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One Pan Chicken Caprese Orzo Bake

One Pan Chicken Caprese Orzo Bake
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One Pan Chicken Caprese Orzo Bake is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish combining juicy seared chicken breasts with tender orzo pasta, fresh cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil. Cooked all in one oven-safe skillet, this comforting yet fresh recipe delivers vibrant Caprese flavors with minimal cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless chicken breasts

Pasta and Grains

  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta

Vegetables and Herbs

  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy

  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)

Liquids and Oils

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • Optional: balsamic glaze for drizzling

Seasonings

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown but not fully cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 4 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their juices.
  3. Add Orzo and Broth: Stir in the dry orzo pasta, coating it well with the garlic and tomato mixture. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer so the orzo starts absorbing the liquid.
  4. Combine and Bake: Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning some of the orzo mixture over and around the chicken. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake uncovered for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the orzo is tender.
  5. Add Cheese and Basil: Remove the skillet from the oven. Top the chicken and orzo with fresh mozzarella balls and torn basil leaves. Return the skillet to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts beautifully.
  6. Serve: Optionally drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving for a sweet, tangy finish. Serve warm directly from the skillet or plated individually.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the chicken; searing first locks in juices and creates a golden crust.
  • Use fresh mozzarella and basil for authentic flavor and vibrant presentation.
  • Keep extra chicken broth on hand in case the orzo absorbs too quickly during baking.
  • Utilize an oven-safe skillet for simple stovetop-to-oven cooking and easy cleanup.
  • Let the dish rest covered for 5 minutes after baking to meld flavors perfectly.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pan meal, chicken caprese, orzo bake, easy dinner, weeknight meal, gluten free, Italian flavors, mozzarella, basil, cherry tomatoes

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/one-pan-chicken-caprese-orzo-bake/