Ingredients:

Roasted Butternut Squash

• 12 oz butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme

Chicken Breasts (skinless, boneless)

• 1.5 lb chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Orzo

• 1 cup orzo, uncooked
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups chicken stock
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Roast the butternut squash with olive oil and spices at 375 degrees Fahrenheit until tender, about 40 minutes.
2. For Chicken Breasts:
   • While squash is roasting, season the chicken breasts with salt, freshly ground black pepper, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and fresh thyme.
   • Heat a large skillet over medium heat for 3 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
   • Add the chicken breasts and cook on medium heat for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken breasts to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing.
   • In the same skillet (now empty), add 1 cup of uncooked orzo, minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cook the orzo on medium heat, stirring, for about 3 minutes until browned.
   • Add 2 cups of chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 5-10 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pan, until the orzo is cooked through.
3. Finish and serve:
   • Add the roasted butternut squash and sliced cooked chicken breasts to the cooked orzo.
   • Top with fresh herbs

Diet Notes:

Gluten-Free Diet (with adjustments): The orzo likely contains gluten. However, you should ensure that the orzo you use is specifically labeled as gluten-free if you or anyone you’re serving has a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.

Low-Carb Diet (with adjustments): The orzo in this recipe is the primary source of carbohydrates. If you’re following a low-carb diet, you can reduce the amount of orzo or substitute it with a low-carb alternative like cauliflower rice.

Paleo Diet (with adjustments): To make this recipe Paleo-compliant, you would need to replace the orzo with a Paleo-friendly alternative like cauliflower rice or spaghetti squash. Additionally, ensure the seasonings and chicken stock are in line with Paleo guidelines.

Whole30 Diet (with adjustments): To make this recipe Whole30-compliant, you should use compliant chicken stock and seasonings. Substitute the orzo with cauliflower rice or another approved Whole30 substitute.