Chicken Orzo Bake

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Transcript

00:00Chicken Orzo Bake

00:01This creamy, cheesy chicken orzo bake is about to become your new favorite

00:05I need to feed people without losing my mind recipe.

00:09Tender chicken, perfectly cooked orzo, and a rich, flavorful sauce create comfort food without juggling pots.

00:15Baked in one dish to golden perfection and tastes even better the next day, which is basically kitchen magic.

00:21To prepare the base, use two large chicken breasts or about 1 and 1 4th pounds,

00:251 tablespoon of olive oil, 3 cups of low-sodium chicken stock, 1 cup of heavy whipping cream,

00:31and 12 to 16 ounces of orzo pasta.

00:34For the vegetables, include 3 cups of loosely packed baby spinach,

00:382 cups of cherry tomatoes, and 5 cloves of minced garlic.

00:42For the cheese and seasonings, add 1 and 1 half cups of mozzarella,

00:452 thirds of a cup of parmesan, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice,

00:491 teaspoon each of salt and pepper, and half a teaspoon of oregano.

00:52Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a 9 by 13 casserole dish.

00:59If using raw chicken, cut into thinner pieces, season with salt and pepper,

01:04then saute about 4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.

01:08Let rest before dicing.

01:10In the casserole dish, combine chicken stock, cream, orzo, chicken, vegetables,

01:16half the cheeses, and all seasonings.

01:18Stir thoroughly and flatten into an even layer.

01:20Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.

01:24Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes until orzo is tender and cheese is golden brown and bubbling.

01:30Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

01:32For gluten-free, use gluten-free orzo.

01:35Make it dairy-free with coconut milk and dairy-free cheese.

01:39Substitute turkey, sausage, shrimp, or beans for chicken.

01:42Create Mediterranean flavors with olives and sun-dried tomatoes,

01:46or Mexican inspired with corn and beans.

01:48Let chicken rest before dicing for moist meat.

01:52Ensure even distribution of ingredients.

01:55Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.

01:59When reheating, add a splash of broth to restore creaminess.