Chicken Orzo with Avocado and Sun Dried Tomatoes

Save this one for when you really need a break! I’m talking about that time when you’re dragging your feet, your head hurts, you can hardly keep your eyes open, and the last thing on Earth you want to do is figure out what to do for dinner. That’s when you pull out this Chicken Orzo with Avocado and Sun Dried Tomatoes recipe.

There are certain times of the year that are a complete setup for kitchen fatigue – the first week the depths of winter finally break into spring (who wants to stay indoors then?), the tail end of summer’s never ending sweltering heat, and all you want to do it drink piña coladas by the pool (oven? cook top? no thanks), and of course, those few precious weeks between Thanksgiving and the New Year when the world has become a whirlwind of chaos, stress, and house guests. Our family does the big, let’s all get together for Christmas thing every other year, and it’s great! We get to see siblings, in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews that we connect with far too infrequently. Everyone looks forward to it – family, friends, fun, and food!

My sister opens up her home to everyone. She provides the amazing “home for the holidays” ambiance – the spectacular decorations, the fully stocked kitchen (and bar), the board game closet that is overflowing with each and every person’s favorite, and a warm and cozy bed for everyone. I provide the family meals – the home cooking aroma that fills the air, the sound of sizzling peppers and onions, and the belly busting comfort food night, after, night, after night. For 25-30 people… And sometimes I need a break. That’s when this Chicken Orzo recipe becomes my secret weapon.

When I finally reach my breaking point, this flavorful, filling, light but satisfying, and easier than you can possibly imagine Chicken Orzo with Avocado and Sun Dried tomatoes comes to the rescue. If you can boil water, buy a rotisserie chicken, and dice an avocado, you’ve got it made! That’s it! In the time it takes to boil the pasta, this meal full of tender chicken, tangy sun dried tomatoes, creamy avocado, and a simple oil, vinegar, and mustard dressing is all put together and ready to serve to the hungry bunch. It’s a real crowd-pleaser. But most importantly, this Chicken Orzo gives you a break when you need it most. And that’s the very best way to overcome kitchen fatigue.

[wpurp-searchable-recipe]Chicken Orzo with Avocado and Sun Dried Tomatoes – Turn to this Chicken Orzo with Avocado and Sun Dried Tomatoes recipe when you need a break in the kitchen! If you can boil water, you can make this! – Orzo, Pre-cooked Rotisserie Chicken (Meat removed and shredded or chopped), Sun Dried Tomatoes (Packed in oil (packed in water will also work), sliced or chopped), olive oil, White Wine Vinegar, salt, Pepper, dried basil, Red Pepper Flakes, Dijon Mustard, avocados (Pitted and diced), Parsley (Chopped for garnish if desired), , Cook Orzo to al dente according to package directions in heavily salted water. (The water should taste like ocean water). Drain and drizzle with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. When well drained, put into a large bowl and spread out to enable cooling. ; While pasta is cooking, slice or chop sun dried tomatoes (or buy them pre-sliced) and shred the rotisserie chicken. ; In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, white wine vinegar, dried basil, red pepper flakes, mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined to make the dressing. ; Add the sun dried tomatoes, chicken, and dressing to the bowl of pasta. Stir well to combine and add more salt and pepper as needed. Fold in diced avocados and top with chopped parsley for garnish if desired. Serve room temperature or cold. ; ; – – Lunch – Main Course – Main Dish – Salad – American – Italian – Chicken – Cooking for a Crowd – Easy – Main Dish – Pasta – chicken orzo – easy weeknight meal – one dish meal – orzo – pasta[/wpurp-searchable-recipe]