If you’re looking for a meal that’s hearty, packed with flavor, and super easy to prepare, this Hunter’s Chicken Orzo is a must-try! It’s a delicious twist on classic chicken dishes with just the right touch of BBQ seasoning. The best part? It’s all made in one pot, no fuss, no mess. The orzo soaks up all the savory goodness, and the melted cheese on top adds the perfect finish. Trust me, this dish is going to become a favorite in your kitchen!
Method
1. Prep the Ingredients
Start by preparing all your ingredients. Finely dice the onion and crush the garlic cloves. Then, chop the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks, ensuring they cook evenly. These simple steps will set the foundation for a smooth cooking process.
2. Cook the Bacon
Next, it’s time to cook the bacon. You can either grill, air fry, or use a frying pan to cook the bacon. Start by adding it to a cold frying pan and turn up the heat to allow the bacon to crisp up. Once the bacon is crispy and browned, remove it from the pan and set it aside. Be sure not to overcook the bacon, as it needs to stay crispy for the topping.
3. Cook the Onion & Garlic
In the same pan, spray a small amount of oil and toss in the diced onion and crushed garlic. Sauté them on medium heat until they are softened and fragrant. This step builds the base of flavor for your dish. Once softened, add the chicken pieces to the pan along with the BBQ seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink inside.
4. Add the Sauces
Once the chicken is cooked, it’s time to add in the tomato puree, Worcestershire sauce, and balsamic vinegar. Stir everything together, ensuring the chicken and onions are fully coated with the sauces. After the chicken is nicely coated, pour in the passata and most of the chicken stock, leaving a little stock aside. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, letting the flavors meld together.
5. Cook the Orzo
Now, add the orzo to the boiling sauce mixture. Stir the orzo into the pan and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the orzo cook for about 8 minutes. Keep an eye on the pan, as the orzo will absorb most of the liquid as it cooks. Once the orzo is tender, but the dish still looks slightly watery, add a little extra water or chicken stock if necessary. Stir in the crispy bacon bits you set aside earlier, allowing them to integrate into the dish and add texture.
6. Finish it Off
At this point, it’s time to add the cheesy goodness! Stir in half of the mozzarella and cheddar mix, allowing it to melt and blend into the orzo mixture. Then, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the dish. Cover the pan with a lid or foil to trap the heat and allow the cheese to melt completely, creating a gooey, cheesy topping that’s simply irresistible.
7. Top It Off
To finish, drizzle a teaspoon of BBQ sauce over the dish, giving it a sweet and tangy burst of flavor. Add the remaining crispy bacon on top for a crunchy texture, and sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Necessary Tools
- Frying Pan or Grill/Air Fryer for bacon
- Chopping Board & Knife
- Measuring Spoons
- Spoon for stirring
- Medium to Large Saucepan
- Lid or Foil for covering
- Grater for cheese (optional)
Hunters Chicken Orzo Recipe: A Tasty One-Pot Wonder!
Cuisine: BritishDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes30
minutes40
minutesIngredients
7 Unsmoked Back Bacon Rashers
1/2 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 Onion
2 Garlic Cloves
350g Chicken Breast
1.5 Tbsp BBQ Seasoning
1 Tbsp Tomato Puree
1 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
1 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
150ml Passata
700ml Chicken Stock
310g Orzo
50g Mozzarella & Cheddar Mix
30g Red Leicester
For Topping
1 Tsp BBQ Sauce
Small Bunch of Parsley
Directions
- Prep the Ingredients Start by finely dicing the onion, crushing the garlic cloves, and chopping the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks.
- Cook the Bacon Grill, air fry, or add the bacon to a cold frying pan. Turn up the heat and cook until crispy, then set it aside.
- Cook the Onion & Garlic In a pan, spray some oil and cook the onion and garlic until softened. Add the chicken and BBQ seasoning and cook for about 10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Add the Sauces Stir in the tomato puree, Worcestershire sauce, and balsamic vinegar. Coat the chicken and onion mix well. Then, pour in the passata and most of the chicken stock. Bring it all to a boil.
- Cook the Orzo Tip in the orzo and most of the crispy bacon. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 8 minutes. Keep an eye on it by the time the orzo is almost done, most of the liquid should be absorbed. If it looks too dry, add a little extra water.
- Finish it Off Stir in half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese mix, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Cover with a lid or foil for a few minutes to melt the cheese.
- Top It Off Drizzle BBQ sauce on top, add the remaining crispy bacon, and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the Orzo Keep an eye on the orzo as it cooks. It can absorb all the liquid, so it’s important to check it towards the end of cooking time. If it’s too dry, feel free to add a splash of extra water or chicken stock.
- Watch the Bacon Bacon cooks quickly, so make sure it gets crispy without burning. You can always adjust the heat to suit your cooking style.
- Cheese Melting When you cover the pan with a lid or foil, the cheese will melt perfectly, creating a gooey and flavorful topping. Don’t skip this step!
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect on its own, but if you want to level it up, serve it with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad. A dollop of sour cream or even some extra BBQ sauce for dipping wouldn’t hurt either. It’s comfort food that’s sure to impress, whether you’re having a family dinner or just enjoying a cozy night in.
Fun Fact
Did you know that orzo is technically a type of pasta but shaped like rice? It’s often used in Mediterranean dishes and adds a lovely texture to any meal, especially in comforting recipes like this one!
Conclusion
Hunters Chicken Orzo is a simple, flavorful, and hearty dish that will quickly become a household favorite. The combination of smoky bacon, tender chicken, and melty cheese makes each bite irresistible. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, so cleanup is a breeze! Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll be a hit on your dinner table. Enjoy!
