Chicken Tenders w/ Garlic Cherry Tomatoes & Orzo

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Orzo 1 Tbsp. + 2 tsp. Ghee (Clarified Butter), divided or Non-Dairy Alternative
• 2 cups Low Sodium Vegetable Broth
• 1 lb. Chicken Tenders or 1 lb. Plant-based Alternative
• 1/2 tsp. Kosher Salt, divided
• 1/4 tsp. Coarsely Ground Black Pepper
• 1 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 Pint Cherry Tomatoes
• 1/3 cup White Wine Vinegar
• 3 Tbsp. Balsamic Vinegar
• 1 Tbsp. Garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup Fresh Flat Leaf Parsley, chopped
• 1/2 tsp. Dried Basil Leaves
• 1/2 tsp. Dried Oregano Leaves
• Small Pinch of *Granulated Sugar
• Small Pinch of Freshly
• Shredded Parmesan or Non-Dairy Alternative

Directions:

Step 1: To make orzo, add 2 tsp. ghee to a medium skillet over medium heat. Add orzo and combine well with the warmed ghee. Stir continuously for 4 min., or until the orzo is lightly golden brown. Slowly whisk in broth, bringing to a low boil. Reduce heat, cover and allow to simmer 15 min., or until all the liquid has absorbed.

Step 2: Meanwhile, sprinkle chicken with 1/4 tsp. salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium. Add all the tenders in a single layer. Cook, flipping once, until tenders have browned; about 4 min. per side. Transfer to a plate; don’t cover.

Step 3: Add tomatoes to the same large skillet. Next add both vinegars, garlic, and remaining 1/4 tsp. salt. Increase heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring until the liquid has thickened and tomatoes are beginning to burst and look “saucy”; about 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in basil, oregano, remaining 1 Tbsp. ghee, and a pinch of sugar.

Note: *We’re using sugar to cut the acidity of the tomato sauce. If you want to try it sugar-free, you can use an even smaller pinch of baking soda instead of sugar.

Complete Meal Portion:

2 Unit Portion: 2 oz. cooked chicken 1/4 cup sauce 1/3 cup orzo 1 Tbsp. cheese

3 Unit Portion: 3 oz. cooked chicken 1/4 cup sauce 1/2 cup orzo 1 Tbsp. cheese

4 Unit Portion: 4 oz. cooked chicken 1/3 cup sauce 2/3 cup orzo 1 1/2 Tbsp. cheese

5 Unit Portion: 5 oz. cooked chicken 1/3 cup sauce 3/4 cup orzo 1 1/2 Tbsp. cheese