This is the perfect summertime meal: Not too much effort; it can be eaten warm or cold; and the flavors are sensational. Our friend Cindy helped us piece this together when we were foiled by a woman who made something similar but would not divulge her secrets.
For this recipe, you're required to marinate the chicken for several hours ahead of time, so be forewarned that some up front prep is necessary (the orzo can be made ahead of time too), but the results are so worth it.
Rating: 3/4 assed (we're sorry, but it's well worth the effort)
Here's what you need and how you do it
3 to 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
Chicken marinade:
8 ounces plain yogurt (dairy or soy)
1 Tablespoon curry powder
1 Tablespoon fresh ginger, peeled and minced
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper
2 Tablespoons sherry or chicken broth
Orzo salad:
4 to 6 ounces uncooked orzo (in the pasta aisle)
1/2 cup kalamata olives, chopped
1/2 cup cucumber, peeled and seeded
1/2 cup feta
1/4 cup onion, chopped
1/4 cup fresh, flat-leaf parsley, chopped
Juice from a 1/2 lemon
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
Pepper
Mix first 7 ingredients (yogurt through sherry). Add chicken and marinate in refrigerator for several hours to overnight.
Cook orzo in boiling water for 7 to 10 minutes, until al dente. Drain. Combine with olives, cucumber, feta and onion.
In a separate bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. Pour into orzo and stir to mix.
Soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes. Then thread chicken onto skewers. Grill until chicken is done (10 minutes or so). Serve over top of orzo salad.
For a printable version of this recipe, click here.
looks fantastic!
Posted by: laura mullin | May 23, 2009 at 03:04 PM
Your recent pasta dishes have my mouth watering! I've moved home for the summer and my family does not appreciate pasta. I miss it so much! :)
Posted by: Amanda | May 23, 2009 at 03:18 PM
Does not appreciate pasta?? Where do you live?
Posted by: Half Assed Kitchen | May 23, 2009 at 04:27 PM
Mmmmmm... ginger and garlic!
This looks and sounds incredibly delicious!
Posted by: kcinnova | May 25, 2009 at 06:51 PM
Looks great! I've been looking for some lighter summer dinner fare.
Posted by: Kristy | May 26, 2009 at 08:59 AM
*snap!*
I have a bag of orzo and some frozen chicken breasts looking for deployment. And I always have yogurt. This is as good as done.
Posted by: aleta | May 26, 2009 at 11:52 AM
This looks like the perfect summer dish. I would love to grill some right now!
Posted by: maris | May 30, 2009 at 11:02 AM