High Protein Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Recipe
This High Protein Mediterranean Chicken Orzo is a flavorful and nutritious one-pan dish featuring tender chicken breast, al dente orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, olives, and a tangy lemon-garlic sauce, finished with crumbled feta and fresh parsley for a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
Orzo Pasta
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Protein & Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
Vegetables & Flavorings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup baby spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the orzo: Prepare the orzo pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
- Heat olive oil: In a large skillet, warm the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Season the chicken: In a bowl, season the bite-sized chicken pieces evenly with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil to infuse Mediterranean flavors into the meat.
- Cook the chicken: Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the hot skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Add lemon and garlic: Stir in the lemon juice and minced garlic into the skillet with the chicken and sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the chicken is well coated.
- Add cherry tomatoes: Mix in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften slightly and release some of their juices.
- Combine orzo and vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium, then add the cooked orzo, baby spinach leaves, and sliced black olives to the skillet. Toss everything together until the spinach wilts and the ingredients are well combined.
- Finish with feta and parsley: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and freshly chopped parsley over the dish for added creaminess and fresh herbal flavor.
- Serve: Plate the Mediterranean chicken orzo warm, garnished with extra parsley if desired, to enjoy a wholesome and vibrant meal.
Notes
- To save time, you can use pre-cooked orzo or leftover cooked pasta.
- For a spicier twist, add crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the chicken.
- Substitute baby spinach with kale or arugula if preferred.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth instead of water to cook orzo for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, orzo pasta, high protein dinner, one-pan meal, healthy chicken recipe, feta cheese, spinach, lemon garlic chicken
