Creamy Caesar Chicken Orzo Bake
Indulge in this delightful Creamy Caesar Chicken Orzo Bake, a one-pan dish that brings together the rich flavors of a classic Caesar salad with the heartiness of chicken and orzo pasta. The chicken is marinated in zesty Caesar dressing, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also serves as a comforting meal that the whole family will love. With its colorful medley of frozen vegetables and a creamy sauce, it's a nutritious option that shines at any dinner table.
N/A
Servings
188
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable Oil
1 (tablespoon)
Boneless Chicken Breast Halves
4 (pieces)
Chicken Broth
1 (10 3/4 ounce can)
Water
1 (cup)
Uncooked Orzo Pasta
1 (cup)
Frozen Mixed Vegetables
1 (1 lb bag (broccoli, green beans, pearl onions, red peppers))
Caesar Salad Dressing
3 (tablespoons)
Coarse Ground Black Pepper
1/8 (teaspoon)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the boneless chicken breast halves with 2 tablespoons of Caesar salad dressing. Marinate for at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor.
2
In a 10-inch skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken breasts. Cook for about 10 minutes, turning once, until they are golden brown on both sides.
3
Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep warm on a plate, covered with foil to retain heat.
4
In the same skillet, add the chicken broth and water. Bring to a boil, and then stir in the uncooked orzo pasta. Cook uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
5
While the pasta is cooking, chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
6
Once the orzo is tender, stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and the remaining Caesar salad dressing. Add the chopped chicken back to the skillet.
7
Sprinkle with coarse ground black pepper, then bring the mixture to a boil once more.
8
Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are crisp-tender and the chicken juices run clear, ensuring no pink remains.
Nutrition Information
5
Fat
22.5
Carbs
20
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Caesar Chicken Orzo Bake?
It is a one-pan comfort meal that combines marinated chicken, orzo pasta, and a medley of vegetables in a savory Caesar sauce.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
There are 188 calories per serving in this recipe.
How much protein does this chicken orzo bake provide?
This dish provides 20 grams of protein per serving.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
The chicken should be marinated in 2 tablespoons of Caesar salad dressing for at least 30 minutes.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of uncooked orzo pasta.
What vegetables are included in the frozen mix?
The recommended mix includes broccoli, green beans, pearl onions, and red peppers.
Is this a one-pan recipe?
Yes, it is designed as a one-pan meal prepared in a 10-inch skillet.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 5 grams of fat per serving.
What are the carbohydrate levels?
The dish contains 22.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much Caesar dressing is required in total?
You will need a total of 5 tablespoons: 2 for the marinade and 3 to stir into the pasta.
How long does it take to cook the chicken in the skillet?
The chicken breasts take about 10 minutes to cook, turning once until golden brown.
Do I need to cook the orzo separately?
No, the orzo is cooked directly in the skillet with chicken broth and water.
What is the liquid ratio for cooking the orzo?
Use one 10 3/4 ounce can of chicken broth and 1 cup of water for 1 cup of orzo.
How long does the orzo take to become tender?
The orzo typically takes 8 to 10 minutes to cook uncovered in the simmering liquid.
What should I do with the chicken after browning it?
Remove it from the skillet and keep it warm on a plate covered with foil while the pasta cooks.
When do I add the frozen vegetables?
Add the frozen vegetables once the orzo is tender, along with the remaining Caesar dressing.
How should the chicken be prepared for the final mix?
The cooked chicken should be chopped into bite-sized pieces before being returned to the skillet.
What seasoning is used at the end?
The recipe uses 1/8 teaspoon of coarse ground black pepper.
How long is the final simmer?
The mixture should simmer for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when its juices run clear and there is no pink remaining.
What size skillet is recommended?
A 10-inch skillet is recommended for this recipe.
What kind of oil should I use for searing?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, though you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure they reach the desired tenderness.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is tagged as family-friendly and is a nutritious, comforting meal.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients in this recipe.
What is the chicken cut used?
The recipe specifies 4 boneless chicken breast halves.
Does the recipe contain any sodium or cholesterol information?
No, the specific sodium and cholesterol values are not provided in the recipe data.
Can I use different types of frozen vegetable blends?
Yes, any medley of frozen vegetables can be used to suit your preference.
Is the orzo cooked covered or uncovered?
The instructions specify cooking the orzo uncovered while stirring occasionally.
What gives the dish its 'Caesar' flavor?
The flavor comes from both marinating the chicken in Caesar dressing and adding more to the sauce at the end.