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Spoon the roasted cranberries over the chicken and orzo skillet Recipe

Spoon the roasted cranberries over the chicken and orzo skillet Recipe

4.9 from 20 reviews

This Honey Garlic Chicken & Orzo Skillet is a flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender bite-sized chicken pieces cooked with garlic, paprika, and oregano, combined with tender orzo pasta simmered in a honey-infused chicken broth. Topped with lightly roasted cranberries for a tangy sweetness and drizzled with a creamy feta sauce, this dish offers a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and creamy flavors perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken & Orzo

  • 1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Roasted Cranberries

  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil

For the Creamy Feta Sauce

  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Roast the Cranberries: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss the fresh cranberries in honey and olive oil, then spread them evenly on a small baking sheet. Roast for 10 to 12 minutes until the cranberries are slightly softened and lightly caramelized. Set aside to cool.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until they turn lightly golden. Stir in minced garlic, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Cook the Orzo: Add the dry orzo pasta to the skillet with the chicken and stir for about 1 minute to lightly toast the pasta. Pour in the chicken broth and 1 tablespoon honey, then bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
  4. Prepare the Feta Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together crumbled feta cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped fresh parsley until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  5. Assemble the Dish: Spoon the roasted cranberries evenly over the chicken and orzo skillet. Drizzle generously with the creamy feta sauce.
  6. Serve: Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired and serve warm directly from the skillet for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Notes

  • Ensure the chicken pieces are cut evenly for uniform cooking.
  • Watch the orzo closely while simmering to prevent sticking or overcooking.
  • Fresh cranberries can be substituted with frozen; just thaw before roasting.
  • The feta sauce can be prepared ahead and refrigerated to save time.
  • Garnishing with fresh parsley brightens the dish both visually and in flavor.
  • For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes during the chicken cooking step.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, orzo skillet, roasted cranberries, feta sauce, Mediterranean dinner, one-pan meal, creamy feta sauce, quick chicken recipe