Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo Recipe
If you’re craving a meal that bursts with sunshine flavors and comforting textures, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo Recipe. It’s a vibrant, satisfying dish where tender, golden chicken breasts meet the nutty, slightly chewy orzo pasta, all enlivened by zesty lemon and fragrant herbs. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and authenticity, bringing a touch of the Mediterranean right to your dining table in just half an hour. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this dish is sure to become one of your favorites.

Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo Recipe so delightful are the thoughtfully simple ingredients that work together harmoniously. Each one plays a crucial role—adding layers of taste, texture, and color that transform this dish into something truly special.
- 4 chicken breasts: The star protein that becomes juicy and flavorful with a spice rub and pan-searing.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps develop a beautiful golden crust on the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a subtle, savory kick that’s essential in Mediterranean cooking.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Infuses herbal warmth and authenticity.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds smoky depth and vibrant color.
- 1 cup orzo pasta: Provides a tender, rice-like base that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- 2 cups chicken broth: The cooking liquid that ensures the orzo is perfectly cooked and flavorful.
- Juice of 1 lemon: Brings brightness and a fresh tang that lifts the whole dish.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a pop of green freshness and aroma right before serving.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat so it’s nice and hot. While it’s warming, generously season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. This spice blend builds a robust flavor foundation that will make each bite sing.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side until the exterior is gorgeously golden and the interior cooked through. You want the crust to be crisp but the inside juicy and tender. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside—this lets you focus on making the orzo without rushing.
Step 3: Simmer the Orzo in Broth
In the same skillet (don’t clean it, the flavorful bits left behind contribute so much!), add the orzo pasta and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and let the orzo cook for 10 to 12 minutes until it’s tender and all the liquid is absorbed. This step lets the orzo soak up savory richness.
Step 4: Add Lemon Juice and Fresh Parsley
Once the orzo has cooked through, stir in the juice of one fresh lemon and the chopped parsley. These fresh ingredients brighten the entire dish and add a lovely herbal lift that you’ll find irresistible.
Step 5: Plate and Serve
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet or plate them on top of the orzo. Add an extra sprinkle of parsley for that finishing touch of color and flavor. Now it’s ready to enjoy—simple, flavorful, and simply delicious.
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo Recipe

Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is a classic and beautiful garnish that instantly adds freshness and vibrancy to your Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo Recipe. You can also add thin lemon slices or a drizzle of good quality olive oil to enhance the presentation and flavor even further.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp, fresh salad like a Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives. Roasted vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers also make an ideal side to round out the meal with more Mediterranean flair.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the chicken sliced over the orzo in a wide shallow bowl, garnished with parsley and lemon zest. Alternatively, stuff the cooked chicken breasts with spinach and feta before cooking to add a delicious surprise element. This recipe is versatile enough to inspire your culinary creativity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more, making for a quick and delicious next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
If you want to save this meal for longer, freeze the cooked chicken and orzo separately in sealed freezer bags or containers. This will help maintain texture and flavor. Both components can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and orzo in a skillet over low heat or microwave them, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the orzo moist. Be careful not to overheat the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! While orzo is traditional and offers a lovely texture, small pasta shapes like couscous or even tiny shells work nicely in this recipe. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Definitely. Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo Recipe reheats very well and stays flavorful, making it a perfect candidate for meal prep. Just store components separately if you can to keep textures fresh.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
While the chicken is the highlight, you can swap it out for chickpeas or roasted vegetables to create a flavorful vegetarian version that still celebrates the bright Mediterranean flavors.
What kind of lemon should I use for juicing?
Fresh lemons are best for their bright acidity and aroma. If lemons are out of season, bottled lemon juice can be substituted, but fresh is always better.
Can I add cheese to the dish?
Yes! Crumbled feta or shaved Parmesan sprinkled over the finished dish adds a wonderful creamy and tangy dimension that complements the Mediterranean profile beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo Recipe is a shining example of how a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. It’s tasty, wholesome, and so easy to make that it’s perfect for busy days or when you want to impress without stress. I can’t wait for you to try it and to hear how much you love it!
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Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Delicious Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender, seasoned chicken breasts with perfectly cooked orzo pasta infused with chicken broth and fresh lemon juice. Ideal for a weeknight dinner, it brings vibrant Mediterranean flavors to your table in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Orzo
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil is warming, season the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper for a flavorful crust.
- Cook the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown exterior and are cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Prepare the orzo: In the same skillet with the flavorful drippings, add the orzo pasta and pour in the chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the liquid has been fully absorbed.
- Finish the orzo: Stir the freshly squeezed lemon juice and chopped parsley into the cooked orzo until well combined, infusing it with bright, fresh flavors.
- Serve: Plate the orzo mixture first, then top with the cooked chicken breasts. Garnish with additional fresh parsley for an extra pop of color and freshness before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasoning mix for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes to the orzo during cooking for added nutrition.
- Leftover chicken and orzo can be refrigerated and enjoyed within 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean