Mediterranean Chicken Orzo

This Mediterranean Chicken Orzo brings together juicy chicken with tender orzo pasta and bright, fresh Mediterranean flavors. The dish features sautéed chicken seasoned simply with herbs alongside garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a squeeze of lemon for brightness. It’s hearty yet light, perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend meals when you want wholesome comfort food.

The one-pan approach keeps things easy and minimizes cleanup, while ingredients like olive oil, chicken broth, and fresh parsley add vibrant layers of flavor. The tender orzo soaks up the savory broth and lemon juice, creating a satisfying texture that complements the chicken and vegetables beautifully.

Equipments

• Large skillet or sauté pan with lid
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Citrus zester or fine grater

Ingredients (with quantity)

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ cups orzo pasta
• 3 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

• Pat the chicken dry, season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the seasoned chicken and cook 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
• Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
• Add the remaining olive oil to the same skillet.
• Stir in minced garlic and sauté about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add the orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes.
• Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
• Cover and cook 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender.
• Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts.
• Add lemon zest and lemon juice and stir to combine.
• Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet.
• Toss everything together until heated and well mixed.
• Taste and adjust seasoning, then garnish with chopped parsley.

Recipe Info

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Course: Main Course

How to Store

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth if needed.
• Do not freeze the cooked orzo; texture becomes mushy.

What Not to Do

• Do not overcook the orzo or it becomes mushy.
• Do not skip toasting the orzo; it adds depth of flavor.
• Do not add lemon juice too early; add at the end for brightness.
• Do not stab the chicken repeatedly while cooking to avoid drying it out.

Tips & Variations

• Add olives or capers for extra briny flavor.
• Substitute baby kale or arugula for spinach.
• Serve with crumbled feta cheese on top.
• Swap chicken thighs for rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Add a splash of white wine before the broth for richer taste.

Approximate Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: ~480 kcal
• Protein: ~34 g
• Total Fat: ~18 g
• Saturated Fat: ~3.5 g
• Carbohydrates: ~50 g
• Fiber: ~3 g
• Sugar: ~3 g
• Sodium: ~780 mg

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Chicken Orzo combines lean protein, wholesome grains, and vibrant vegetables for a balanced and flavorful meal. Bright lemon, savory sun-dried tomatoes, and tender spinach make every bite satisfying without feeling heavy. It’s an approachable weeknight dinner with Mediterranean flair that’s both nutritious and crowd-pleasing.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts work well; just adjust the cooking time so they don’t dry out.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute gluten-free orzo or rice.

Can I add cheese?
Yes, crumbled feta adds a nice salty, creamy finish.

Can I prepare ahead?
You can cook the components ahead and toss together before serving.

Is this dish spicy?
It’s mild; crushed red pepper flakes add optional heat.

Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, but squeeze out excess liquid before adding.