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Maple Glazed Chicken & Cranberry-Apple Orzo Salad Recipe

Maple Glazed Chicken & Cranberry-Apple Orzo Salad Recipe
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★★★★★

4.7 from 22 reviews

A vibrant and flavorful Maple Glazed Chicken paired with a refreshing Cranberry-Apple Orzo Salad. This dish combines tender, sweetly glazed chicken breasts with a hearty salad featuring orzo pasta, fresh apple, dried cranberries, spinach, walnuts, and feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty lemon-honey dressing. Perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner or a light lunch, this recipe offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors with a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Salad

  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 1 apple, diced
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

For the Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Orzo: Prepare the orzo pasta according to package instructions until tender. Drain and rinse lightly under cold water to stop the cooking process, then set aside to cool.
  2. Prepare the Maple Glaze: In a small bowl, combine maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Brush this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the glazed chicken breasts and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
  4. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, diced apple, dried cranberries, fresh baby spinach, chopped walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese. Toss gently to mix all the ingredients evenly.
  5. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until well emulsified.
  6. Toss the Salad and Serve: Pour the dressing over the orzo salad and toss gently to coat. Plate the salad and top it with the sliced maple-glazed chicken. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • For a nuttier flavor, toast the chopped walnuts lightly before adding them to the salad.
  • You can swap out the feta cheese for goat cheese or omit it to make the dish vegetarian (without chicken).
  • Using a crisp apple variety like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith adds a nice tart contrast to the sweetness of the maple glaze.
  • Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Leftover salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but it’s best served fresh.

Nutrition

Keywords: maple glazed chicken, cranberry apple salad, orzo pasta salad, healthy chicken recipes, fall salad, sweet and savory chicken, easy dinner recipes

Find it online: https://maicook.com/maple-glazed-chicken-and-cranberry-apple-orzo-salad-recipe/