Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Recipe

a bowl of Mediterranean Chicken Orzo with a fork

5 from 1 vote

Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Recipe

Our Mediterranean Chicken Orzo is a dish the whole family will request over and over. Tender chicken breast cubes are seared in olive oil. Orzo simmers in rich chicken broth enhanced with butter, salt, and pepper. The dish is finished 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.

Prep Time5

Cook Time25

Total Time30

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keyword: Mediterranean Chicken Orzo

Servings:

Calories: 410kcal

Equipment

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

Instructions

Cook the chicken. Add the olive oil to a large skillet or dutch oven. Add the cubed chicken and cook for about 7 minutes flipping halfway through. Remove from the pan.
Cook the orzo. Add the chicken broth to the hot pan stirring to deglaze the pan. Add the orzo, butter, salt, and pepper. Stir then cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
Add the kale and tomatoes. Add the kale, tomatoes, and chicken to the orzo. Stir well. Squeeze with lemon juice, abd stir.
Serve. Serve hot or cold the next day.

Video

Notes

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.

Nutrition