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.
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.