Poached Chicken With Pomegranate Orzo

This is a very light and refreshing meal. It's a healthy, quick and easy dish to make. I've made it many times. The orzo is a nice change to the menu and the pomegranate seeds give it the perfect burst of flavor. The recipe can also be found at gardengirlrecipes.com.

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Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil

½ cup small-dice red onion

3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

2 teaspoons ground coriander

1 tablespoon + ¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

2¼ cups water

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1½ cup orzo

3 teaspoons maple syrup

4 teaspoons white wine vinegar

¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro

1 cup fresh pomegranate seeds

Heat the olive oil a medium frying pan over medium heat. When it shimmers, add the onion, garlic, coriander, ¼ teaspoon salt, and pepper. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 3-5 minutes.

Boil the water with 1 tablespoon salt. Add the chicken and return to a boil. Then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered for 15 minutes or until chicken is just cooked through.

Remove the chicken and let it cool. Shred the chicken on a cutting board and set aside.

Meanwhile, add the orzo to the poaching liquid and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and all the liquid has been absorbed, about 10 to 15 minutes.

Remove the orzo to a large bowl and stir in the maple syrup, vinegar, cilantro, pomegranate seeds, and shredded chicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste