Add a few handfuls (about 1/2 cup) of parmesan and stir to combine. Taste. Adjust with salt and pepper to taste. Add the parsley and stir to combine.
• This is where I stop (see notes above). I find it delicious as it. BUT, if you want to take it a step further, sprinkle a layer of cheese (about 1/2 to 3/4 cup) over the top and broil for 3 to 4 minutes or until cheese is bubbling and lightly browned. Keep an eye on it!
• Serve immediately.

ORZO WITH CHICKEN AND ARTICHOKES

Steps:

• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in pancetta, and cook until browned. Remove to paper towels.
• Pour 2 tablespoons olive oil into skillet. Stir in onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent. Increase heat to medium high, pour in white wine; cook about 3 minutes.
• Reduce heat to low, stir in chicken, artichoke hearts, and spinach. Cover, and cook to warm through.
• Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to boil. Add orzo pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain, and stir into chicken mixture.
• Stir pine nuts and balsamic vinegar into pasta.

CHICKEN SALAD WITH ORZO AND MARINATED ARTICHOKE HEARTS

Steps:

• Boil the orzo pasta in boiling salted water until JUST firm-tender; drain and rinse with cold water.
• In a small bowl combine oil, vinegar, lemon juice and mustard; whisk to combine, then season with salt and pepper.
• Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and mix in about 1/4 cup dressing; toss to combine.
• Add in cooked orzo, halved cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, olives and capers (if using) mix to combine.
• Add in the remaining dressing and mix.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Cover and chill for a minimum of at least 2 hours before serving.

CHICKEN AND ORZO SKILLET

Steps:

• Sprinkle chicken with garlic seasoning blend. In a large cast-iron or other heavy skillet, saute chicken and onion in oil until chicken is no longer pink, 5-6 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer., Stir in the tomatoes, spinach, broth, orzo, Italian seasoning and, if desired, pepper flakes. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Cover and simmer until orzo is tender and liquid is absorbed, 15-20 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with cheese.

ROASTED CHICKEN, ARTICHOKE, FETA AND ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• Whisk dressing ingredients together.
• Boil orzo pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain reserving some pasta water.
• Place orzo (warm pasta will absorb more of the dressing) and shredded chicken in a large bowl. Add 4 TB of dressing and toss to coat.
• Add 2 TB pasta water to remaining dressing.
• Add remaining ingredients to orzo and chicken. Toss and refrigerate from 1 hour to overnight.
• Toss with remaining dressing before serving.

MEDITERRANEAN ARTICHOKE CHICKEN WITH ORZO

Steps:

• 1. Pound chicken breasts to flatten evenly. Season with pepper.
• 2. Drain artichoke hearts, set aside, save marinade.
• 3. Bring 1/4 cup marinade to boil in large skillet. Ad chicken and cook over medium heat until lightly browned.
• 4. Add artichokes, broth, pepper flakes, remaining marinade and orzo. Bring to boil, lower heat, cover and cook until chicken and orzo are done. Add lemon juice and capers. If too much liquid remains, boil another minute to reduce a bit OR add liquid if too dry!!
• 5. Serving idea: serve with steamed Italian (flat) green beans.