This Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo is a colorful dish packed with flavor! Juicy chicken, tasty vegetables, and hearty orzo pasta come together for a meal that’s both fresh and filling.
You’ll love how easy it is to make! Just cook everything in one pot, so clean-up is a breeze. Perfect for a busy weeknight when you want something delicious and comforting! 🍗🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this dish, but thighs can add more flavor and tenderness. If you’re looking for a plant-based option, try tofu marinated in the same spices!
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil enhances the Mediterranean flavor. If you’re out, use avocado oil or any neutral oil, but the taste will change slightly.
Orzo: This rice-shaped pasta is a staple here. If you don’t have orzo, you can swap it for couscous or any small pasta like ditalini for a similar texture.
Kalamata Olives: These unique olives add brininess to the dish. You can substitute green olives, or if you’re not a fan of olives, simply skip them for a milder flavor.
Feta Cheese: Feta brings a creamy texture. For a dairy-free option, try using a crumbled tofu with nutritional yeast mixed in for flavor.
How Can I Cook the Chicken Perfectly Every Time?
The key to juicy, flavorful chicken is in the cooking technique. After seasoning, sear the chicken in a hot skillet. This locks in moisture and gives you a nice color. Here’s how:
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Once the oil is hot, place your chicken breasts in and let them sear. Don’t move them around too much so they can brown nicely.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Transfer to the oven for additional cooking to ensure it’s fully cooked without drying out – aim for 165°F (74°C) inside.
It’s all about that balance of heat and time! Letting the chicken rest after cooking also helps keep it juicy.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Orzo:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30-40 minutes to cook. You’ll spend some time sautéing the chicken, boiling the orzo, and bringing everything together. Enjoy this flavorful dish in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together. Then, rub this tasty mixture all over the chicken breasts to coat them well.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Next, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s hot, carefully add the chicken breasts. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and no longer pink inside.
3. Cook the Orzo:
In the same skillet you used for the chicken, pour in the broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add in your orzo pasta. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the orzo for about 8-10 minutes or until it’s al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Add Vegetables and Olives:
When the orzo is almost done cooking, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced Kalamata olives. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until the tomatoes soften a bit.
5. Finish the Dish:
Once your chicken is cooked, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it. While it’s resting, stir in the crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley into the orzo mixture to add extra flavor.
6. Serve:
To plate your dish, slice the chicken and lay it on top of the orzo. If you like, drizzle a little more olive oil on top. Serve with some lemon wedges on the side so you can squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything for a delicious added zing!
Enjoy your Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While orzo is a great choice, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or couscous. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so be sure to follow the instructions on the package for the best results.
What If I Don’t Have Kalamata Olives?
No worries! You can use any type of olives you have on hand, such as green olives or black olives. Just make sure to adjust the quantity based on your taste preference, as different olives can have varying levels of saltiness.
Can I Prep This Dish in Advance?
Definitely! You can marinate the chicken and prepare the orzo mixture a day ahead. Just remember to store each component in the fridge separately. When ready to serve, you can reheat them gently on the stove before combining the dish.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to keep the orzo moist. Enjoy your meal again!
