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Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Recipe

Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 21 reviews

A vibrant and wholesome Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo dish featuring tender chicken breasts, whole wheat orzo, fresh spinach, kalamata olives, grape tomatoes, and herbs, lightly tossed with feta cheese and pine nuts for a burst of Mediterranean flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced thin and pounded)
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Orzo and Vegetables

  • 1 1/2 cups whole wheat orzo (9.5 oz)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 tablespoon garlic (minced)
  • 2 cups grape tomatoes (halved)
  • 1/4 cup white wine
  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives (pitted and sliced into small pieces)
  • 2 cups spinach (chopped)

Herbs and Extras

  • 1/4 cup pine nuts (optional if nut free)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil (chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat Oil: Add a tablespoon of olive oil to a large sauté pan and heat over medium-high heat for 3 minutes or until the oil starts to shimmer.
  2. Cook Chicken: Season the thinly sliced chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Place the chicken in the preheated pan and cook for 5 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 5 minutes until fully cooked and golden brown.
  3. Cook Orzo: While the chicken is cooking, bring a small pot of water to a boil and cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  4. Remove Chicken and Add Oil: Take the cooked chicken off the pan and set it on a clean plate. Make sure to leave the oil and browned bits in the pan. Add another tablespoon of olive oil and heat for 2 minutes over medium heat.
  5. Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the halved grape tomatoes and pour in the white wine. Cook for 5 minutes until tomatoes soften and the wine reduces slightly.
  6. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cooked orzo, kalamata olives, chopped spinach, fresh basil, fresh parsley, black pepper, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), pine nuts (if using), and feta cheese (if using) into the pan. Mix well to combine all flavors evenly.
  7. Serve: Slice the cooked chicken breasts and serve them on top of the orzo mixture. Garnish with additional feta if desired. Enjoy your Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo dish!

Notes

  • Use whole wheat orzo for added fiber and a nuttier flavor.
  • Omit pine nuts for a nut-free version or substitute with toasted sunflower seeds.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes according to desired spice level.
  • White wine can be substituted with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic option.
  • Feta cheese adds creaminess and saltiness, but can be skipped for a lighter meal.
  • Leftover chicken can be stored separately and reheated gently before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, orzo recipe, healthy chicken dinner, whole wheat orzo, spinach and feta, easy chicken recipes, quick Mediterranean dinner

Find it online: https://www.sanacooks.com/mediterranean-chicken-and-orzo-recipe/