Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Skillet
A bright and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, and a medley of Mediterranean spices.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450kcal
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Tender, juicy chicken that serves as the star of the dish.
- 1 cup orzo pasta This rice-shaped pasta adds texture and absorbs the rich flavors beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil High-quality olive oil enhances the dish with its fruity undertone.
- 1 cup onion, chopped Sweet and aromatic, this builds the foundation of flavors.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Adds depth and warmth to the dish.
- 1 piece red bell pepper, diced Sweet and slightly crunchy, bringing a splash of color.
- 1 piece zucchini, diced Adds freshness and nutritional value.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved Their juiciness amplifies the dish’s flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano Provides that quintessential Mediterranean touch.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil Fresh, herbaceous notes that lift the dish.
- to taste Salt and black pepper Essential for bringing out the flavors of the ingredients.
- 2 cups chicken broth Deepens the flavor and cooks the orzo to perfection.
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese Offers a salty, tangy kick that complements the dish.
- for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped A bright finish that adds a refreshing touch.
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook each side for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion turns translucent.
- Add the diced red bell pepper and zucchini. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 1-2 minutes to slightly toast it. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover, allowing it to simmer for about 10-12 minutes.
- While the orzo is cooking, slice the cooked chicken into strips.
- Once the orzo is ready, gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced chicken. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley.
Serving
- Serve the Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Skillet warm in bowls, garnished with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Notes
To enhance flavors, consider marinating the chicken before cooking. For a vegetarian twist, substitute chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth.