Chicken Thighs and Orzo

Submitted by SusieQusie

"While searching my "archives" (read - box in the back of the pantry) for Zaar World Tour II recipes, I ran across this gem that was torn out of BHG, Sepember 2004 edition. Sounds Italian to me."

 

• Ready In: 1hr
• Ingredients: 11
• Serves: 6

ingredients

• 4 ounces pancetta or 4 slices bacon, chopped
• olive oil
• 6 skinless chicken thighs
• 2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with onion and garlic
• 1 cup dried orzo pasta
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup water
• 1⁄3 cup kalamata olive
• 1⁄4 cup fresh basil, torn
• 1 (6 ounce) bag baby spinach leaves
• 3 ounces garlic and herb goat cheese (about 1/3 cup)

directions

1. In a 5 to 6 quart Dutch oven, cook pancetta until browned. Remove pancetta, reserving 2 tablespoons drippings (add olive oil if necessary to equal 2 tablespoons.) Drain meat on paper towels & set aside.
2. Brown chicken in drippings about 10 minutes, turning to brown evenly. Drain off fat.
3. Add undrained tomatoes, orzo, garlic & 1 cup water. Bring to a boil & reduce heat.
4. Simmer, covered, 25 to 30 minutes or until chicken is done (180ºF on meat thermometer) & orzo is tender.
5. If necessary, cook an additional 2-3 minutes uncovered to thicken the pan sauce.
6. Stir in pancetta, olives and basil & heat through.
7. To serve, divide spinach among 6 plates. Top each with a thigh, some of the orzo mixture & some of the cheese.

Reviews

[mommymakeit4u]

Very good! I had to improvise with the tomatoes because mine didn't have onions or garlic but I diced up a small onion and added extra garlic which worked out fine. Also the recipe didn't state whether or not to cook the spinach first. I thought the hotness of the dish would wilt it on the plate, but it didn't. It needs to be cooked first. I used chicken broth instead of water for extra flavour. And just as a note to myself, I'd use bone in chicken breast next time, the thighs are too boney for my liking. Thanks for posting!

 

[Kim12469]

This was so good! Quick and easy. I didn't have pancetta just I just browned the chicken in some evoo and in the end threw in a handful of real bacon bits. I added extra garlic and sauteed an onion with the chicken. A definite keeper and go-to meal for a busy weeknight.

 

[BellyDancer]

I didn't have olives, and I used dried basil, but this was really good! I couldn't leave the leftovers alone! Easy to make too. I added some spinach in the last couple of minutes and served on spinach as well. And I added probably twice as much garlic - but I do that with everything! Thanks for a yummy, new favorite!

 

[KelBel]

OMG! This was delicious!! EASY to make and full of flavor! I did everything as written , using a boursin cheese instead of the goat cheese. An awesome blend of flavors and textures and serving ontop of a bed of spinach is wonderful. Really delicious - highly recommend!