One Pot Date, Chestnut and Chicken with Orzo

Ingredients

• 4oz pancetta, chopped (can sub with bacon)
• 2lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, excess fat removed
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground fennel seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 3/4 large yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup hard cider (sub: white wine, water with 1 tablespoon of vinegar)
• 1 pound orzo pasta (about 2 1/2 cups)
• 2 3/4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chopped California dates
• 1/2 cup chopped peeled and steamed packaged chestnuts (see cook's note)
• Handful of fresh thyme
• Handful minced parsley to garnish