One pot chicken orzo with crispy salami

One pot chicken orzo with crispy salami is an incredibly fulfilling dish that’s packed with flavor and texture. I first tried this recipe on a busy weeknight when I wanted something quick yet satisfying. There’s something about the combination of tender chicken, crispy salami, and creamy orzo that elevates a simple meal into something special. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also a fantastic way to bring the family together around the dinner table. You may also find Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken With Garlic Mashed Potatoes 2 useful.

Why you’ll love this dish

One of the unique benefits of this one-pot chicken orzo with crispy salami is how it balances heartiness with a lean profile. You get the protein from chicken and salami, while also enjoying the creamy texture from the orzo and thickened cream. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, especially when you’re short on time but still want something delicious. Plus, clean-up is a breeze since everything’s cooked in one pot! You may also find Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken With Garlic Mashed Potatoes 3 useful.

"This dish was the highlight of our week! The crispy salami added a delightful crunch that paired wonderfully with the creamy orzo." You may also find Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken With Garlic Mashed Potatoes 4 useful.

How this recipe comes together

This recipe is a simple, step-by-step process that ensures you’ll be enjoying a delicious meal in no time. You begin by preparing the spice mix and seasoning the chicken before moving on to cook the salami. After that, it’s all about layering flavors; the garlic and onion sauté beautifully in the pan, and the addition of wine creates a rich base. Finally, the orzo and chickpeas soak up all the flavors as they cook together, creating a deeply satisfying dish.

What you’ll need

To make this delightful one pot chicken orzo with crispy salami, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1/2 tbsp olive oil
• 100g/3 oz salami stick, cut into rounds and chopped into batons
• 2 x 250g/8 oz chicken breasts, cut in half horizontally
• 1/2 tsp cooking salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 3/4 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp sage powder (optional)
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup chardonnay or other dry white wine (optional)
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 1/4 cups risoni/orzo, uncooked
• 400g/14 oz canned chickpeas, drained
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken stock
• 1/2 tsp cooking/kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 3/4 cup thickened/heavy cream
• 1/3 cup parmesan, finely grated
• 150g/5 oz baby spinach
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomato, chopped (optional)
• 2 tbsp roughly chopped basil (optional)

Whether you’re using fresh ingredients or what you have left in your pantry, this dish is adaptable. You can swap out the salami for another type of cured meat or even add more veggies for added nutrition.

Directions

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1. Spice Mix: Start by mixing together the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with this blend.

2. Crispy Salami: Heat olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Cook the salami for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly until crispy. Remove it from the pan and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.

3. Cook Chicken: In the same pan, cook the seasoned chicken for three minutes on each side until it’s dark golden and cooked through. Remove it onto a plate and loosely cover it with foil to keep warm.

4. Sauté Vegetables: Still on medium-high, add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the pan. Sauté for about 1.5 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent.

5. Add Wine: Pour in the wine and let it simmer vigorously for a couple of minutes until mostly evaporated, scraping up any fond on the bottom of the pan.

6. Incorporate Risoni: Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for one minute before adding the risoni and chickpeas. Then add chicken stock and season with the remaining salt and pepper.

7. Simmering: Bring everything to a simmer and cook for about 8 minutes, stirring frequently until the risoni is just about tender. Reduce heat if necessary to avoid sticking.

8. Cream and Spinach: Add the cream, parmesan, baby spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes if desired. Stir until the spinach wilts.

9. Finish: Slice your chicken and place it on top of the risoni in bowls. Generously sprinkle with the crispy salami, additional parmesan, and basil if using. Enjoy!

How to serve One pot chicken orzo with crispy salami

Serve this dish hot with a sprinkle of extra herbs for freshness. It pairs beautifully with a crisp garden salad or some steamed vegetables. Should you have leftovers, you can also enjoy it for lunch the following day, perhaps with a slice of crusty bread.

How to store

This one-pot dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it appears too thick. For longer-term storage, consider freezing it in portion-sized containers. Make sure to cool it to room temperature before sealing it up for the freezer.

Tips for success

For the best results, ensure your salami is cut into even-sized pieces to achieve uniform crispiness. If you want to elevate the dish, consider using homemade chicken stock for more depth of flavor.

Variations

You can easily adjust this recipe to cater to different dietary preferences. For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken for mushrooms or hearty vegetables like eggplant. Additionally, if you’re looking for a little more heat, adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can give a delightful kick!

FAQ

Can I use another type of pasta instead of risoni?

Yes! While risoni gives a nice texture, you can substitute it with any small pasta like macaroni or even quinoa for a gluten-free option.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Incorporate some chopped chili or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the sautéed garlic and onion for added heat.

Is there a way to make this dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream and skip the cheese.

Conclusion

One pot chicken orzo with crispy salami is a delicious, comforting dish perfect for satisfying your hunger any night of the week. If you enjoy creative takes on orzo, check out other recipes like One pot chicken risoni with crispy salami for something different. For a creamy variation, consider Creamy Chicken and Chorizo Risoni. Lastly, if you’re in the mood for a refreshing side, try Risoni/Orzo Salad with Crispy Salami Bits. Enjoy your cooking!