High Protein Mediterranean Chicken Orzo is a vibrant and delicious dish that will brighten any table. With its colorful mix of juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, and briny Kalamata olives, this meal is not only pleasing to the eye but also packed with flavor. It’s the perfect choice for a cozy family dinner, a lively gathering with friends, or even meal prep for the week ahead.
As you dive into this dish, you can expect a wonderful sensory experience of textures from the tender chicken and orzo pasta to the crumbly feta and crunchy olives. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know to make this delightful meal, including ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for serving. Get ready to impress your loved ones with your culinary skills!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh Ingredients: Packed with garden-fresh veggies and herbs.
- Ease of Preparation: Simple instructions make cooking a breeze.
- Nutrition: High in protein and loaded with vitamins.
- Versatility: Perfect for dinner parties or meal prep.
- Presentation: Colorful and eye-catching on any plate.
This recipe truly combines convenience and flavor for everyone to enjoy!
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
(Note that times may vary.)
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 cups chicken broth
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Then, remove the chicken and let it rest before slicing.
Step 4: To the skillet, add cherry tomatoes, spinach, and Kalamata olives. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes soften and spinach wilts.
Step 5: Combine the cooked orzo with the veggie mixture. Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle in crumbled feta. Stir gently to combine.
Step 6: Slice the chicken and serve it on top of the orzo mixture. Garnish with fresh parsley.
How to Serve
- Presentation: Serve in a large bowl or on a platter for family-style dining.
- Accompaniments: Pair with a side salad and crusty bread.
- Portions: This recipe serves about 4 people, great for sharing!
- Beverage Pairing: Enjoy with a light white wine or sparkling water.
These tips will make your meal an enjoyable experience!
Additional Tips
- Enhance flavor by marinating the chicken in lemon juice and herbs for an hour before cooking.
- Customize by adding seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
- Serving suggestion: Drizzle some extra olive oil before serving for a rich taste.
Recipe Variations
- Mediterranean Veggie Orzo: Omit the chicken and double up on the veggies for a delicious vegetarian dish.
- Spicy Chicken Orzo: Add red pepper flakes to the chicken for a kick of heat.
- Herbed Lemon Orzo: Use fresh herbs like basil or dill for an aromatic twist.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months in airtight containers or freezer bags. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Special Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Strainer
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
FAQ’s
1. Can I use frozen ingredients? Yes, frozen veggies can be used, but fresh ingredients will enhance the flavor.
2. Is this recipe healthy? Absolutely! It’s high in protein and packed with vitamins from the vegetables.
3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can make it a day in advance and reheat before serving.
4. How can I customize the recipe? Feel free to adjust the veggies or swap chicken for shrimp or tofu!
5. Are there alternative cooking methods? You can bake the chicken instead of sautéing if you prefer less oil.
Conclusion
High Protein Mediterranean Chicken Orzo is a delightful blend of flavors and nutrition that suits any occasion. Packed with fresh ingredients, it’s not only good for you but also a feast for your eyes! Whether for a family dinner or meal prepping, this recipe is sure to please your taste buds. Dive in and enjoy every delicious bite!
Mediterranean Chicken Orzo
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables and Seasoning
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 cups chicken broth
Instructions
Cooking Orzo
- In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cooking Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Then, remove the chicken and let it rest before slicing.
Adding Vegetables
- To the skillet, add cherry tomatoes, spinach, and Kalamata olives. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes soften and spinach wilts.
Combining Ingredients
- Combine the cooked orzo with the veggie mixture. Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle in crumbled feta. Stir gently to combine.
- Slice the chicken and serve it on top of the orzo mixture. Garnish with fresh parsley.
