Chicken Cacciatore With Orzo

• extra virgin olive oil↗1⁄4 cup
• chicken↗2 lbs

  cut up

• salt and pepper
• orzo pasta↗1 1⁄2 cups
• fresh basil1⁄4 cup

  chopped

• onion↗1

  finely chopped

• mushrooms↗8 ounces

  thickly sliced

• diced tomatoes1 can
• tomato sauce↗1 can
• drained capers↗2 tablespoons

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and cook, turning once, until golden, 12 to 14 minutes.

2. 2

   Transfer to a large plate and reserve the skillet.

3. 3

   Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the orzo until al dente, about 5 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.

4. 4

   Toss with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, half the basil and salt and pepper to taste. Cover to keep warm.

5. 5

   Set the skillet over mediumhigh heat; add the onion and mushrooms and cook, scraping up any browned bits from the pan, until softened, about 8 minutes.

6. 6

   Stir in the tomatoes and their juice, the tomato sauce, capers and remaining basil; season with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the sauce and bring to a boil.

7. 7

   Lower the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, 7 to 10 minutes.

8. 8

   Transfer the chicken to 4 plates, top with the sauce and serve the orzo alongside.