Cheesy Chicken Orzo
A tasty dish made with chicken, cheddar cheese and orzo.
Servings : 4
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup orzo
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard, optional
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach, optional
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a dutch oven or a 5-quart pan/skillet set over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken pieces to the skillet, season with thyme, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper, and cook over medium heat until done; about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Add about 3-quarts of water to the pot; set it over high heat and bring to a boil.
- Stir in the orzo and cook for 8 to 9 minutes, or until orzo is tender.
- Drain.
- Put the orzo back in the pot and stir in the cheese, milk, butter, and mustard, if using. Continue to stir until smooth, creamy, and well combined. Add more milk if needed to reach desired creamy consistency.
- Taste for seasonings and adjust accordingly.
- Stir in the spinach; stir for a minute, or until wilted.
- Stir in the chicken.
- Serve.
Nutrition
Calories: 486 kcal | Carbohydrates: 31 g | Protein: 32 g | Fat: 26 g | Saturated Fat: 12 g | Cholesterol: 102 mg | Sodium: 366 mg | Potassium: 550 mg | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 3 g | Vitamin A: 2001 IU | Vitamin C: 5 mg | Calcium: 265 mg | Iron: 2 mg | Net Carbs: 29 g
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.