Flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Recipe For A Healthy Dinner

Flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Orzo is the dish that can transform an ordinary weeknight into a delightful culinary experience! If you’re searching for a quick, healthy dinner option that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors, you’ve come to the right place. This recipe features tender chicken, vibrant spinach, savory sun-dried tomatoes, and the perfect bite of orzo — all simmered together to create a comforting meal. Trust me, once you try this, it might just become a staple on your dinner table.

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

What makes this Mediterranean Chicken Orzo stand out is its simplicity and flavor combined with nutritional value. This dish is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for busy weeknights or elegant weekend dinners alike. The use of boneless chicken thighs means less cooking time while still providing juicy, tender meat. Plus, the bright flavors of lemon and sun-dried tomatoes add that refreshing zest that keeps you coming back for more.

“I made this for my family, and everyone raved about it! It’s quick, easy, and tastes amazing — a perfect weeknight dinner!”

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing this delicious Mediterranean Chicken Orzo is a breeze! You’ll first season the chicken, sear it to golden perfection, and then let the orzo absorb all those incredible flavors. This creates an easy one-pan meal that minimizes cleanup — a win-win after a long day!

What You’ll Need

To bring this dish to life, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 pound (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1½ cups (280 g) orzo pasta
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cups (90 g) fresh baby spinach
• ½ cup (70 g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 3 cups (700 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Note: Feel free to substitute chicken with lean turkey or tofu for a lighter twist.

New Ebook

🍰 30 Easy No-Bake Desserts

A delicious collection of no-bake treats you can make anytime, including:

• ✨ Chocolate lovers’ dreams – fudgy bars, truffles & mousse
• 🍓 Fruity delights – creamy parfaits, lemon & mango desserts
• 🥜 Nutty & indulgent – peanut butter & pistachio bites
• 🍋 Citrus & refreshing – lemon, orange creamsicle & key lime
• 🍪 Classic favorites – icebox cakes & cookie dough cups

👉 Get the Ebook

Instant digital download • Secure checkout via Gumroad

Cooking Steps

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and oregano.
2. Sear the Chicken: In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden and thoroughly cooked. Move the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
3. Toast the Orzo: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and absorbs the broth.
5. Finish the Dish: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, baby spinach, lemon zest, and juice. Cook for an additional minute until the spinach wilts. Slice the chicken and add it back to the skillet.
6. Blend and Serve: Toss everything together, adjust the seasoning if needed, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Tips for Serving

This Mediterranean Chicken Orzo can be enjoyed on its own or paired with various sides. Consider serving it alongside a fresh Greek salad or some crusty bread to soak up any remaining sauce. For a complete Mediterranean experience, complement the dish with a side of tzatziki — the cool yogurt dip is a perfect balance to the savory pasta.

Storage Tips

To keep your Mediterranean Chicken Orzo fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 3-4 days. If you wish to freeze it, ensure the dish has cooled completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore moisture.

Helpful Hints

Here are some pro tips to enhance your cooking experience:

• Chicken Choice: Thighs provide a richer flavor, but feel free to use breasts for a leaner alternative.
• Nutritious Add-ins: Amp up the nutrient content by adding bell peppers or zucchini while cooking the orzo.
• Flavor Boost: For a unique twist, consider adding feta cheese just before serving. Its creamy texture pairs beautifully with the dish.

Creative Twists

Feel free to customize this Mediterranean classic! Try substituting the sun-dried tomatoes with fresh cherry tomatoes for a juicier texture. You could also incorporate different herbs, like fresh basil or thyme, to diversify the flavor profile. For a vegan take, swap the chicken for chickpeas and utilize vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the preparation time for this recipe?

The entire cooking process takes about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Can I use whole wheat orzo?

Absolutely! Whole wheat orzo can add more fiber and nutrients without compromising taste.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Substituting traditional orzo with gluten-free pasta is a fantastic option, allowing those with dietary restrictions to enjoy this recipe as well.

With this Mediterranean Chicken Orzo, you’ve got yourself a meal that is not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavor and nutrition. It’s sure to impress your family and friends alike!

Mediterranean Chicken Orzo

---

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free Option Available

Pin Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A quick and healthy dinner option bursting with Mediterranean flavors, featuring tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and savory sun-dried tomatoes.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1½ cups (280 g) orzo pasta
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cups (90 g) fresh baby spinach
• ½ cup (70 g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 3 cups (700 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

---

Instructions

1. Pat the chicken dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and oregano.
2. In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden and thoroughly cooked. Move the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
3. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in the same skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and absorbs the broth.
5. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, baby spinach, lemon zest, and juice. Cook for an additional minute until the spinach wilts. Slice the chicken and add it back to the skillet.
6. Toss everything together, adjust the seasoning if needed, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

For a lighter twist, substitute chicken with lean turkey or tofu.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: One-Pan Cooking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, orzo recipe, healthy dinner