Zesty Chicken With Orzo (For Freezer Menus)
A recipe inspired by Betty Crocker, modified to be used by my friends and me in our once-a-month freezer meal prep. The ingredients are pre-assembled, frozen, then cooked fresh the night you want them. For the frozen vegetables, I find that a pre-made combination of broccoli, cauliflower and carrots works well, but any veggies that would cook in the same amount of time would work fine. Orzo is a fun pasta many people have never tried - it comes out very creamy in this recipe.
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INGREDIENTS
NutritionFor pre-assembly
- 1lb frozen mixed vegetables
- 3tablespoons zesty Italian dressing (I like Wishbone)
- 1cup orzo pasta
At time of cooking
- 1tablespoon vegetable oil
- 16ounces low sodium chicken broth
- 1cup water
- 1⁄8teaspoon fresh coarse ground black pepper
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DIRECTIONS
- Add chicken to a 1 qt freezer bag, vegetables and 3T dressing to a second qt bag, and pasta to a snack size bag. Squeeze out air, seal, and label with a Sharpie marker. Place in freezer.
- Remove the bags from the freezer and defrost when you are ready to prepare the meal.
- Heat oil in skillet over med-high. Cook chicken in oil, turning once, for about 10 minutes until brown on both sides. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
- Add broth and water to skillet; heat to boiling. Stir in pasta; heat to boiling. Cook uncovered about 9 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in vegetables and dressing.
- Add chicken; sprinkle with pepper. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer uncovered about 5 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender and the chicken juices are no longer pink.
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