¼cupDubliner Cheeseany white cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (about 20 grams)
Instructions
Heat a large deep pan to medium heat. While waiting for the pan to heat up season the chicken with pepper and garlic powder. Once the pan is hot, add the extra virgin olive oil to the pan.
Place the chicken immediately into the pan, leave it there for 2 minutes, then flip to the other side and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Both sides should start to become golden brown, but the center will still look uncooked…if not golden, give each side another minute…your pan wasn’t hot enough. Turn the heat to low and cover the chicken with a lid. Let it cook for about 7 minutes, then flip and cover again for another 7 minutes.
After 7 minutes on each side covered, the chicken should be done. But this does depend on the size of the chicken breast…these times are based on 7½ oz breasts.It is always best to check the internal temperature of chicken before serving. My rule of thumb is, once covered, cook the chicken for 1 minute per ounce per side, I find that this delivers a perfect juicy chicken breast every time.
Once the chicken is done remove from the pan, leaving the juices in the pan.
Keeping the heat at medium add the mushrooms, diced onions and garlic to the pan with the juices. The chicken juice is going to add a ton of flavor to this dish. Cook the mushrooms and onions, stirring regularly for about 5 minutes, until they begin to soften and become aromatic.
After 5 minutes add the water and orzo to the pan. Season with additional salt, pepper, and garlic salt. Bring the water to a simmer and cook down until most of the water has evaporated/soaked into the orzo. Stir often to prevent the orzo from burning on the bottom of the pan. Cooking the orzo typically takes about 8-10 minutes. At this point the orzo should be done.
While the orzo is cooking us a fork and knife to shred the chicken.
Add the torn spinach, shredded chicken, and cheese to the pan. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, until the spinach has wilted and the cheese is incorporated into the orzo.
Serve and enjoy, or portion out into your meal prep containers to enjoy later.
Macro Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Orzo
Amount Per Serving
Calories 514Calories from Fat 108
% Daily Value*
Fat 12g18%
Saturated Fat 3.2g20%
Trans Fat 0g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Monounsaturated Fat 3g
Cholesterol 137.1mg46%
Sodium 490mg21%
Potassium 383mg11%
Carbohydrates 48g16%
Fiber 4g17%
Sugar 4g4%
Protein 52g104%
Vitamin A 42.2IU1%
Vitamin C 11.8mg14%
Calcium 16.1mg2%
Iron 15.9mg88%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.