Description
High Protein Mediterranean Chicken Orzo is a vibrant and satisfying dish that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your table. This one-pan meal combines tender chicken, al dente orzo pasta, and fresh vegetables, all tossed in a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, offering a nutritious boost while being incredibly easy to prepare. Serve it warm for a delightful experience that will transport you to sun-soaked shores.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the orzo: Boil salted water in a large pot, add orzo pasta, and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and oregano. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through; remove from pan.
- Add garlic and vegetables: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine ingredients: Return the chicken to the skillet with the drained orzo and fresh spinach. Stir gently until spinach wilts but remains bright green.
- Finish the dish: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the mixture and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top. Toss well before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 90mg