The Best Artichoke Chicken And Parmesan Orzo Recipe For Dinner

Artichoke chicken breathes new life into weeknight meals with its tantalizing Mediterranean-inspired profile.

Bold ingredients mingle effortlessly, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Succulent chicken cutlets nestle beneath a luxurious sauce bursting with aromatic herbs and zesty undertones.

Creamy parmesan orzo provides the perfect accompaniment, soaking up every nuanced drop of the vibrant sauce.

Delicate artichoke notes weave through each bite, offering a sophisticated twist on classic comfort food.

The dish strikes an elegant balance between simplicity and gourmet complexity, making it feel both approachable and impressive.

Dinner becomes an unexpected culinary adventure that will leave you craving more.

Stirring Together a Dinner That’s Light Yet Comforting

Step 1: Prepare The Oven And Chicken

Preheat oven to 425°F. Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and pound to 1/2 inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Arrange in a buttered 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

• Chopped onion
• Thyme
• Basil

Sauté until onion softens. Stir in minced garlic and cook briefly.

Step 3: Create Artichoke Sauce

• Artichokes
• Wine
• Broth

Season lightly with salt and pepper. Simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice. Pour sauce evenly over chicken.

Step 4: Bake The Chicken

Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes or until chicken is completely cooked through.

Step 5: Cook The Orzo

Prepare orzo according to package instructions.

Step 6: Finish The Orzo

Mix drained orzo with remaining broth, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7: Serve The Dish

Remove chicken from oven. Top each chicken piece with a small pat of butter. Serve immediately with prepared orzo.

Little Tips That Make the Parmesan Shine

• Master Chicken Thickness: Pound chicken evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry edges.
• Sauté Aromatics Gently: Cook onions and herbs slowly to develop deep, rich flavor without burning.
• Wine Selection Matters: Choose a crisp white wine like sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio for bright, complementary notes.
• Check Chicken Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Flavor Boosting Technique: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to lock in moisture and distribute juices evenly.

Leftovers That Taste Like the First Bite

• Refrigeration: Carefully transfer leftover chicken and orzo into airtight containers. Store separately to maintain optimal texture. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality and safety. Seal containers tightly to prevent moisture loss and absorb other refrigerator odors.
• Freezing: Wrap individual portions of chicken and orzo in freezer-safe plastic wrap or containers. Label with date and contents. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve flavor and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheating: Warm chicken in the microwave or oven to prevent dryness. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain moisture. Heat at 50% power in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and tenderness.

Dishes That Pair With This Tender Chicken & Pasta Mix

• Sip Crisp White Wine: Complement the bright, lemony artichoke chicken with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which will enhance the dish's delicate herb and citrus notes.
• Pair with Rustic Bread: Serve crusty sourdough or ciabatta on the side to soak up the flavorful pan juices and add a delightful textural contrast to the tender chicken and creamy orzo.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Toss together a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan to mirror the recipe's flavors and provide a crisp, peppery accompaniment that cuts through the richness of the dish.
• Sprinkle Mediterranean Herbs: Garnish with extra fresh herbs like oregano or dill to amplify the Mediterranean-inspired elements and add a burst of aromatic freshness to the final presentation.

Variations That Make It Shine in Every Season

• Mediterranean Marvel: Swap artichokes for roasted red peppers and add kalamata olives. Incorporate feta cheese into the orzo for a Greek-inspired version that brings vibrant Mediterranean flavors to the dish.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Replace thyme and basil with chili powder and cumin. Mix corn and black beans into the orzo, then top chicken with a quick salsa made from diced tomatoes and jalapeños for a zesty southwestern experience.
• Herb Garden Fusion: Use fresh rosemary and sage instead of thyme and basil. Stir chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes into the orzo for an herb-packed, green-inspired meal that feels like a walk through a lush garden.
• Mushroom Woodland Remix: Add sautéed cremini and shiitake mushrooms to the skillet before adding artichokes. Incorporate wild rice instead of orzo and sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top for an earthy, woodland-inspired transformation.

Why This Dish Is the Weeknight Wonder You Didn’t Know You Needed

• Elevate Flavor Complexity: Artichoke chicken brings a sophisticated Mediterranean twist, blending tangy artichokes, robust herbs, and zesty lemon for a multi-layered taste experience that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal.
• Quick and Elegant Weeknight Solution: Ready in just 45 minutes, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality dining without complicated techniques, making gourmet cooking accessible for busy home chefs who crave delicious yet uncomplicated dinners.
• Nutritionally Balanced Comfort: Packed with lean protein from chicken, complex carbohydrates from orzo, and nutrient-rich vegetables, this dish offers a well-rounded meal that satisfies hunger while supporting balanced nutrition with impressive macronutrient distribution.
• One-Pan Culinary Convenience: Minimizes kitchen cleanup with streamlined cooking methods, allowing you to prepare chicken and orzo simultaneously, reducing stress and maximizing efficiency during meal preparation without sacrificing incredible flavor profiles.

What Goes Into That Creamy, Herby Orzo Lovefest

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the main dish, best when fresh and of high quality.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, nutty flavor and helps enhance overall taste of the dish.

• Onion: Provides sweet, foundational flavor to the base of the dish.
• Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic complexity to the overall recipe.
• Thyme, Basil: Fresh herbs that contribute bright, earthy notes to the chicken preparation.
• Parsley: Offers fresh, green finish and visual appeal to the final dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding richness to the cooking process.
• White Wine: Brings subtle acidity and depth to the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Creates moisture and adds savory undertones to the chicken.
• Lemon Juice: Provides bright, citrusy acidity to balance the dish.
• Butter: Adds richness and smooth finish to the chicken and orzo.
• Orzo: Pasta side that serves as a complementary base for the chicken.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall flavor profile.

Artichoke Chicken And Parmesan Orzo Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Artichoke Chicken and Parmesan Orzo brings Mediterranean flavors together in a delightful culinary harmony. Creamy orzo, tender chicken, and tangy artichokes create a comforting meal you’ll savor with each satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 3 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless (or 4)
• 8 ounces (226 grams) artichokes, frozen (partially thawed) or canned (drained)

Grains and Liquid Base:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) orzo
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon basil
• ½ cup (15 grams) fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ cup (50 grams) Parmesan cheese, grated
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons butter, chilled, cut into ½-inch cubes
• Olive oil for sautéing
• Coarse salt, to taste
• Fresh black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and gently flatten to a uniform thickness of 1/2 inch (1.27 centimeters). Season both sides with salt and pepper, then arrange in a buttered 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish.
2. Heat 2-of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Sauté chopped onions with thyme and basil until onions become translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release aromatic flavors.
3. Incorporate artichoke hearts into the skillet. Pour in white wine and chicken broth, lightly seasoning with salt and pepper. Simmer the mixture for approximately two minutes to meld the flavors.
4. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice. Evenly distribute the artichoke mixture over the seasoned chicken breasts in the baking dish.
5. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and roast for 25 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. While the chicken bakes, prepare orzo according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and mix with remaining chicken broth, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
7. After removing the chicken from the oven, garnish each piece with a small pat of butter. Serve immediately alongside the prepared Parmesan orzo.

Notes

• Culinary shortcuts make this dish a weeknight wonder for busy home cooks.
• Artichokes transform ordinary chicken into a Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece with minimal effort.
• Pounding chicken ensures even cooking and tender, juicy results every single time.
• Wine and broth create a magical liquid base that infuses incredible depth into the entire meal.
• Fresh herbs and lemon juice brighten the entire dish, adding zesty complexity to each delectable bite.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking, Sautéing, Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 56g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg