Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
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1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
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1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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1 cup (200g) orzo pasta
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2 cups (475ml) low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
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1/2 cup (120ml) milk or dairy-free alternative
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1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
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1 medium onion, diced
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 red bell pepper, diced
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1 cup (30g) baby spinach (optional)
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1 tsp dried oregano
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. -
Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add cubed chicken, season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Sear until golden brown, about 4–5 minutes. (No need to cook through.) -
Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 4 minutes until soft and fragrant. -
Assemble the Dish
In the prepared baking dish, combine orzo, chicken broth, milk, sautéed vegetables, and seared chicken. Stir well to mix. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. -
Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until golden and bubbly on top. -
Let it Rest
Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps everything set and enhances the flavor.
Notes
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Substitutions:
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No orzo? Substitute with ditalini, rice, or small pasta shapes.
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Dairy-free? Use plant-based cheese and milk alternatives.
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Want heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne.
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Pro Tips:
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Use chicken thighs for added juiciness.
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Toast orzo in the skillet for a nuttier flavor.
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Add a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving to brighten the dish.
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Variations:
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Italian: Add sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil.
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Greek: Stir in olives and crumbled feta.
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Tex-Mex: Mix in green chiles and a dash of cumin.
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- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American with Mediterranean influence
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 1/6th of dish)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg