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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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