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Flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Orzo

This one-pan Mediterranean Chicken Orzo is creamy, delicious, and perfect for an easy dinner that the whole family will love.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1.5 cups orzo pasta
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 0.5 cups sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 unit Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 3 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Pat the chicken dry and season it with salt, pepper, and oregano.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes on each side until golden brown and thoroughly cooked. Remove it to a plate and cover.

Cooking

  • In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Sauté the garlic for 30 seconds, just until it smells divine.
  • Toss in the orzo and toast it for 1–2 minutes.
  • Pour in the chicken broth, bring it to a simmer, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender.
  • Now stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Cook for 1 minute more, just until the spinach wilts.
  • Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the pan. Toss everything together, adjust seasoning, and garnish with friendly sprigs of parsley. Serve warm!

Notes

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for about 3–4 days. You can freeze the dish for up to 2 months. Reheat in a pan or the microwave.
Keyword chicken orzo, Easy Dinner Recipe, Family-Friendly Dinner, Mediterranean chicken, one-pan meal