why make this recipe
Chicken Marsala Orzo is a delicious and hearty dish that combines tender chicken, rich flavors, and creamy orzo pasta. This recipe is a great option for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. It’s easy to prepare and can impress anyone with its depth of flavor, making it a perfect choice for both beginners and experienced cooks. Plus, the combination of chicken and mushrooms in a Marsala wine sauce creates a unique taste that will keep you coming back for more.
how to make Chicken Marsala Orzo
Ingredients:
- 4 (6- to 8-oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, divided
- 8 oz. cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, sliced
- 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh thyme
- 8 oz. orzo
- 1 cup dry Marsala wine
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
Directions:
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Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken dry and place it in a large bowl. Add Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle flour over the chicken and toss to coat well.
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Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add half of the chicken and cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a plate. Repeat this step with the remaining chicken using another tablespoon of oil.
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Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet over medium heat, heat another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened (about 5 minutes). Add shallots and the remaining tablespoon of oil; season with salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until translucent (about 2 minutes). Then, add garlic and thyme, stirring until fragrant (around 1 minute).
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Prepare the Orzo: Stir in the orzo and remaining tablespoon of butter, cooking while tossing frequently until the orzo is coated (about 2 to 3 minutes). Pour in the wine and cook, stirring occasionally and scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pan, until slightly reduced (2 to 3 minutes).
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Add Broth and Cream: Add the chicken broth and increase the heat to high. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors meld (about 7 minutes). Finally, stir in the heavy cream and cook, stirring frequently, until the orzo is creamy (about 2 more minutes). Return the chicken to the pan and toss to combine. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed. Top with chopped parsley before serving.
how to serve Chicken Marsala Orzo
Serve Chicken Marsala Orzo warm right from the skillet. It pairs well with a simple side salad or some crusty bread. You can also add a sprinkle of additional fresh thyme or parsley on top for extra flavor and presentation.
how to store Chicken Marsala Orzo
To store leftovers, place the Chicken Marsala Orzo in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay good for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or microwave until heated through. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up as it can thicken in the fridge.
tips to make Chicken Marsala Orzo
- Cook the Chicken: Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken. This way, it will brown nicely instead of steaming.
- Flavor Boost: For even more flavor, you can add a splash of lemon juice or a dash of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Cream Alternatives: If you want a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or omit it altogether for a broth-based dish.
variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding other vegetables like spinach or peas for extra nutrition. Additionally, you could use shrimp or mushrooms as the protein instead of chicken for a different taste.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe too and will give the dish a richer flavor.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for Marsala wine?
Yes, you can use a combination of grape juice with a bit of vinegar or a non-alcoholic wine to mimic the flavors of Marsala wine.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Cook the chicken and vegetables separately, then combine them with the orzo when ready to serve.
