One-Pot Mexican Chicken & Orzo
Author: 
Recipe type: Main, Entree
Cuisine: Mexican
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 4
 
A cheesy, easy peasy one-pot dish with chicken, peppers and orzo pasta. Quick, flavorful and so delicious.
You will need:
  • Oil/butter - 3 tbsp, divided
  • Chicken - 1 lb, boneless small pieces
  • Salt - ½ tsp
  • Black pepper powder - ¼ tsp
  • Red bell pepper - 1, sliced thinly
  • Onion - 1 large, chopped
  • Garlic - 3 cloves, finely chopped
  • Orzo pasta - 1 cup
  • Tomato paste - 2 tbsp
  • Tomato - 1, chopped
  • Cayenne powder - 1 tsp
  • Dried oregano - ½ tsp
  • Chicken stock - 2 cups
  • Sweet corn - ½ cup or 1 small can, drained
  • Pinto beans or black beans - ½ cup or 1 small can, drained
  • Shredded cheese - ½ cup, plus extra for serving
  • Cilantro - 2 tbsp, chopped
  • Lime - 1, cut into wedges for serving
How to:
  1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large, deep pan. Add chicken, sprinkle salt and black pepper and cook chicken till brown on all sides. This should take around 5 minutes on medium-high heat. Remove to a plate and set aside.
  2. Heat another tablespoon of oil. Add red peppers and any other vegetables you wish to use. Saute for a couple of minutes, remove to the plate with the chicken.
  3. Now heat the third tablespoon of oil. Add onions and garlic and saute till onions are soft and garlic is fragrant. Now add the orzo and fry lightly for a minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Add tomato paste, chopped tomato, cayenne powder and oregano. Stir well to combine.
  5. Add the chicken stock, bring to a boil and cook uncovered on medium heat. Stir once in a while.
  6. When orzo is halfway done, around 7-8 minutes, return chicken and peppers to the pot. Stir in beans and corn as well. Cook till all the liquid is absorbed and orzo is soft. Add more stock or water if required.
  7. Stir in the cheese and cilantro leaves and remove from heat. Keep covered till ready to serve.
  8. Serve warm with more cheese and wedges of lime on the side.
Notes:
1. The chicken stock does a good job of seasoning the orzo. But you can always taste and adjust seasoning to your liking.
2. Feel free to add more cayenne powder as per taste. I have kept it relatively mild so that it appeals to kids as well.
3. You can also add any other vegetables you like.
Recipe by At The Corner of Happy And Harried at https://www.happyandharried.com/2015/11/11/one-pot-mexican-chicken-orzo/