This is my version of Chicken Cordon Bleu in a skillet, and it's much easier and less expensive than the "real thing." The dish also is quick to make and a great way to use up leftover chicken (or turkey) and ham. The skillet meal is loaded with flavor with plenty of onions and mushrooms as well as the chicken and ham. The orzo soaks up moisture and adds a little starch to the mixture, and light sour cream and a small amount of Parmesan and Swiss cheese deliver lots of creaminess and extra taste. I use whole-wheat orzo, which provides fiber and nutrients to the dish and is better for you if you're diabetic. You can substitute regular orzo, which is easier to find, if you'd like. This really is a meal in a skillet, so you don't need to add much to round out your dinner. A salad and/or fruit would be plenty. Enjoy!
Chicken, Ham, and Orzo Skillet Meal (Diabetic Friendly) -- Serves 4
2-3 teaspoons of canola oil
1/2 cup of chopped onion
1 cup of sliced mushrooms (button mushrooms are fine)
1 cup of chopped, cooked chicken or turkey
1/2 - 3/4 cup of chopped ham
1 cup of water
1/4 cup of orzo, preferably whole-wheat
1/2 teaspoon of dried parsley flakes
1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme
1 cup of light sour cream
1 - 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup of shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese, divided
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons of dried bread crumbs, preferably whole-wheat, optional
A little paprika to sprinkle
Fresh parsley to garnish, optional
Heat the oil over medium heat in a large, non-stick skillet and add the onion and mushrooms. Saute the vegetables for 8-10 minutes until they soften and brown just a bit. Add the chicken, ham, and water to the pan and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir in the orzo, the parsley flakes, and the dried thyme. Turn the heat down to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let the mixture cook for about 10 minutes or until the orzo has softened and soaked up most of the water. Stir in the light sour cream, the Parmesan, and half of the Swiss cheese until completely blended. Taste the mixture and add a little salt and pepper, if you think it needs it (remember the ham is salty). Sprinkle the remaining Swiss cheese on top of the mixture and then sprinkle on the bread crumbs if you're using them. Sprinkle a little paprika on top for color and extra taste. Cover the dish and let the mixture cook on low for a few minutes to melt the cheese. If you'd like, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top of the mixture just before serving the meal.
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