Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo

Vinaigrette prepared from Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, coarse salt, fresh ground black pepper, extra-virgin olive oil, and dried Italian seasoning. Orzo combined with grape tomato halves, chopped Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped cooked Italian seasoned chicken. Bell pepper halves filled orzo mixture and drizzled with vinaigrette.

Ingredients -
Vinaigrette:
1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar
3/4 teaspoon Coarse Salt
1/4 teaspoon Pepper
3/4 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 teaspoon Dried Italian Seasoning

Chicken and Pasta:
4 Extra Large Red Bell Peppers, halved lengthwise, cored, seeded
1 pound Orzo (pasta)
1 cup Grape Tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup pitted Kalamata Olives, coarsely chopped
1/4 pound Feta Cheese, crumbled
2 (5 ounces each) packages Precooked Italian Flavored Chicken, chopped
 
Preparation:
Vinaigrette:

1. Add Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, coarse salt, fresh ground black pepper to small bowl. Whisk to combine.

2. Stir in extra-virgin olive oil, whisking constantly. Whisk in dried Italian seasoning. Chill.

Chicken and Pasta:

1. Place bell pepper halves in microwave safe dish.

2. Add cold water to depth of 1/8".

3. Cover dish tightly with plastic wrap.

4. Microwave until peppers have softened slightly, about 6 minutes.

5. Remove from dish, cool and drain off any excess liquid.

6. Prepare orzo.

7. Combine orzo with halved grape tomatoes, chopped Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese and pre-cooked Italian flavored chicken in a bowl.

8. Pour 3/4 cup vinaigrette into orzo mixture and toss to coat. Drizzle with remaining dressing.

9. Fill bell pepper halves with orzo filling.

 



Cooking Tip
Dijon Mustard

Dijon mustard is made from the strongest mustard seeds. Once the seeds are ground and the hulls removed, they are blended with white wine or vinegar, cloves, cinnamon and herbs.


Cooking Tip
Kalamata Olives

Kalamata olives can be found in most supermarkets. The Greek olives are blackish violet colored, usually packed in brine. They are very flavorful, and a staple in Mediterranean cooking.


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