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Sesame Chicken Orzo with Ginger-Soy Dressing Recipe

Sesame Chicken Orzo with Ginger-Soy Dressing Recipe

4.8 from 28 reviews

This Sesame Chicken Orzo with Ginger-Soy Dressing is a flavorful and nutritious dish combining tender diced chicken, tender orzo pasta, and fresh vegetables like cabbage and carrots, all tossed in a tangy and savory ginger-soy dressing. It’s perfect served warm or chilled for a satisfying lunch or light dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cups shredded cabbage
  • 1 cup carrots, julienned
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Ginger-Soy Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions

  1. Cook the Orzo: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to package instructions until tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the orzo and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breasts, season with salt and black pepper to taste, and cook until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through, approximately 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from heat.
  3. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, olive oil, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, lemon juice, and sesame oil until well combined and smooth.
  4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, cooked chicken, shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, and sliced green onions. Pour the prepared ginger-soy dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated.
  5. Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the tossed orzo chicken salad. Serve warm or chilled as desired, perfect for a nutritious lunch or light dinner.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier dish.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas.
  • Adjust the amount of honey in the dressing based on your preferred sweetness level.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For extra crunch, consider adding chopped peanuts or cashews before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Sesame chicken orzo, ginger soy dressing, chicken pasta salad, healthy chicken recipes, easy dinner ideas