Chicken Thighs and Orzo

With pancetta, goat cheese and kalamata olives, this chicken dinner is loaded with flavor.


Chicken Thighs and Orzo

by 4  people


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Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
 
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Ingredients
  • 1  4-ounce package
    pancetta, chopped, or 4 slices bacon, chopped
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  •  
    Olive oil
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  • chicken thighs (about 2-1/4 lb.), skinned
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  • 2  14-1/2-ounces cans
    diced tomatoes with garlic and onion
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  • 1  cup
    dried orzo
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  • 2  cloves
    garlic, minced
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  • 1/3  cup
    pitted kalamata olives
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  • 1/4  cup
    snipped fresh basil
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  • 1  6-ounce bag
    pre-washed baby spinach leaves
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  • 3  ounces
    goat cheese with basil and roasted garlic (about 1/3 cup)
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Directions
1.
In a 5- to 6-quart Dutch oven cook pancetta until browned. Remove pancetta, reserving 2 tablespoons drippings in pan (add olive oil if necessary to equal 2 tablespoons). Drain pancetta on paper towels; set aside. Cook chicken in drippings about 10 minutes or until light brown, turning to brown evenly; drain off fat. Add undrained tomatoes, orzo, garlic, and 1 cup water. Bring to boiling; reduce heat.
2.
Simmer, covered, 25 to 30 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink (180 degree F) and orzo is tender. If necessary, cook, uncovered, 2 to 3 minutes or until sauce is desired consistency. Stir in pancetta, olives, and basil; heat through. Divide spinach among 6 plates. Top each with a thigh, some of the orzo mixture, and some of the cheese. Makes 6 servings.

Nutrition information
Calories 395, Total Fat 18 g, Saturated Fat 5 g, Monounsaturated Fat 5 g, Polyunsaturated Fat 1 g, Cholesterol 77 mg, Sodium 1229 mg, Carbohydrate 32 g, Total Sugar 7 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 26 g. Daily Values: Vitamin C 31%, Calcium 8%, Iron 25%. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet
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