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Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Recipe For A Healthy Dinner Recipe

Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Recipe For A Healthy Dinner Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 27 reviews

A vibrant and healthy Mediterranean Chicken Orzo recipe featuring tender seared chicken, toasted orzo pasta, fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and zesty lemon. This easy one-pan meal combines wholesome ingredients and Mediterranean flavors for a nutritious and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 pound (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Grains & Pasta

  • 1½ cups (280 g) orzo pasta

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 3 cups (90 g) fresh baby spinach
  • ½ cup (70 g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Liquids & Oils

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cups (700 ml) chicken broth (low-sodium)

Seasonings

  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare and season chicken: Pat the boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and dried oregano to enhance the Mediterranean flavors.
  2. Sear the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side, until it develops a golden-brown crust and is cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover it to keep warm while you prepare the orzo.
  3. Sauté garlic and toast orzo: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic for approximately 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and toast it, stirring frequently, for 1 to 2 minutes. This intensifies the nutty flavor of the orzo.
  4. Cook orzo in broth: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the orzo cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
  5. Add vegetables and lemon: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh baby spinach, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Cook for an additional minute until the spinach wilts and the flavors meld together.
  6. Combine chicken and finish seasoning: Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces, then return it to the skillet with the orzo mixture. Toss everything together to combine and heat through. Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes to your taste.
  7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for brightness and garnish. Serve the Mediterranean Chicken Orzo warm as a wholesome and flavorful dinner.

Notes

  • You can use either chicken thighs or breasts depending on your preference; thighs offer more moisture and flavor, breasts are leaner.
  • For a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes according to your taste.
  • Low-sodium chicken broth helps control the saltiness; adjust salt seasoning accordingly.
  • This dish can be prepared ahead and reheated, but for best texture, enjoy fresh.
  • Substitute baby spinach with baby kale or arugula for a different green twist.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean chicken orzo, healthy dinner recipe, one-pan chicken pasta, sun-dried tomato orzo, lemon chicken pasta

Find it online: https://cheframiflavor.com/mediterranean-chicken-orzo-recipe-for-a-healthy-dinner-recipe/