I took a favorite recipe and modified it to my preference. It's reminiscent of bruschetta and the best part is the entire dish cooks in one casserole dish for less mess!
Preparation Time
20 mins
Cooking Time
1 hr 5 mins
Total Time
1 hr 25 mins
Calories
606 Calories
Recipe Instructions
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Step 2
Bake in the preheated oven until chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 60 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
Step 3
Spread orzo evenly in the prepared baking dish. Add broth, 2 tablespoons melted butter, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper; stir to combine. Spread tomatoes evenly over top.
Step 4
Place chicken breasts on a cutting board and trim any visible fat. Drizzle remaining 2 tablespoon melted butter over chicken, then sprinkle with Italian seasoning, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and red pepper flakes. Place chicken over the tomatoes and cover the baking dish with foil.
Step 5
Remove foil and sprinkle chicken with mozzarella cheese. Bake until cheese is melted, 5 to 7 minutes longer.
Step 6
Drizzle pesto and balsamic glaze over each serving and garnish with basil.
Ingredients
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
cooking spray
¾ teaspoon salt, divided
¼ cup balsamic glaze
4 tablespoons butter, melted, divided
¼ cup fresh basil pesto
2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil or basil chiffonade