Marry Me Chicken with Orzo

Looking for a dish that’s guaranteed to impress? Marry Me Chicken with Orzo is the perfect choice! This mouthwatering recipe features succulent chicken breasts cooked in a creamy, flavorful sauce that’s sure to make you fall in love. Paired with tender orzo, this dish combines the best of savory and creamy flavors, making it an instant classic. In this article, you’ll learn how to make Marry Me Chicken with Orzo, how to ensure each component is cooked to perfection, and how to customize the dish to suit your tastes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Marry Me Chicken with Orzo is a show-stopping meal that combines all the flavors you crave into one delicious dish. The chicken is seared to golden perfection and simmered in a rich and creamy sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan, and herbs. The orzo, a small, rice-shaped pasta, serves as a comforting base, absorbing the sauce and adding a wonderful texture to the dish.

What makes this recipe so special is how effortlessly it all comes together. It’s a one-pan meal that requires minimal prep, yet the flavors are so rich and satisfying, they’ll leave everyone asking for seconds. The combination of tender chicken, the creamy sauce, and the delicate orzo creates a balanced meal that’s both hearty and indulgent. Whether you’re cooking for a romantic evening, a family dinner, or a special occasion, Marry Me Chicken with Orzo is the dish that’ll make your guests feel loved and pampered.

This recipe is also highly versatile. You can adjust the seasoning, add more vegetables, or even substitute the chicken for another protein. It’s easy to make and always delicious!

Recipe Details

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds or 680g)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (15g)
• For the Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, drained and chopped (about 80g)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240ml)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (120ml)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (50g)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (1g)
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil (1g)
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Orzo:
  • 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta (about 270g)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
  • 2 cups water (480ml)
  • Salt to taste

Time Requirements

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes

Serving Size

This recipe serves 4 people.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Prepare the Orzo:
   • In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the orzo and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo turns golden brown.
   • Add 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the water has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until fragrant.
   • Add the heavy cream and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
   • Stir in the Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   • Return the chicken to the skillet, placing it on top of the orzo. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken.
   • Cover the skillet and simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the flavors have melded together.
5. Serve:
   • Once everything is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or additional grated Parmesan, if desired.

Pro Tips For Success

1. Ensure Even Cooking: If the chicken breasts are thick, consider gently pounding them to an even thickness before cooking. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and stays tender.
2. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached 165°F (75°C). This is the most reliable way to avoid overcooking.
3. Flavor the Orzo: To give the orzo more flavor, cook it in chicken broth instead of water. This will infuse the orzo with a savory taste.
4. Customize the Sauce: You can add a touch of lemon juice or zest for extra brightness, or throw in some fresh spinach or peas for added vegetables.
5. Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Be sure to keep an eye on the orzo while it cooks. Overcooking it can make the pasta mushy, so make sure it remains al dente.
6. Thickening the Sauce: If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to thicken, or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water to speed up the process.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (1/4 of the recipe):

• Calories: 590 kcal
• Protein: 44g
• Fat: 31g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 640mg

This dish is high in protein from the chicken and orzo, with healthy fats from the olive oil and Parmesan cheese. The orzo provides carbohydrates for energy, while the sauce offers a rich, creamy texture. If you’re looking to reduce the calorie count, you can use a lighter cream or reduce the amount of cheese in the sauce.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage: Leftover Marry Me Chicken with Orzo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the dish cools completely before storing it.

Reheating: Reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Stir occasionally while reheating to ensure everything is evenly heated.

Freezing: While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with roasted mushrooms or tempeh for a plant-based version. You can also use cauliflower steaks as a hearty substitute for the chicken.
• Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or even some diced jalapeños to the sauce to spice things up.
• More Veggies: Add vegetables such as spinach, peas, or bell peppers to the orzo or the sauce. These will bring more color and nutrition to the dish.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta instead of orzo to make this dish gluten-free. You can also use zucchini noodles or rice for a low-carb option.

Storage & Serving Suggestions

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a little bit of broth to rehydrate the orzo.

Serving Suggestions: Marry Me Chicken with Orzo pairs beautifully with a light green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. You could also serve it alongside roasted vegetables or garlic bread for an extra touch of indulgence.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply assemble the dish and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They’re a bit juicier and more flavorful, making them a great choice.
3. How do I prevent the orzo from getting mushy? Be sure to keep an eye on the orzo while it cooks. You want it to be tender, but still al dente, so avoid overcooking it.
4. Can I use a different kind of pasta? Yes, you can substitute the orzo for any small pasta, such as ditalini or even gluten-free pasta, depending on your dietary preferences.
5. How can I make the sauce thicker? If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer or add a small cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with a little water) to help thicken it up.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken with Orzo is a flavorful, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked orzo. The rich flavors and simple preparation make it the ideal dish for a romantic dinner, a family meal, or any occasion where you want to impress. This recipe brings Mediterranean-inspired ingredients together in a way that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Try it today, and watch how quickly it becomes a favorite in your household!

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