This Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo is a vibrant, healthy, and flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and a delicious orzo base. Infused with garlic, lemon, and fresh parsley, it’s the perfect dinner for a satisfying meal that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Mediterranean-inspired dish is the perfect balance of savory, zesty, and fresh. The chicken is seasoned with classic Mediterranean spices like oregano, paprika, and garlic, while the orzo absorbs the rich flavors of chicken broth and lemon juice. It’s a quick, weeknight-friendly meal that feels special, yet simple enough for any night of the week. Plus, it’s packed with lean protein and healthy ingredients to fuel your body.
Ingredients
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4 chicken breasts
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 cup orzo pasta
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2 cups chicken broth
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Juice of 1 lemon
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1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the orzo and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
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Stir in the lemon juice and fresh parsley into the orzo, combining well.
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Serve the chicken on top of the orzo, garnished with extra parsley for a burst of freshness.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4 servings
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cooking time: 20 minutes
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Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant for a Mediterranean vegetarian dish.
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Add Feta: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top for a tangy twist.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken or orzo for a little heat.
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Grilled Chicken: For added flavor, grill the chicken instead of cooking it in the skillet.
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Add Olives: Stir in a handful of Kalamata olives for a briny, Mediterranean touch.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to keep the orzo moist.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe! Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
2. Can I use another type of pasta instead of orzo?
Yes! If you don’t have orzo, you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like couscous, quinoa, or rice for a different texture.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and orzo separately and store them in the fridge. Reheat before serving.
4. Can I use homemade chicken broth?
Absolutely! Homemade chicken broth will give the dish an even richer flavor, but store-bought broth works just as well.
5. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta like rice or quinoa instead of orzo to make it gluten-free.
6. What can I serve with this dish?
This dish is great on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a more complete meal.
7. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! The chicken and orzo can be frozen separately. Just make sure to store in airtight containers and reheat when ready to serve.
8. Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, you can add any Mediterranean veggies you like, such as tomatoes, spinach, or artichoke hearts. Simply sauté them with the chicken or mix them into the orzo.
9. Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Yes, you can swap the parsley for grated Parmesan or use mozzarella for a gooey, cheesy version.
10. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, fresh herbs like oregano or thyme can be used in place of dried herbs. Just double the amount since fresh herbs are less concentrated.
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo is a quick, flavorful, and healthy dinner option that will satisfy your cravings for something both comforting and nutritious. With tender chicken, a zesty orzo base, and fresh herbs, it’s the perfect balance of flavors for a weeknight meal or special dinner. Plus, it’s so simple to make and can be customized to suit your tastes. Enjoy this vibrant dish that’s full of Mediterranean flair!
Print
Delicious Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo
Enjoy a vibrant, healthy, and flavorful dinner with this Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo! Tender chicken breasts are seasoned with aromatic Mediterranean spices like oregano and paprika, paired with a zesty orzo base cooked in chicken broth, lemon juice, and fresh parsley. Quick to make and packed with nutrients, this dish offers a perfect balance of savory, zesty, and fresh flavors, making it ideal for a weeknight meal or special occasion.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
4 chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups chicken broth
Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the orzo and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
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Stir in the lemon juice and fresh parsley into the orzo, combining well.
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Serve the chicken on top of the orzo, garnished with extra parsley for a burst of freshness.
Notes
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For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant.
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Add a sprinkle of feta cheese for a tangy Mediterranean twist.
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For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the chicken or orzo.
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Grill the chicken for extra flavor and a smoky finish.
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Olives are a great addition—stir in Kalamata olives for a briny touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Mediterranean, Healthy Meals
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
