Description
Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo is a vibrant, one-pan meal that brings the sunny flavors of the Mediterranean to your table in just 40 minutes. This dish combines juicy, seasoned chicken with tender whole wheat orzo and a medley of fresh vegetables like spinach and cherry tomatoes. Enhanced with garlic, olives, and aromatic herbs, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Serve it warm as a hearty dinner or chilled as a refreshing salad—it’s versatile enough to please everyone at the table!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat orzo
- 2 cups grape tomatoes
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 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 (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper; cook for about 10 minutes until golden brown. Remove from pan.
- Boil orzo according to package directions; drain.
- In the same pan, sauté minced garlic for 1 minute; add tomatoes and white wine, cooking until soft.
- Stir in cooked orzo, olives, spinach, and herbs; combine well.
- Slice chicken and serve on top of the orzo mix.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 300g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Feel free to customize by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Toast pine nuts before adding for an extra crunch.