Introduction:
This Mediterranean Chicken Orzo is a vibrant and hearty dish packed with fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and flavorful orzo pasta. Infused with aromatic herbs and topped with creamy feta, this meal brings the taste of the Mediterranean straight to your table. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner!
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 cups chicken broth
Instructions:
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the diced red bell pepper and zucchini, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Cook the Orzo: Add the orzo to the skillet, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Combine Everything: Slice the cooked chicken into strips. Once the orzo is ready, gently fold in the cherry tomatoes and sliced chicken. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Finish & Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Variations
- Make it Vegetarian – Replace the chicken with chickpeas, white beans, or tofu. These plant-based proteins absorb the Mediterranean flavors beautifully and create a hearty, satisfying dish.
- Add a Creamy Twist – Stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt or a splash of heavy cream before serving. This creates a rich, creamy texture while complementing the tangy feta cheese.
- Spice it Up – If you love a little heat, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while cooking the vegetables. The spice pairs well with the fresh Mediterranean flavors.
Cooking Notes
- Make it Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy twist.
- Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for chickpeas or white beans.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Side of Warm Pita or Flatbread – Serve with soft, warm pita or crusty bread to scoop up the flavorful orzo and vegetables. This enhances the Mediterranean experience and makes the meal more filling.
- Pair with a Fresh Greek Salad – A crisp Greek salad with cucumbers, olives, feta, and a lemon-olive oil dressing complements the dish’s rich flavors while adding freshness and crunch.
- Top with Extra Garnishes – For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving. A handful of toasted pine nuts can also add a delightful crunch.
Tips
- Use High-Quality Olive Oil – Since olive oil is a key ingredient, using a high-quality extra virgin variety enhances the dish’s overall richness and authenticity. A drizzle at the end can amplify the flavors even more.
- Adjust the Broth for Desired Texture – Some people prefer a more soup-like consistency, while others like it thick and creamy. If you want it looser, add more broth towards the end of cooking and stir well.
- Let the Chicken Rest Before Slicing – After cooking, let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This keeps the juices inside the meat, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Protein: 32g
- Sodium: 480mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Yes! This dish works well with shrimp, turkey, or even lamb for a unique twist. Adjust cooking times accordingly. - How can I make this gluten-free?
Swap the orzo for gluten-free pasta, rice, or quinoa. Just keep an eye on cooking times since different grains absorb liquid differently. - What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth and warm it in a skillet over medium heat. - Can I freeze this dish?
Freezing is not recommended as orzo can become mushy when thawed. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken separately and make fresh orzo when reheating.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Chicken Orzo is a vibrant, well-balanced dish perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. With its mix of protein, fresh vegetables, and comforting orzo, it’s a delicious way to enjoy Mediterranean flavors in a single skillet. Whether you follow the classic recipe or explore one of the many variations, this dish is sure to be a favorite at your table!
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Mediterranean Chicken Orzo
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Mediterranean Chicken Orzo is a vibrant and hearty dish packed with fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and flavorful orzo pasta. Infused with aromatic herbs and topped with creamy feta, this meal brings the taste of the Mediterranean straight to your table. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the diced red bell pepper and zucchini, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Cook the Orzo: Add the orzo to the skillet, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Combine Everything: Slice the cooked chicken into strips. Once the orzo is ready, gently fold in the cherry tomatoes and sliced chicken. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Finish & Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- Make it Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy twist.
- Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for chickpeas or white beans.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, orzo pasta, one-pan chicken, healthy dinner, easy Mediterranean recipe