She Strengthens

Savor the Flavors of Fall with This Easy Chicken Orzo Recipe

As the leaves change colors, our taste buds crave heartier, more comforting dishes. This autumn-inspired chicken orzo recipe checks all the boxes, featuring a medley of flavors and textures that will become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation.

A Symphony of Flavors

The secret to this dish lies in the poaching liquid, infused with aromatic spices and simmered to perfection. By cooking the orzo in this flavorful broth, you’ll unlock a depth of flavor that will leave your taste buds singing. The addition of pomegranate seeds provides a delightful crunch, while the cilantro and maple syrup add a hint of freshness and sweetness.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before you begin, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup small-dice red onion
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups water
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup orzo
• 2 teaspoons maple syrup
• 4 teaspoons white wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 cup fresh pomegranate seeds

Let’s Get Cooking!

Heat the olive oil in a medium frying pan over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the onion, garlic, and coriander, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 3 minutes.

Next, add the water and chicken to the pan, reducing the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer, turning the chicken once, until cooked through, about 25 minutes. Remove the chicken to a cutting board and set aside until cool enough to handle, then shred into bite-sized pieces.

Orzo Takes Center Stage

Meanwhile, add the orzo to the poaching liquid and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and all the liquid has been absorbed, about 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the orzo to a large, nonreactive bowl and stir in the maple syrup, vinegar, cilantro, pomegranate seeds, and shredded chicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

The Final Touches

This easy weeknight dinner is now ready to be devoured! Serve hot, garnished with additional cilantro and pomegranate seeds if desired. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, this recipe is sure to become a fall favorite in your household.