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Mediterranean chicken orzo with golden seared chicken pieces
Anderson Jorge

Mediterranean Chicken Orzo

Mediterranean Chicken Orzo
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

  • 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
  • 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)

Method
 

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

Notes

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