Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Skillet

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Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Skillet featuring fresh vegetables and herbs.
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Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Skillet

Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Skillet is a delightful one-pan meal that brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean right to your dinner table. It’s packed with juicy chicken, fresh vegetables, and tender orzo, making it a balanced and satisfying dish for everyone!

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is a fantastic choice because it is easy to prepare and requires minimal cleanup. With bright flavors from the cherry tomatoes and spinach, and the savory touch of feta cheese, your meal will be both delicious and visually appealing. Plus, it’s ready in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!

How to Make Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Skillet

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup spinach
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Directions

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with oregano, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce to simmer, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes until orzo is tender.
  5. Stir in cherry tomatoes and spinach, and return chicken to the skillet. Cook until the spinach wilts.
  6. Remove from heat, sprinkle with feta cheese, and serve with lemon wedges.

How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Skillet

Serve this Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Skillet hot from the pan, garnished with crumbled feta cheese and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. It pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread for soaking up the wonderful flavors.

How to Store Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Skillet

To store leftovers, let the skillet cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you wish to freeze it, portion it out into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months.

Tips to Make Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Skillet

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for a few hours before cooking.
  • You can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like couscous or farro if desired.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to give the dish an extra kick!

Variation

You can easily customize this recipe by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Adding olives can also enhance the Mediterranean flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They’ll add more flavor and stay juicy!

2. Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth too.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare everything in advance and reheat it when ready to serve. Just be mindful that the orzo may absorb more liquid while stored.

With this simple recipe, you can enjoy a flavorful and wholesome Mediterranean meal any night of the week! Enjoy your cooking!

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Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Skillet

  • Author: krmibk110
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free (Optional)
Print Recipe

Description

A delightful one-pan meal that combines juicy chicken, fresh vegetables, and tender orzo, bringing the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to your dinner table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup spinach
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with oregano, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil. Reduce to simmer, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes until orzo is tender.
  5. Stir in cherry tomatoes and spinach, and return chicken to the skillet. Cook until the spinach wilts.
  6. Remove from heat, sprinkle with feta cheese, and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs before cooking. You can substitute orzo with couscous or farro, and add red pepper flakes for spice.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: chicken, orzo, Mediterranean, one-pan meal, quick dinner

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