Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite Mediterranean chicken and orzo recipe! This dish is such a delightful blend of flavors and textures, and it’s super simple to make. I first whipped it up for a family gathering, and it was a hit—everyone went back for seconds! The juicy chicken, tender orzo, and the burst of cherry tomatoes make each bite feel like a little celebration. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, which means less cleanup for me, yay! I love how this recipe is not just quick to prepare but also healthy, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or when you have guests. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep this gem in your recipe rotation!
Ingredients for Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Recipe
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy cooking and tenderness.
- 1 cup orzo pasta: This small pasta shape cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors beautifully.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Homemade or store-bought, this adds depth to the dish. You can even use vegetable broth for a lighter option.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Extra virgin is best for that rich Mediterranean flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives a lovely aroma and taste. Feel free to add more if you’re a garlic lover like me!
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: This herb is a classic in Mediterranean cuisine, adding a warm, earthy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is ideal for a bright, zesty finish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t skimp here; seasoning is key to bringing out all the flavors!
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: These sweet little gems add a burst of freshness and color.
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped: This adds a pop of color and a fresh taste to your dish—don’t skip it!
How to Prepare Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Recipe
Alright, let’s dive into making this delicious Mediterranean chicken and orzo! Trust me, it’s as easy as pie, and the flavors will blow you away.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- First, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. You want it hot but not smoking—just enough to give that lovely sizzle when the chicken hits the pan!
- Next, add the diced chicken. Season it with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and cooked through. Ooh, the smell is heavenly!
- Now, stir in the minced garlic and dried oregano. Cook for another minute until fragrant—this is where the magic happens!
- Time to add the orzo and chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This is when the orzo absorbs all that flavorful goodness.
- After 10 minutes, stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and lemon juice. Let it cook for another 5 minutes. You want those tomatoes to soften just a bit, but still hold their shape.
- Finally, remove the pan from heat and stir in the chopped parsley for that fresh touch. And voilà, you’re ready to serve up this gorgeous dish!
Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time enjoying your delicious meal and less time scrubbing pots and pans!
- Flavorful and Fresh: The combination of juicy chicken, zesty lemon, and sweet cherry tomatoes creates a burst of flavors in every bite.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and wholesome ingredients, it’s a nutritious choice for the whole family.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or even use shrimp instead of chicken for a fun twist!
- Kid-Friendly: With its mild flavors and fun pasta shape, it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Mediterranean chicken and orzo turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my top tips! First, don’t be shy with the seasoning—salt and pepper really bring out those flavors, so taste as you go. If you want to kick it up a notch, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick!
Timing is key, so keep an eye on the chicken while it cooks to avoid overcooking. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping the cherry tomatoes for bell peppers or spinach for a different twist. For a gluten-free option, you can use rice instead of orzo—just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Lastly, remember that fresh herbs are your best friend! They add a burst of flavor right at the end, so don’t skip the parsley. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of this Mediterranean chicken and orzo recipe. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this will give you a good idea of what to expect!
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 25g
This dish is not only delicious but also packed with protein and healthy fats, making it a satisfying meal for any time of the day. Enjoy knowing you’re feeding your body well while enjoying all those lovely Mediterranean flavors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While orzo is perfect for this Mediterranean chicken and orzo recipe, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like couscous, ditalini, or even small shells. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so check the package instructions to ensure everything is perfectly al dente!
What can I serve with Mediterranean chicken and orzo?
This dish is fantastic on its own, but if you want to amp up your meal, consider serving it with a light side salad, some roasted veggies, or a crusty piece of garlic bread. A refreshing cucumber and tomato salad pairs beautifully, too, bringing that extra Mediterranean flair!
How to store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is super easy! Just let the Mediterranean chicken and orzo cool down, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if it seems a little dry. Enjoy your delicious meal all over again!
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or sauté pan: This is where all the magic happens! A wide pan helps the chicken cook evenly.
- Cutting board: Perfect for chopping chicken and veggies safely and easily.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes all the chopping quick and effortless.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements—don’t skip this step!
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and making sure nothing sticks to the pan.
- Serving dish: To present your beautiful Mediterranean chicken and orzo—it deserves to shine!
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta is another quick and delicious dish to try alongside this recipe.
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a great option for a refreshing side dish.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken is another delightful recipe that pairs well with Mediterranean flavors.
Print
Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Recipe: 30 Minutes to Heaven
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple Mediterranean chicken and orzo dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful herbs, and orzo pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
- Stir in garlic and oregano, cooking for another minute.
- Add orzo and chicken broth, bringing to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes and lemon juice, cooking for another 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in parsley before serving.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Can substitute chicken with shrimp for a seafood variation.
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: mediterranean chicken and orzo recipe
