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Mediterranean Chicken Recipe with Orzo Recipe

Mediterranean Chicken Recipe with Orzo Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 7 reviews

A vibrant Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo recipe featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts served over a flavorful whole wheat orzo tossed with garlic, grape tomatoes, kalamata olives, spinach, fresh herbs, pine nuts, and feta cheese, offering a wholesome and colorful meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the chicken:

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

For the orzo:

  • 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
  • 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 Olive Oil: Add a tablespoon of olive oil to a large sauté pan and heat over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes until the olive oil starts to shimmer, indicating it is hot and ready for cooking.
  2. Cook Chicken: Season the sliced and pounded chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Place the chicken in the preheated pan and cook for 5 minutes on one side. Flip the chicken pieces and cook for an additional 5 minutes until cooked through and golden brown.
  3. Cook Orzo: While the chicken is cooking, bring a small pot of water to a boil and cook the whole wheat orzo according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  4. Prepare Sauce Base: Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and place on a clean plate. Keep the oil and browned bits in the pan to preserve flavor. Add an additional tablespoon of olive oil to the pan 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 white wine. Cook the mixture for about 5 minutes, until the tomatoes have softened and the wine reduces slightly.
  6. Combine Orzo and Vegetables: Add the cooked orzo, kalamata olives, chopped spinach, fresh basil, fresh parsley, black pepper, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), pine nuts, and feta cheese (if using) to the pan. Stir everything together gently until well combined and heated through.
  7. Serve: Slice the cooked chicken and arrange it on top of the orzo mixture. Garnish with extra feta if desired, and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  • You can omit pine nuts and feta cheese if you have nut allergies or prefer a dairy-free version.
  • Whole wheat orzo adds more fiber and nutrition; regular orzo can be substituted if preferred.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference or remove for a milder dish.
  • White wine can be substituted with chicken broth or water if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
  • Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://dailysimplerecipe.com/mediterranean-chicken-recipe-with-orzo-recipe/