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Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Recipe

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4.2 from 65 reviews

Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo is a flavorful, easy-to-make dinner that combines tender sautéed chicken breasts with a vibrant orzo dish packed with grape tomatoes, kalamata olives, spinach, fresh herbs, and feta cheese. Ready in under 40 minutes, this healthy Mediterranean-inspired meal is perfect for a wholesome weeknight supper.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin and pounded
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

For the Orzo:

  • 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)

Instructions

  1. Heat the Pan: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a large sauté pan and heat over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes until the oil shimmers.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Place them in the hot pan and cook for 5 minutes on one side. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and golden on both sides.
  3. Cook the Orzo: While the chicken cooks, bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add the whole wheat orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  4. Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a clean plate, keeping the oil and browned bits in the pan. Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the pan and heat for 2 minutes over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add Tomatoes and Wine: Stir in the halved grape tomatoes and white wine. Cook for approximately 5 minutes until the tomatoes soften and the white wine reduces slightly.
  6. Combine Orzo and Vegetables: Add the cooked orzo, kalamata olives, chopped spinach, fresh basil, fresh parsley, black pepper, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and pine nuts (if using) to the pan. Stir gently to combine and heat through for 1-2 minutes.
  7. Add Feta and Serve: Stir in the optional feta cheese until just combined. Slice the cooked chicken and serve it on top of the orzo mixture. Garnish with additional feta if desired and enjoy your Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo!

Notes

  • You can substitute white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
  • To keep the dish nut-free, omit the pine nuts.
  • For added heat, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
  • Use gluten-free orzo if required, though the original recipe calls for whole wheat orzo.
  • Leftover chicken can be stored separately and reheated gently before serving.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Low Fat

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/mediterranean-chicken-and-orzo-recipe/