Mediterranean Chicken Orzo
550kcal
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1.5 cups orzo pasta
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 3 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Method
Preparation
- Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a plate, covering it loosely to keep warm.
Cooking
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the orzo to the skillet and toast it for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
- Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Cook for an additional minute, or until the spinach wilts.
- Slice the seared chicken and return it to the skillet. Toss everything together gently to combine, adjusting seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving warm.
Nutrition
Serving1gCalories550kcalCarbohydrates60gProtein30gFat20gSaturated Fat4gSodium650mgFiber3gSugar4g
Notes
You can swap the chicken for shrimp or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Substitute the orzo with quinoa or couscous. For a creamier texture, consider stirring in cream cheese or feta cheese just before serving. Leftover orzo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.