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Mediterranean Chicken Recipe with Orzo

Mediterranean Chicken Recipe with Orzo: Quick & Flavorful Magic

This Mediterranean Chicken Recipe with Orzo combines tender chicken, juicy tomatoes, and vibrant vegetables for a quick, flavorful meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken and Orzo
  • 1.5 cups dry whole wheat orzo substitute with gluten-free orzo if necessary
  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts chicken thighs can also add more moisture
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil can substitute with avocado oil or butter
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper
For the Vegetables and Flavor
  • 0.5 tablespoon minced garlic adds depth of flavor
  • 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes or regular cubed tomatoes in a pinch
  • 0.25 cups white wine can be replaced with chicken broth or omitted
  • 2 cups chopped fresh spinach can double for extra greens
For the Garnish and Additional Flavor
  • 0.5 cups crumbled feta can swap for goat cheese or leave out for dairy-free
  • 0.5 cups diced kalamata olives or capers for a change
  • 0.25 cups pine nuts consider using walnuts or omitting for simplicity
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (basil and parsley) can use dried herbs as last resort
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano essential for authentic Mediterranean flavor
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust according to spice preference

Equipment

  • Large sauté pan
  • Pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare the Chicken: Butterfly the chicken breasts for even cooking, pound to ¼-inch thickness, and season with salt and black pepper.
  2. Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pan and cook the chicken on each side for about 5 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
  3. Cook the Garlic: In the same pan, add remaining olive oil, sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
  4. Add Tomatoes and Wine: Stir in tomatoes and pour in white wine, cooking for about 5 minutes until soft and bursting.
  5. Cook the Orzo: Boil water in a separate pot and cook orzo according to package instructions (8-10 minutes).
  6. Combine Ingredients: Add cooked orzo, olives, spinach, pine nuts, herbs, oregano, pepper, red pepper flakes, and feta to the pan, mixing carefully for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Serve the Dish: Slice chicken and serve over the orzo mixture, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

For best flavor, serve fresh. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.

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