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Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo

A flavorful Mediterranean dish combining tender chicken, nutty orzo pasta, and fresh vegetables, perfect for a healthy and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add garlic and red onion; sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add the diced bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives to the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
  4. Stir in the orzo pasta, coating it well with the oil and vegetables.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
  6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well. Cook for another 2 minutes to combine flavors.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, fresh parsley, and crumbled feta cheese.
  8. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.

Notes

For an extra burst of freshness, garnish with additional lemon zest or serve with a side of tzatziki sauce.