Chicken and Orzo Bake Recipe

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Cook Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 6 skinless boneless chicken thighs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 pound dry orzo
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 (5 ounce) package baby spinach
• 4 ounces Parmesan cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (not oil-packed)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350F (180C). Gather all ingredients.

Step 2: Season the chicken thighs on both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a 5- to 6-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add half of the chicken thighs and cook until seared and lightly browned, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate. Repeat with the remaining chicken thighs.

Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the Dutch oven. Add the chopped onions and cook until tender and lightly browned, stirring occasionally for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5: Add butter to the Dutch oven. Once melted, add the orzo and stir quickly until fully coated with the butter. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the Dutch oven with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits.

Step 6: Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove it from heat. Cover the Dutch oven and bake in the preheated oven until the orzo has absorbed most of the liquid, about 15 minutes.

Step 7: Remove the Dutch oven from the oven. Stir in the spinach, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, lemon zest, and lemon juice.

Step 8: Nestle the browned chicken thighs into the orzo mixture, ensuring they are submerged. Cover the Dutch oven and return it to the oven. Bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, and an instant-read thermometer reads 165F (74C).

Step 9: Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 847
• Total Fat: 37g (48% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 13g (64% DV)
• Cholesterol: 215mg (72% DV)
• Sodium: 1281mg (56% DV)
• Total Carbohydrates: 79g (29% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 8g (27% DV)
• Total Sugars: 11g
• Protein: 56g (112% DV)
• Vitamin C: 83mg (93% DV)
• Calcium: 347mg (27% DV)
• Iron: 6mg (34% DV)
• Potassium: 1139mg (24% DV)

History of Chicken and Orzo Bake

The Chicken and Orzo Bake is a comforting, Mediterranean-inspired dish that has gained popularity in American home kitchens. Its roots can be traced back to classic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, where chicken is often paired with various grains like rice or pasta. Orzo, a rice-shaped pasta, brings a unique texture and flavor to the dish, while ingredients like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and lemon lend bright, vibrant notes. The one-pot nature of the dish makes it a perfect candidate for busy weeknights, offering both simplicity and richness in flavor.

Regional Features

In the Mediterranean region, similar dishes often incorporate chicken, rice, or pasta, with a strong emphasis on using fresh herbs, olive oil, and citrus for flavor. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes and spinach in this recipe is typical of Italian and Greek cuisines, where sun-dried tomatoes are used to add depth of flavor and spinach is a common leafy green. The choice of orzo as a pasta base is reflective of Greek cooking traditions, where orzo is a staple ingredient. In this dish, it is combined with a creamy base and hearty chicken to create a filling, yet balanced meal.

Differences from Similar Dishes

While similar to chicken and rice casseroles or pasta bakes, Chicken and Orzo Bake stands out due to the unique texture of orzo, which absorbs flavors and liquids in a different way than traditional rice or pasta. Unlike many casseroles that rely on heavy cream or cheese for moisture and richness, this recipe uses chicken broth and butter, offering a slightly lighter alternative. Additionally, the incorporation of fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes adds a burst of color and health benefits that differentiate it from standard pasta bakes or one-pot chicken dishes.

Where Is It Typically Served?

Chicken and Orzo Bake is commonly served in family-style settings, perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or even as a comfort meal during colder months. Its versatility allows it to be enjoyed as a standalone dish or paired with a side salad for added freshness. This recipe is also often seen at potlucks or gatherings where ease of preparation and crowd-pleasing flavors are essential. In restaurants, it might be presented as a comforting main course in Mediterranean or American bistros that focus on wholesome, satisfying meals.

Interesting Facts About Chicken and Orzo Bake

• Orzo, which means "barley" in Italian, is a type of pasta shaped like grains of rice, often used in soups, salads, and casseroles.
• The combination of lemon zest and juice adds a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness of the chicken and orzo, making it a perfect balance of flavors.
• This dish is quite adaptable, and you can substitute spinach for other greens like kale or Swiss chard, depending on whats in season or your personal preference.
• Chicken and Orzo Bake is a highly customizable recipe you can add different vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to adjust the flavors and textures to your liking.

Enjoy this simple yet delicious dish, which is sure to become a favorite in your household!

FAQ about Chicken and Orzo Bake Recipe

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