Description
For the Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup fresh cranberries
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon fresh thyme
For the Creamy Spinach Orzo:
1 cup orzo pasta
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, cranberries, honey, balsamic vinegar, and thyme.
Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens slightly. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Meanwhile, cook the orzo according to package instructions. Drain and return to the pot.
Stir in butter, heavy cream, Parmesan, spinach, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the orzo is creamy.
Serve the chicken over the creamy spinach orzo, drizzling extra cranberry sauce over the top.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal per serving
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect meal. First, pat the chicken breasts dry and season evenly on both sides. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken. Do not move it for 4-5 minutes to achieve a proper sear. Flip and cook the other side. Remove chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, add garlic, cooking for 30 seconds. Pour in broth, cranberries, honey, vinegar, and thyme, scraping up browned bits. Simmer until cranberries burst and sauce thickens. Return chicken to the skillet to warm through. For the orzo, cook in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and immediately stir in butter, cream, Parmesan, and spinach until creamy and wilted.
Serving Suggestions
Plate this dish by creating a bed of the creamy spinach orzo and placing the sliced chicken breast on top. Generously spoon the cranberry pan sauce over the chicken. For a beautiful presentation, garnish with extra fresh thyme leaves and a few whole cranberries. This rich meal pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess, or with roasted green beans or asparagus.
How-to Summary
In summary: Season and pan-sear chicken until golden. Create a sauce with garlic, broth, cranberries, honey, vinegar, and thyme in the same pan. Separately, cook orzo, then combine with butter, cream, Parmesan, and spinach for a creamy side. Serve the chicken over the orzo, topped with the vibrant cranberry sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, but the result will be different. Use 1/4 cup of dried cranberries and add them with the broth. The sauce will be sweeter and less tart, and you may need a splash more broth.
What can I substitute for heavy cream in the orzo?
Full-fat coconut milk or a lower-fat alternative like half-and-half can be used, though the sauce will be less rich. For a dairy-free version, use a plain, unsweetened non-dairy creamer.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store chicken and orzo separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to prevent the orzo from drying out.
Is there a way to make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce components and measure the orzo ingredients. However, for best texture, cook the orzo and assemble the dish just before serving.
Can I use a different cut of chicken?
Chicken thighs work excellently. Increase the initial cook time by 2-3 minutes per side to ensure they are cooked through, as they are typically thicker.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Crowding the Pan: Cook the chicken in a single layer with space to ensure proper browning, not steaming.
- Overcooking the Orzo: Cook the orzo to al dente, as it will continue to soften slightly in the cream sauce.
- Not Deglazing: When adding the broth, scrape the flavorful browned bits (fond) from the pan bottom for a deeper sauce.
- Adding Spinach Too Early: Stir the spinach into the hot orzo just until wilted to maintain its color and texture.
Conclusion
This Cranberry Chicken with Creamy Spinach Orzo is a restaurant-quality dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The balance of savory, sweet, and tart flavors from the pan sauce complements the rich, creamy orzo beautifully. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create an impressive and delicious meal in just about 30 minutes. Enjoy the process and the delightful result!
