One Pot Chicken Risoni

So, let me tell you about this one-pot chicken risoni with crispy bacon—it's like a flavor explosion in every bite! Picture this: tender chicken pieces, perfectly seasoned and browned to perfection, mingling with savory bacon bits in a creamy Parmesan-infused sauce. It's comfort food at its finest!

The beauty of this dish is that everything cooks together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, the aroma that fills the kitchen as it simmers away is downright intoxicating—trust me, your taste buds will be dancing before you even take the first bite!

And let's talk about the risoni (orzo pasta) for a moment. It's like tiny little pearls of pasta goodness, soaking up all the flavors from the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. Every mouthful is a delightful blend of textures and tastes, with just the right amount of cheesy goodness from the Parmesan sprinkled on top.

But perhaps my favorite part is the crispy bacon. I mean, who can resist those irresistible crunchy bits of bacon perfection? They add a smoky, salty kick that takes this dish from delicious to downright irresistible.

Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1 pound (about 450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (200g) risoni (also known as orzo pasta)
• 2 cups (475ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240ml) water
• 1 cup (240ml) diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 cup (120ml) grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
2. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet with the bacon grease and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in the risoni (orzo pasta) and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until it's lightly toasted.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and water, then add the diced tomatoes, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Give everything a good stir to combine.
6. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the risoni is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
7. Once the risoni is cooked, return the cooked chicken and crispy bacon to the skillet. Stir everything together until it's well combined and heated through.
8. Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Give it one final stir to melt the cheese and incorporate it into the dish.
9. Serve the one-pot chicken risoni with crispy bacon hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your delicious and satisfying meal!

So, if you're looking for a comforting and satisfying meal that's as easy to make as it is delicious, look no further than this one-pot chicken risoni with crispy bacon. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!