Spoon the roasted cranberries over the chicken and orzo skillet Recipe
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.
- Author: Douaa
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking, Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Lactose
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Assemble the Dish: Spoon the roasted cranberries evenly over the chicken and orzo skillet. Drizzle generously with the creamy feta sauce.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of the recipe)
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: honey garlic chicken, orzo skillet, roasted cranberries, feta sauce, Mediterranean dinner, one-pan meal, creamy feta sauce, quick chicken recipe