Zesty Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Recipe For Tonight

Mediterranean chicken and orzo blend vibrant flavors that reimagine ordinary weeknight dinners into culinary adventures.

Succulent proteins merge with delicate pasta, creating a harmonious dish bursting with aromatic herbs and zesty seasonings.

Bright, tangy ingredients dance across each forkful, promising a delightful sensory experience.

Home cooks appreciate the simplicity behind this Mediterranean-inspired meal that feels simultaneously elegant and comforting.

Rich spices and fresh components elevate this recipe from standard fare to something extraordinary.

Regional influences shine through each carefully selected ingredient, reflecting generations of traditional cooking techniques.

Mediterranean cuisine celebrates connection, community, and the joy of sharing delicious food together.

Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo with Lemon Herbs

• Quick Mediterranean Feast: Whip up a restaurant-quality meal in just 35 minutes with minimal cooking skills required.
• Flavor Explosion: Combines tangy feta, briny olives, fresh spinach, and perfectly seared chicken for a taste adventure that dances across your palate.
• One-Pan Convenience: Minimize cleanup by using the same skillet for multiple cooking steps, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
• Nutrient-Packed Powerhouse: Loaded with lean protein from chicken, healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts, and vitamins from spinach, creating a balanced and satisfying meal that nourishes your body.

Ingredients for Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that creates the main body of the dish, best when fresh and trimmed of excess fat.
• Feta Cheese: Creamy Greek cheese that adds tangy richness and saltiness to the Mediterranean flavor profile.

• Whole Wheat Orzo: Hearty pasta that provides a nutritious base with a slightly nutty flavor and good texture.

• Grape Tomatoes, Spinach: Fresh vegetables that add color, nutrition, and bright Mediterranean-style freshness.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that builds deep flavor foundation for the dish.
• Kalamata Olives: Authentic Mediterranean olive variety with rich, briny taste that enhances overall dish complexity.

• Fresh Basil, Fresh Parsley: Bright, green herbs that provide fresh finish and authentic Mediterranean herb notes.
• Oregano, Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Spices that create layered seasoning with warm and slightly spicy undertones.

• Pine Nuts: Delicate, buttery nuts that provide subtle crunch and Mediterranean authenticity.

• Olive Oil, White Wine: Cooking liquid and flavor enhancers that create moisture and depth in the dish.

One‑Pot Cooking Guide for Chicken and Orzo

Step 1: Prepare Orzo

Bring a small pot of water to a rolling boil. Cook orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sear Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a plate and let rest.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

• Diced tomatoes
• White wine

Simmer until tomatoes soften and wine reduces by half, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Mediterranean Ingredients

• Cooked orzo
• Kalamata olives
• Fresh spinach
• Mediterranean spices
• Toasted pine nuts

Stir until ingredients are well combined and spinach wilts.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Transfer orzo mixture to serving plates. Top with seared chicken. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the dish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutrition: 455 Calories | Serves 4

Tips for Flavorful Mediterranean Orzo

• Sear Chicken Perfectly: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Balance Wine Reduction: Choose a dry white wine like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc to create a light, bright sauce that complements the Mediterranean ingredients.
• Toast Pine Nuts Carefully: Lightly toast pine nuts in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning, which will enhance their nutty flavor and aroma.
• Layer Spinach Strategically: Add spinach last and remove from heat quickly to maintain its vibrant green color and prevent wilting into a mushy texture.
• Crumble Feta Freshly: Use high-quality feta cheese and crumble it just before serving to preserve its creamy texture and ensure maximum flavor impact.

Storage and Reheating Mediterranean Orzo

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the dish stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Carefully transfer chicken and orzo mixture to freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing dishes with feta cheese, as texture changes when thawed.
• Reheat: Warm refrigerated leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave on 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating.

Side Pairings for Chicken and Orzo

• Elevate with Greek White Wine: Pair this Mediterranean chicken dish with a crisp Assyrtiko from Santorini, which complements the tomatoes and feta with its mineral-driven, bright acidity.
• Refresh with Herb-Infused Salad: Create a light Greek salad with cucumber, red onion, and fresh dill to balance the richness of the chicken and provide a cool, crunchy contrast.
• Complement with Rustic Bread: Serve warm, crusty sourdough or traditional Greek pita bread to soak up the flavorful tomato and wine sauce, adding delightful texture to each bite.
• Balance with Citrus Dessert: End the meal with a light lemon sorbet or traditional Greek yogurt with honey, cutting through the savory notes and cleansing the palate.

Variations on Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo

• Seafood Mediterranean Medley: Swap chicken with succulent shrimp or white fish like halibut, maintaining the same cooking techniques and Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Greek Orzo Bowl: Replace chicken with roasted chickpeas or grilled tofu, adding extra vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for robust plant-based protein.
• Spicy Moroccan-Inspired Version: Incorporate harissa paste, add cumin and smoked paprika, use lamb instead of chicken for a bolder, more intense North African spin on the original recipe.
• Low-Carb Mediterranean Cauliflower Option: Substitute orzo with riced cauliflower, keeping all other ingredients consistent to create a lighter, ketogenic-friendly alternative.

Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean chicken and orzo brings Mediterranean sunshine to your dinner table. Juicy chicken, aromatic herbs, and tender orzo create a quick, elegant meal that transports you to coastal Greece with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breasts, sliced thin and pounded
• ½ cup feta cheese (optional)

Grains and Base:

• 1 ½ cups whole wheat orzo, dry

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1.5 cups grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• ½ tablespoon garlic, minced
• ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Liquid and Nuts:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup white wine
• ¼ cup pine nuts (optional)

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Instructions

1. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and prepare orzo according to package instructions, ensuring a perfectly al dente texture.
2. While the orzo cooks, warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat and carefully season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Sear the chicken pieces until they develop a rich, golden-brown crust, approximately 5-7 minutes on each side, creating a flavorful exterior.
4. Transfer the beautifully cooked chicken to a separate plate, keeping it warm and juicy.
5. In the same skillet, drizzle additional olive oil and gently toast the minced garlic until fragrant, releasing its aromatic essence.
6. Add ripe tomatoes and a splash of white wine, allowing the mixture to simmer and reduce, creating a vibrant, concentrated sauce that melds the flavors together.
7. Fold in the perfectly cooked orzo, introducing kalamata olives for a briny Mediterranean touch, and fresh spinach for a burst of green vibrancy.
8. Sprinkle in selected herbs and spices, then gently toast pine nuts to enhance their nutty flavor and add textural complexity.
9. Thoroughly combine all ingredients, ensuring each component is evenly distributed and heated through.
10. Plate the orzo mixture, crown with the golden-brown chicken, and generously garnish with crumbled feta cheese for a creamy, tangy finish.

Notes

• Perfectly balanced combination of tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and colorful vegetables creates a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen.
• Minimal preparation time allows you to enjoy a gourmet experience without spending hours cooking, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners or impressive weekend gatherings.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 70mg