Mediterranean Chicken Orzo

Name: Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound chicken breasts (cubed); 2 cup chicken broth; 1 cup orzo; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1 cup cherry tomatoes (cut in half); 2 cup kale or spinach; 1/2 lemon (juiced)

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Our Mediterranean Chicken Orzo is a dish the whole family will request over and over again. Tender chicken breast cubes are seared in olive oil. Orzo simmers in rich chicken broth enhanced with butter, salt, and pepper. The dish is completed with tomatoes and kale or spinach for a burst of color and nutrition. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a zing that brings this dish to life.

a bowl of Mediterranean Chicken Orzo with a fork

Looking for another delicious orzo recipe? Try our Shrimp Orzo Pasta that combines feta cheese, dill, orzo, shrimp and many more flavorful ingredients into a light and refreshing dish!

Table of Contents

What is Orzo?

Orzo may not be what you think – it is actually a pasta! Orzo is shaped like a large grain of rice; however, despite its appearance, it is made from wheat flour. It can be boiled, similar to other pastas, then used in a variety of Mediterranean and Italian dishes. Since it is a small size, it is known to absorb flavors easily and is often used as a substitute for rice or other grains.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Orzo

Comforting and Hearty! Think of this recipe the next time you or your family needs a comfort food.
Highly versatile! Make our chicken orzo as written or easily adapt to feature favorite ingredients.
Easy to prep! This is a one pot meal, which also means minimal cleanup.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Olive oil – adds richness and flavor to the chicken when sautéing. Substitute with avocado oil if desired.
Chicken breasts – cube the chicken before cooking to speed up the cooking process. Keep lean by using chicken breasts or replace with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer meal.
Chicken broth – adds a depth of flavor to the orzo. Use vegetable broth if needed.
Orzo – the star of the dish that serves as the base. Can use rice or quinoa for a gluten-free alternative or cauliflower rice for a low carb version.
Butter – adds a creamy texture to the orzo.
Salt & pepper – season to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
Cherry tomatoes – highly recommend using fresh cherry or grape tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes. Sun-dried tomatoes are another option to consider.
Kale – boost the color and nutritional content of the recipe by stirring in fresh kale or spinach.
Lemon – adding the juice of a lemon adds a brightness and acidity to balance all the flavors in the recipe.

How To Make Mediterranean Chicken

STEP ONE: Cook the chicken. Add the olive oil to a large skillet or Dutch oven. Once the oil is shimmering, add the cubed chicken and cook for about 7 minutes, flipping halfway through. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of the pan to make sure you do not overcrowd the pan. Continue to cook the chicken until cooked through and no longer pink in the center then remove from the pan.

STEP TWO: Cook the orzo. After removing the chicken, add the chicken broth to the hot pan stirring to deglaze the pan. Deglazing is the process of using a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This helps to incorporate a rich flavor into the dish.

Next, add the orzo, butter, salt, and pepper. Stir then cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Check occasionally and give a quick stir to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

kale, chicken, and tomatoes added to cooked orzo

a lemon half held in front of a chicken orzo dish in a pan

STEP THREE: Add the kale and tomatoes. Add the kale, tomatoes, and cooked chicken to the orzo. Stir well. The heat from the pan should soften the kale and tomatoes to enhance their flavors. Just before serving, squeeze with lemon juice and adjust the seasoning if needed.

STEP FOUR: Serve. Serve hot or cold the next day. You can garnish with feta cheese if desired for an extra layer of flavor.

What To Serve with Mediterranean Chicken

This chicken orzo recipe is as a complete and balanced meal in that it contains lean protein, complex carbohydrates and vegetables. It is the ideal option for someone looking to make a one-pot dish without extra sides.

There are a variety of great side dishes that complement the flavors in this chicken orzo if seeking a larger spread. Consider:

Fresh or baked feta cheese: A simple dish of crumbled feta or baked feta drizzled with olive oil and topped with marinated olives is delicious.
Roasted potatoes: For an even heartier meal, consider roasted potatoes tossed in olive oil, lemon juice and rosemary for a zesty side.
Grilled or roasted vegetables: From grilled asparagus and zucchini to roasted broccoli, eggplant and carrots, boost the nutritional value of this dish.

Top 5 Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Recipe Tips

Mise en Place: This is a French term meaning “everything in place”. Before you start cooking, gather the equipment and prep the ingredients to allow for a smoother cooking process.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: One-pot recipes are great; however, ensure the pan is large enough before you start cooking. This will help cook the chicken and orzo thoroughly. Working in batches may be necessary depending on the size of crowd you are feeding.
Cook the orzo al dente: Follow the instructions on the box and make sure not to overcook the orzo. It should have a slight bite to it for the best texture.
Customize the recipe: Feel free to customize the dish by adding or substituting ingredients. You can include additional vegetables like red onion, bell peppers, or swap the chicken breasts with chicken thighs or other proteins like baked salmon or canned tuna.
Wilt the kale: Allow the kale or spinach to slightly wilt by leaving in the hot pan for 2-3 minutes. This will not only enhance the flavor and texture of the kale, but it will allow the kale to turn dark green for a burst of color.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is orzo healthy?

Yes, orzo can be a healthy addition to your diet. Pair with plenty of vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats to keep orzo balanced and packed with essential nutrients.

How can you tell when orzo is done cooking?

Check for doneness by tasting a few grains to see if it is cooked to your liking. It should be tender but also still have a slight bite (al dente).

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can make in advance then store in the fridge overnight. You will want to give it a gentle toss before serving. I find it is best to make ahead when looking to serve as a chilled entree or side, but you can also reheat and serve hot.

Storing & Reheating Mediterranean Chicken Orzo

Refrigeration: If you have leftovers or want to prepare the salad ahead of time, it’s best to store it in the refrigerator. Transfer the ingredients to an airtight container or cover a bowl tightly with plastic wrap.
Timing: The Mediterranean chicken orzo can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. After this time, the quality and freshness may start to decline.
Reheating: You can serve leftovers chilled or hot. To reheat, add back to a pot on the stove or warm in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally.