Name: Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin and pounded; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; 1 1/2 cups whole wheat orzo (approximately 9.5 oz); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 tablespoon garlic, minced; 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved; 1/4 cup white wine; 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced into small pieces; 2 cups spinach, chopped; 1/4 cup pine nuts (optional, omit if nut-free); 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 cup feta cheese (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 65 reviews

If you’ve been on the hunt for a dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors, quick to make, and downright comforting, this Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. It combines tender, juicy chicken with nutty whole wheat orzo, sweet grape tomatoes, briny olives, fresh herbs, and creamy feta for a spectacular meal that feels both wholesome and indulgent. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, this recipe brings the warmth and sunshine of the Mediterranean straight to your plate without any fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows eleven small white bowls arranged on a white marbled surface, each filled with different ingredients. Starting from the top left, there is a bowl with raw pale pink chicken breasts, next to it on the right is a bowl of light brown whole wheat orzo shaped like small grains. Below the orzo is a bowl filled with white crumbly feta cheese. To the right of the feta is a bowl with bright green chopped spinach leaves. Scattered around are smaller bowls containing various ingredients: one with bright green chopped basil, another with dark green chopped parsley, a bowl with shiny deep purple Kalamata olives, a small bowl with minced pale yellow garlic, one with light golden pine nuts, and a tiny bowl with dried oregano and red pepper flakes. Near the bottom left is a bowl filled with golden yellow olive oil and a nearly empty one of clear white wine. Near the center bottom is a bowl filled with halved shiny red grape tomatoes revealing their juicy interior. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Recipe is simple yet essential, working together to create layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish so irresistible. From the bright burst of grape tomatoes to the earthy hint of oregano, each component plays its part beautifully.

Olive oil: The foundation of the savory base, adding richness and helping to cook the chicken and vegetables evenly.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Lean and tender, pounded thin to cook quickly and maintain juicy texture.
Salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance every other ingredient while balancing flavors.
Whole wheat orzo: Nutty and chewy, it provides a hearty and wholesome grain component.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the dish with aromatic depth and a slight kick.
Grape tomatoes: Halved, they soften and release sweetness, brightening the whole dish.
White wine: Adds subtle acidity and a layer of complexity as it reduces with the tomatoes.
Kalamata olives: Briny and bold, they bring a salty pop that contrasts perfectly with the creamy elements.
Spinach: Chopped fresh greens add vibrant color and a mild earthiness.
Pine nuts: Optional for some crunch and buttery flavor—great for texture contrast.
Fresh basil and parsley: Bright herbs that awaken the flavors with their freshness.
Dried oregano and red pepper flakes: Classic Mediterranean spices to add warmth and subtle heat.
Feta cheese: Optional but recommended—it delivers tangy creaminess and finishes the dish beautifully.

How to Make Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat until it shimmers, which takes about three minutes. Season your thinly sliced chicken breasts with salt and black pepper, then carefully place them in the hot oil. Cook for five minutes on one side before flipping and cooking another five minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The quick sear locks in juices, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.

Step 2: Prepare the Orzo

While the chicken cooks, bring a small pot of water to a boil for the orzo. Cooking orzo is similar to pasta—simply follow the package directions, usually boiling for about 7 to 9 minutes until tender but still slightly firm. Drain and set aside, ready to blend with the rest of the ingredients.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics and Tomatoes

Once the chicken is removed from the pan and set aside on a clean plate, add an extra tablespoon of olive oil to the pan and heat for two minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for one minute over medium heat, allowing it to release its amazing aroma. Then stir in the halved grape tomatoes and pour in the white wine. Simmer gently for five minutes until the tomatoes soften and the wine reduces slightly, concentrating those lush flavors.

Step 4: Combine Orzo and Mediterranean Flavors

Now the magic happens—add the cooked orzo to the pan along with the sliced kalamata olives, chopped spinach, fresh basil, parsley, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and pine nuts if you want that extra nutty crunch. Toss everything together over medium heat until well combined and the spinach has just started to wilt, soaking in all the layered flavors.

Step 5: Serve with Sliced Chicken and Feta

Slice the chicken breasts into elegant strips and lay them on top of the warm orzo mixture. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese for a creamy, salty finish that perfectly balances the tangy and savory elements of the dish. This is where your Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Recipe really shines—simple ingredients transformed into something spectacular.

How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Recipe

A round steel pan filled with one layer of cooked short pasta in a light brown color mixed with halved bright red cherry tomatoes, dark purple olives, small white crumbles of cheese, and bits of green leafy herbs spread evenly throughout. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and a drizzle of good quality olive oil take this dish to the next level visually and flavor-wise. You can add a few lemon wedges on the side for a zingy pop of citrus that really brightens the entire plate.

Side Dishes

This dish works beautifully as a one-pan delight but also pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini and eggplant. Some warm, crusty bread on the side is wonderful to soak up any leftover juices from the pan.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Recipe in individual shallow bowls or even stuff it into warm pita bread pockets for a flavorful handheld meal. You can also turn it into a vibrant cold salad by chilling leftovers and drizzling with extra lemon juice and olive oil.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making this recipe perfect for meal prepping or quick lunches.

Freezing

This dish freezes well without compromising texture or flavor. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the orzo moist. Avoid overheating to preserve the juicy texture of the chicken and freshness of the herbs.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice or quinoa instead of orzo?

Absolutely! While orzo adds a lovely texture, brown rice or quinoa are great gluten-free and more filling alternatives. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! You can skip the chicken and add more vegetables like roasted eggplant or chickpeas for protein, turning it into a hearty vegetarian Mediterranean bowl.

What if I don’t have white wine?

No worries! You can substitute the white wine with low-sodium chicken broth or even water combined with a splash of lemon juice for acidity.

Can I prepare part of this dish in advance?

Definitely! You can cook the chicken and orzo ahead of time, then prepare the tomato garlic sauce and combine everything just before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant.

Is pine nuts essential?

Pine nuts are optional but add a lovely crunch and buttery flavor that complements the other ingredients. If you have nut allergies or prefer nut-free, you can leave them out without losing much.

Final Thoughts

This Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Recipe has become a favorite go-to for its bright flavors, wholesome ingredients, and effortless preparation. It’s such a joy to share a meal that feels both nourishing and celebratory, and I hope you find as much happiness in making and eating this dish as I do. Give it a try soon—your taste buds will thank you!

Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need