Description
This Mediterranean Chicken Orzo is a vibrant one-skillet meal featuring juicy chicken, tender orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a bright lemon finish. It's hearty, fresh, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1½ cups orzo pasta
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 cups fresh baby spinach
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes, ensuring it’s well coated in oil.
- Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Mix in the sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, lemon zest, and juice. Cook for 1 minute until spinach wilts.
- Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Toss everything together until heated through.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Use whole wheat orzo for added fiber and a nuttier flavor.
For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with chickpeas or white beans.
Add roasted red peppers or zucchini for extra vegetables.
Top with feta cheese crumbles for a tangy finish.
Vegetable broth can be used instead of chicken broth for a lighter taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
