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Easy Mediterranean Chicken Orzo

Easy Mediterranean Chicken Orzo
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Easy Mediterranean Chicken Orzo is a quick, vibrant, and healthy one-pot meal combining tender chicken breasts, quick-cooking orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, and zesty Mediterranean herbs. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish offers bright flavors and a comforting texture that suits busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prepping.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts

Pasta & Grains

  • 1 cup orzo pasta

Oils & Fats

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or baby kale, chopped

Liquids & Broth

  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth

Citrus & Herbs

  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Seasonings

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to rest.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning and to release the garlic’s sweet and pungent flavor.
  3. Add Orzo and Tomatoes: Stir in the orzo pasta and diced tomatoes, mixing well to coat everything evenly in the olive oil and garlic. Allow the orzo to toast slightly, about 1-2 minutes, to enhance its nutty flavor.
  4. Pour in Broth and Cook: Pour the chicken broth over the orzo mixture and bring to a gentle simmer. Return the chicken breasts to the pan, cover with a lid, and cook for 15 minutes or until the orzo is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.
  5. Finish with Greens and Lemon: Remove the chicken once more to slice or shred it as preferred. Stir in the fresh spinach or baby kale along with the lemon juice and zest into the orzo. Return the sliced chicken to the pan and toss gently to combine all the fresh and bright flavors before serving.

Notes

  • Use bone-in chicken thighs for a richer flavor if preferred.
  • Watch the orzo closely to avoid overcooking; al dente texture is best.
  • Fresh herbs like parsley or basil added at the end elevate aroma and color.
  • Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Deglaze the pan with a splash of broth or wine after cooking chicken for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean, chicken, orzo, quick dinner, one-pot, healthy, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://elenaglam.com/easy-mediterranean-chicken-orzo/