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Mediterranean Chicken Recipe with Orzo

Mediterranean Chicken Recipe with Orzo for a Quick & Healthy Dinner

A quick and healthy Mediterranean chicken recipe with orzo, featuring vibrant ingredients and customizable options to fit any dietary need.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts Slice thinly for quick cooking.
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil Aids in cooking; avocado oil works as a substitute.
  • to taste Black Pepper Freshly ground enhances flavor.
For the Orzo
  • 1 cup Whole Wheat Orzo Consider gluten-free or short pasta if needed.
  • 1 cup Grape Tomatoes Substitute with cubed regular tomatoes if desired.
  • 1/4 cup White Wine Can be replaced with chicken broth or omitted.
For the Vegetables
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata Olives Omit if preferred or use capers.
  • 2 cups Spinach Arugula is a delicious alternative.
For the Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Feel free to add fresh if available.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Adjust according to spice preference.
  • to taste Salt Essential for enhancing flavors.
For the Toppings
  • 1/2 cup Feta Cheese Substitute goat cheese or omit for dairy-free version.
  • 1/4 cup Pine Nuts Can be omitted for nut-free preparation.
  • to taste Fresh Basil and Parsley Dried herbs can be used if fresh aren't available.

Equipment

  • sauté pan
  • pot

Method
 

Step‑By‑Step Instructions
  1. In a large sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside, leaving the flavorful oil in the pan.
  2. While the chicken is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the whole wheat orzo and cook according to package directions, about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain the orzo, but reserve a little cooking water in case you need to loosen the mixture later. Keep the cooked orzo warm.
  3. In the same sauté pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil and heat it for about 2 minutes over medium heat. Introduce minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Stir in halved grape tomatoes and white wine, allowing the mixture to bubble and cook for about 5 minutes until tomatoes soften and the wine reduces.
  5. Add the cooked orzo to the pan along with kalamata olives, fresh spinach, oregano, red pepper flakes, and pine nuts. Toss everything together over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
  6. Slice the sautéed chicken and place it on top of the orzo mixture. Crumble feta cheese over the top and sprinkle with fresh basil and parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This Mediterranean chicken recipe creates a flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights, allowing for various ingredient swaps and meal prep options.

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