Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Recipe
Make Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Recipe in just 40m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Chicken & Marinade
Orzo & Broth
Vegetables & Aromatics
Cheese & Finish
Optional garnish
Method
Chicken & Marinade
- 1
Marinate the chicken
Pound or butterfly the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch). In a bowl combine 2 tbs olive oil, 2 tbs lemon juice, 3 tsp minced garlic, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp kosher salt and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Add the chicken, coat well, cover and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes while you prepare other ingredients.
- 2
Cook the chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a thin film of olive oil (about 1 tbs). When hot, sear the chicken 4–5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes. Slice into bite-sized pieces or dice.
Orzo & Broth
- 3
- 4
Simmer orzo in broth
Carefully add 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth to the skillet. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally for 8–10 minutes until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed. If needed, add up to 1/4 cup additional broth or water for desired consistency.
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 5
- 6
Add vegetables
Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and cook 2–3 minutes until they begin to blister and release juices. Stir in 2 cups packed baby spinach and cook 1–2 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup halved kalamata olives and 1/2 cup diced cucumber (cucumber added off-heat to keep crunchy).
- 7
Combine with orzo
When orzo is nearly done and most liquid is absorbed, fold the sautéed vegetables into the orzo pan along with the sliced cooked chicken. Stir to combine and heat through 1–2 minutes.
Cheese & Finish
- 8
Finish the dish
Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup crumbled feta, 2 tbs chopped fresh parsley, 1 tbs chopped dill (optional), 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tbs lemon juice and 1 tbs extra-virgin olive oil. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as needed. If the mixture seems dry, add 1–2 tbs warm broth or olive oil and stir to loosen.
- 9
Serve
Spoon the Mediterranean chicken orzo into bowls or a serving dish. Garnish with extra parsley sprigs and red pepper flakes if using. Serve warm or at room temperature.