Zesty Chicken With Orzo (For Freezer Menus)

Troicook's Note:

A recipe inspired by Betty Crocker, modified to be used by my friends and me in our once-a-month freezer meal prep. The ingredients are pre-assembled, frozen, then cooked fresh the night you want them. For the frozen vegetables, I find that a pre-made combination of broccoli, cauliflower and carrots works well, but any veggies that would cook in the same amount of time would work fine. Orzo is a fun pasta many people have never tried - it comes out very creamy in this recipe.

• Total Time: 35 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

For pre-assembly

• 4 chicken breast halves
• 1 lb frozen mixed vegetables
• 3 tablespoons zesty Italian dressing (I like Wishbone)
• 1 cup orzo pasta

At time of cooking

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 16 ounces low sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1⁄8; teaspoon fresh coarse ground black pepper

Directions:

1. Add chicken to a 1 qt freezer bag, vegetables and 3T dressing to a second qt bag, and pasta to a snack size bag. Squeeze out air, seal, and label with a Sharpie marker. Place in freezer.
2. Remove the bags from the freezer and defrost when you are ready to prepare the meal.
3. Heat oil in skillet over med-high. Cook chicken in oil, turning once, for about 10 minutes until brown on both sides. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
4. Add broth and water to skillet; heat to boiling. Stir in pasta; heat to boiling. Cook uncovered about 9 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in vegetables and dressing.
5. Add chicken; sprinkle with pepper. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer uncovered about 5 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender and the chicken juices are no longer pink.