Description
A quick and delicious Mediterranean Chicken Orzo recipe featuring succulent chicken, orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and baby spinach, perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- Pat the chicken dry, then season evenly with salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and cover to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add orzo pasta to the skillet and toast for 1–2 minutes until golden.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Cook for an additional minute until spinach has wilted.
- Slice chicken and return to the pan, tossing everything together. Adjust seasoning as needed, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
Serve with a light Greek salad or crusty bread. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Mediterranean, chicken, orzo, easy dinner, healthy recipe