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Mediterranean Chicken Recipe with Orzo

Mediterranean chicken with orzo is an easy 40-minute dinner.It combines tender chicken, tomatoes, spinach, feta, olives and herbs.Chicken broth and lemon create a flavorful alcohol-free sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean-inspired

Ingredients
  

Chicken

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil divided
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Mediterranean Orzo

  • 1 1/2 cups dry whole wheat orzo about 10 ounces
  • 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • 3 tablespoons chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cups fresh spinach chopped
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives pitted and diced
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions
 

  • Butterfly each chicken breast by carefully slicing it horizontally, opening it like a book.
  • Place the chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of approximately 1/4 inch.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Season the chicken with salt and black pepper. Add it to the hot skillet and cook for approximately 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate and allow it to rest.
  • Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the whole wheat orzo according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • Keep the flavorful browned bits in the chicken skillet. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and reduce the heat to medium.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30–60 seconds, stirring frequently.
  • Stir in the cherry tomatoes, chicken broth, and lemon juice. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, until the tomatoes soften and begin releasing their juices.
  • Add the cooked orzo, spinach, Kalamata olives, pine nuts, basil, parsley, oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  • Stir gently over medium-low heat until everything is combined and the spinach has wilted.
  • Fold in the crumbled feta and remove the skillet from the heat.
  • Slice the rested chicken and arrange it over the orzo.
  • Serve the Mediterranean Chicken Recipe warm with extra fresh herbs or lemon, if desired.

Notes

Regular orzo can replace whole wheat orzo without changing the basic preparation method.
If pine nuts are unavailable, chopped almonds can provide a similar crunchy element.
For additional vegetables, try adding chopped zucchini, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers.