Savor the Simplicity: Your New Weeknight Favorite!
Preparing the Chicken Cutlets for Golden Perfection
Begin by ensuring your chicken cutlets are thoroughly dry. Season them with a blend of pepper and salt. In a large cast-iron skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil extracted from sun-dried tomatoes over medium-high heat. Place the seasoned chicken in the hot skillet and cook without disturbing until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms on both sides, and an instant-read thermometer indicates an internal temperature of 165°F (approximately 5 minutes per side). Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a clean cutting board and loosely cover it with foil to keep it warm, retaining the pan's flavorful residue.
Infusing the Orzo with Aromatic Flavors and Richness
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining sun-dried tomato oil to the same skillet. Introduce the chopped shallots, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, and a hint of crushed red pepper. Sauté these aromatics, stirring continuously, until the shallots soften and the garlic becomes fragrant, which typically takes 1 to 2 minutes. Incorporate the orzo and sun-dried tomatoes, stirring frequently until the orzo turns lightly golden and toasted, about 1 minute. This step builds a foundational layer of flavor for the pasta.
Simmering the Orzo to Tender Perfection
Pour in the chicken broth, stirring well to deglaze the pan and release any browned bits, which add depth to the sauce. Increase the heat to medium-high to bring the mixture to a vigorous simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to maintain a gentle bubble and continue cooking, stirring periodically, until the orzo becomes tender. This process usually takes about 10 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the rich flavors of the broth and spices.
Blending in Fresh Greens and Creamy Feta
Remove the skillet from the heat. Gradually add the spinach in small batches, stirring until it wilts into the hot orzo mixture, which should take around 3 minutes. Next, stir in the majority of the feta cheese and the fresh lemon juice. Distribute the entire mixture evenly across the skillet, creating a base for the chicken.
Finishing Touches: Assembly and Garnish
Slice the cooked chicken cutlets and artfully arrange them over the orzo and spinach mixture in the skillet. Cover the skillet and let it rest for about 2 minutes to allow the chicken to warm through and the flavors to meld. Finally, sprinkle the remaining feta cheese over the dish. For an added touch of freshness and visual appeal, you can garnish with lemon zest and fresh basil leaves before serving.