Description
This Mediterranean Chicken Orzo is a vibrant, one-pan weeknight wonder featuring tender chicken, al dente orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and lemon-herb flavors that bring the Mediterranean straight to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and half the oregano. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet and sear chicken 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and rest.
- Add remaining olive oil, sauté garlic 30 seconds, then toast orzo 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Pour in broth, add remaining oregano and red pepper flakes, simmer covered 8-10 minutes until orzo is tender.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, lemon zest, and lemon juice until spinach wilts.
- Slice rested chicken and return to skillet. Toss everything together and adjust seasoning.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Toast the orzo for deeper flavor and better texture. Add lemon juice at the end to keep flavors bright.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Mediterranean Chicken Orzo