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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and prepare orzo according to package instructions, ensuring a perfectly al dente texture.
- 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.
- Sear the chicken pieces until they develop a rich, golden-brown crust, approximately 5-7 minutes on each side, creating a flavorful exterior.
- Transfer the beautifully cooked chicken to a separate plate, keeping it warm and juicy.
- In the same skillet, drizzle additional olive oil and gently toast the minced garlic until fragrant, releasing its aromatic essence.
- 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.
- Fold in the perfectly cooked orzo, introducing kalamata olives for a briny Mediterranean touch, and fresh spinach for a burst of green vibrancy.
- Sprinkle in selected herbs and spices, then gently toast pine nuts to enhance their nutty flavor and add textural complexity.
- Thoroughly combine all ingredients, ensuring each component is evenly distributed and heated through.
- 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