Ingredients
Scale
Gathering your ingredients is like preparing for a joyful adventure in the kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
If you fancy, you can swap the chicken breasts for thighs for a richer flavor, or add a splash of white wine to the broth for a touch of elegance.
Instructions
Let’s bring this comforting dish to life with these simple steps:
- Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the ground cinnamon, dried oregano, and dried thyme, allowing the spices to bloom for about a minute.
- Add the orzo to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the fragrant oil and spices. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
- Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top, cover, and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes until everything is heated through and the cheese has melted.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting embrace of this simple yet soul-warming meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International