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:
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.
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.
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.
Add tomato paste, chopped tomato, cayenne powder and oregano. Stir well to combine.
Add the chicken stock, bring to a boil and cook uncovered on medium heat. Stir once in a while.
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.
Stir in the cheese and cilantro leaves and remove from heat. Keep covered till ready to serve.
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/