Chicken Scallopine with Saffron Cream Sauce and Saffron Orzo with Asparagus

Ok, I loaded up on the orzo when I plated. I really like orzo. I couldn't stop myself. We both enjoyed this recipe. Anything with a cream sauce is good, in my book.


The chicken scallopine is based on a recipe from Giada De Laurentiis. The orzo is a take on a recipe from Epicurious.

Chicken Scallopine

Makes: 4 servings
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Printable Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 T oil
• 4 chicken breasts, butterflied
• 2 shallots, sliced (I had to sub red onion)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1/4 t saffron threads, crushed
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 t salt
• 1/4 t fresh ground pepper
• 3 T fresh chopped parsley

1. Warm oil in skillet over high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper and cook until golden and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and foil to keep warm.

2. Turn heat down to medium and add the shallot and garlic. Cook until tender, about 2 minutes.

3. Deglaze pan with wine and cook until wine is nearly completely evaporated.

4. Add broth and saffron, bring to a simmer and reduce for 10 minutes.

5. Add cream, salt and pepper. Stir and simmer for 1 minute.

6. Transfer chicken to serving plates and cover with sauce. Sprinkle with parsley.

Saffron Orzo with Asparagus

Makes: 4-6 servings
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 T butter
• 1 1/4 cups orzo
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 t saffron threads, crushed
• 1 pound thin asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1/2" pieces
• 1/4 cup Parmesan, grated
• Parmesan shavings, for garnish

1. Melt butter in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add orzo and stir 1 minute.

2. Add broth and saffron. Bring to a bowl, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally until orzo is soft, about 8 minutes.

3. Add asparagus. Cover and simmer until tender, about 5 minutes.

4. Uncover and continue simmering until most of the liquid is absorbed. Mix in cheese and season.

5. Transfer to bowl and top with Parmesan shavings.