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Simple Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Recipe

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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 485
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. Add remaining olive oil, sauté garlic 30 seconds, then toast orzo 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
  3. Pour in broth, add remaining oregano and red pepper flakes, simmer covered 8-10 minutes until orzo is tender.
  4. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, lemon zest, and lemon juice until spinach wilts.
  5. Slice rested chicken and return to skillet. Toss everything together and adjust seasoning.
  6. 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.