This Toasted Orzo with Chicken is a mouthwatering dish you can easily prepare for lunch or dinner. It brings together the nutty goodness of toasted orzo pasta with perfectly seasoned, tender chicken pieces, making a dish that's both comforting and full of flavor.
Season the chicken on both sides with salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder and oregano. Set aside.
How to toast and cook the orzo.
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the orzo pasta, stirring constantly, and toast for about 5-7 minutes until it turns golden brown.
Transfer the orzo to a bowl and set aside.
How to cook the chicken.
Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the same skillet and add the chicken to the pan and cook for about 4-6 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for another 4-6 minutes until golden brown. Check if the chicken is cooked through.
Transfer the chicken to a plate.
Sauté the vegetables and simmer the orzo
Add the onion to the pan and cook for 5 minutes or until the onion softens. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Add the red pepper and cook for 1 minute.
Add the tomato puree, dry oregano basil and chili flakes if used, and cook for 2 more minutes, stirring constantly.
Add the toasted orzo and vegetable or chicken stock. Season with salt and pepper and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered, for about 15 minutes or until the orzo is tender and the liquid is almost absorbed.
Arrange the chicken on top of the orzo and cook for 2-3 minutes more to let it warm through.
Garnish with fresh parsley, and lemon slices and enjoy alongside a fresh salad.