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Mediterranean Chicken Orzo with fresh herbs and vegetables served in a bowl

Mediterranean Chicken Orzo

A vibrant and satisfying dish combining tender chicken, nutty orzo, and fresh vegetables, perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups orzo pasta
  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup spinach, shredded
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups chicken broth

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, sautéing until they become softened and fragrant.
  2. Introduce the diced chicken breast to the pot and cook until it turns golden brown.
  3. Add the orzo, chicken broth, halved tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the orzo is tender and absorbs the flavors.
  4. Stir in the shredded spinach and lemon juice, cooking until the spinach wilts beautifully.
  5. Remove the pot from heat and gently incorporate the crumbled feta cheese, allowing it to melt slightly.
  6. Serve the dish warm, garnished with additional feta and fresh herbs if you desire.

Notes

For added depth of flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and oregano for an hour before cooking. If you like a little heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the seasonings. To make it vegetarian, substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead. For a Mediterranean twist, try adding olives and artichokes into the mix. You could also substitute the feta cheese with goat cheese for a different flavor profile. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.