Chukar Parmesan and Orzo: A Baked, Mouthwatering Combination

Chukar Parmesan is a comforting classic made with lightly breaded upland game bird breasts smothered in rich tomato sauce and layers of melted cheese—mozzarella, parmesan, and occasionally creamy Brie. This elevated version features six lightly breaded and pan-fried chukar breasts baked in a savory pasta sauce with tender orzo, finished with luscious slices of melted Brie and a generous sprinkle of grated parmesan.

It’s the perfect single-skillet meal, easily serving 2–4 people. Have extra chukar breasts on hand? Simply double the recipe and bake it in a 13×9 baking dish to feed a crowd.

Chukar Parmesan with Orzo (One-Skillet Baked Upland Game Recipe)

This Chukar Parmesan with Orzo is a cozy, one-skillet wild game dinner that delivers big comfort-food flavor. Lightly breaded chukar breasts are pan-fried, then baked in a rich tomato sauce with tender orzo pasta, creamy melted Brie, and a generous finishing of grated parmesan cheese. It’s an easy, impressive upland game bird recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner or a small gathering.

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chukar parmesan

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 6 chukar breasts
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 eggs, beaten with 1 tablespoon water
• 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 3/4 cup olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta, cooked
• 2 cups pasta sauce
• 6 slices brie or fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced ¼-inch thick
• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp flat leaf parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• In a shallow bowl, combine plain breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, and kosher salt; set aside. Place flour on a plate. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with 1 tablespoon of water.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Working in batches, dredge chukar breasts in flour, dip into the egg wash, then press firmly into the seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
• Add chukar breasts to the skillet and cook until golden brown, about 1 minute per side. Remove and set aside on a plate.
• In a 12-inch oven-proof skillet, spread the cooked orzo evenly and pour the pasta sauce over the top. Nestle the fried chukar breasts into the sauce and place sliced Brie evenly throughout.
• Sprinkle with remaining grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbling hot and the cheese is fully melted.
• Remove from oven and serve immediately.

Notes

• This dish is perfect as a single-skillet meal, but it can easily be doubled and baked in a 13×9 dish for a larger group.
• Chicken or pheasant breasts can be substituted if chukar isn’t available.
• For extra richness, add a light sprinkle of mozzarella along with the parmesan.