Delicious Marsala Chicken Orzo Recipe for Any Occasion

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by deliciouscorner

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Imagine a plate of tender chicken bathed in a savory sauce that dances with flavors, served on a bed of silky orzo. That’s the allure of Marsala Chicken Orzo—comfort food at its finest! The aroma wafts through your kitchen like an inviting hug from an old friend, promising warmth and satisfaction.

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I remember the first time I made this dish; my friends were convinced I had magically transformed into a gourmet chef overnight. Spoiler alert: it was just this recipe. Perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests without breaking a sweat, it’s a dish that promises both elegance and ease.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This dish is not only delicious but incredibly simple to prepare
  • The rich sauce pairs perfectly with the tender orzo
  • It’s visually stunning and impressively versatile for any dining occasion
  • Plus, leftovers taste even better!

There was that one dinner party where I served this Marsala Chicken Orzo; my friends swore they could hear angels singing as they took their first bites.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Aim for 3-4 pieces to ensure everyone gets enough of that juicy goodness.
  • Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for that rich flavor enhancement in your cooking.
  • Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds an aromatic punch that elevates the entire dish.
  • Marsala Wine: Choose dry Marsala wine for an authentic flavor; it makes all the difference!
  • Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to maintain control over saltiness while ensuring richness.
  • Orzo Pasta: This small pasta cooks quickly and absorbs all those delicious flavors beautifully.
  • Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley provides a burst of color and freshness as a garnish.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning that brings out all the natural flavors in your ingredients.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Before we dive into cooking up this delightful comfort dish, let’s gather our tools: a large skillet, a wooden spoon for stirring (or whatever you have handy), and some hungry friends ready to feast!

Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper before adding them to the pan until golden brown on both sides.

Add Garlic: Once your chicken is beautifully browned (think golden perfection), toss in minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant—around 30 seconds—then remove the chicken temporarily from the pan.

Create the Sauce: Pour in that glorious Marsala wine and scrape up those tasty browned bits sticking to the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer down by half for about 3-4 minutes; trust me, it’s worth it.

Add Chicken Broth: Stir in low-sodium chicken broth next. Bring everything back to life by returning your chicken breasts into the pan. Cover and let simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes or until cooked through.

Cook the Orzo: In another pot, bring salted water to boil and add orzo. Cook until al dente according to package instructions—usually around 8-10 minutes—drain well when done!

Combine Everything: Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender (a fork should glide right through), stir in your cooked orzo pasta gently into the skillet with all that saucy goodness before garnishing with fresh parsley.

And there you have it! A scrumptious plate of Marsala Chicken Orzo ready to wow your family or guests alike! Serve hot and watch those smiles spread wider than ever!

You Must Know

  • Marsala Chicken Orzo is not just a meal; it’s an experience
  • The rich aroma of sautéed mushrooms and warm spices fills your kitchen, making everyone eager for dinner
  • You can easily adapt the recipe based on what’s in your pantry, ensuring each bite is deliciously unique

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken to golden perfection, then let it rest while cooking orzo and sauce simultaneously. This method ensures maximum flavor infusion and keeps everything tender.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap orzo with quinoa for a gluten-free option or add spinach for extra nutrition. Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary to bring new flavors.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Marsala Chicken Orzo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Use high-quality Marsala wine for richer flavor; cheap wine may ruin the dish
  • Ensure chicken is fully cooked but not dry; use a meat thermometer for perfect results
  • Sauté vegetables until soft for added texture and taste that enhances the overall dish

Sharing my first attempt at this recipe brings back memories of my kitchen filled with laughter and a slight hint of chaos as I accidentally dropped half a jar of Marsala wine. My friends still tease me about that night, but they loved every bite!

FAQs

FAQ

What can I substitute for orzo in Marsala Chicken Orzo?

You can replace orzo with rice, quinoa, or even couscous for variety.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Can I make Marsala Chicken Orzo ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to three days.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Marsala Chicken Orzo


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  • Author: deleciouscorner
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Marsala Chicken Orzo is a savory dish featuring tender chicken in a rich Marsala sauce, paired with fluffy orzo pasta. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy dinner!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 cup dry Marsala wine
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, cooking until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
  2. Add minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in Marsala wine, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes.
  4. Stir in chicken broth and return chicken to the pan. Cover and simmer on low for about 15 minutes or until cooked through.
  5. Meanwhile, cook orzo in salted boiling water according to package instructions; drain when al dente.
  6. Gently stir cooked orzo into the skillet with the chicken and sauce, garnishing with fresh parsley before serving.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Skillet Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
  • Calories: 490
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 54g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

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