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
Scale
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
