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Mediterranean Chicken Orzo

Mediterranean Chicken Orzo: Your Quick Flavorful Dinner Solution

Mediterranean Chicken Orzo is a quick, healthy one-pan meal that captures the essence of Mediterranean flavors.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 plates
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Orzo Dish
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil can substitute with avocado oil or butter
  • 1 pound Chicken Breasts chicken thighs or tenders are good alternatives
  • 1 cup Whole Wheat Orzo try gluten-free or short grain pasta as alternatives
  • 1 cup Grape Tomatoes substitute with diced regular tomatoes if desired
  • 1/2 cup White Wine optional; can replace with chicken broth or omit entirely
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata Olives can be omitted if not preferred; capers serve as a nice alternative
  • 2 cups Spinach increase the amount or use arugula for a different taste
For the Finishing Touches
  • 1/4 cup Pine Nuts optional for nut-free diets; pumpkin seeds can be used instead
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil substitute fresh herbs with dried; using 1 tablespoon fresh for ½ teaspoon dried
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley substitute fresh herbs with dried; using 1 tablespoon fresh for ½ teaspoon dried
  • 1/2 cup Feta Cheese can be omitted for a dairy-free option; goat cheese or grated Parmesan is a good substitute

Equipment

  • large sauté pan
  • Pot for boiling

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large sauté pan until it shimmers, about 1–2 minutes.
  2. Season the sliced chicken breast with salt and pepper, then add it to the hot pan. Cook for 5 minutes without disturbing, then flip and cook for another 5 minutes until cooked through.
  3. While the chicken is cooking, boil salted water in a separate pot and cook the whole wheat orzo according to package instructions, about 8–10 minutes until al dente. Drain and drizzle with olive oil.
  4. In the same pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil; sauté minced garlic for 1 minute, then add grape tomatoes and white wine, cooking for 5 minutes.
  5. Combine the cooked orzo, chopped Kalamata olives, spinach, basil, parsley, pine nuts, and feta into the pan. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  6. Slice the cooked chicken and place on top of the orzo mixture. Garnish with extra feta and fresh herbs, then serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 2500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Adjust the salt according to taste as feta and olives add additional salt. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

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