Mediterranean Honey Garlic Chicken Orzo with Roasted Tomatoes
This Mediterranean Honey Garlic Chicken Orzo with Roasted Tomatoes brings together sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in one satisfying skillet meal. Juicy bites of chicken are glazed with a honey-garlic sauce, tossed with tender orzo, and balanced by slow-roasted cherry tomatoes that burst with flavor. It’s simple, comforting, and full of Mediterranean brightness — perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 3–4
Ingredients
2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups cherry tomatoes
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp olive oil
1½ tbsp honey
1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
Instructions
Roast the tomatoes:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cherry tomatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking tray. Roast for 15–20 minutes, until soft and slightly blistered.
Cook the orzo:
In a pot of salted boiling water, cook orzo according to package directions until al dente. Drain, toss with a drizzle of olive oil, and set aside.
Cook the chicken:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the honey garlic sauce:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir in honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, and oregano. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Combine everything:
Return the chicken to the skillet, add cooked orzo, and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Gently fold in the roasted tomatoes and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve warm.
Tips
Roast the tomatoes right: Let them caramelize slightly for the best flavor. The edges should blister and the juices should thicken — that’s where the sweetness comes from.
Don’t overcook the orzo: Since it continues to absorb sauce after mixing, slightly undercook it to keep a pleasant texture.
Balance the sauce: Taste and adjust — add a splash more lemon juice for tang or a drizzle more honey for sweetness.
Use the same pan: Cooking the sauce and chicken in the same skillet adds flavor depth from the browned bits (fond) at the bottom.
Toss gently: When combining the orzo and roasted tomatoes, fold carefully so the tomatoes don’t burst too much.
Finish with olive oil: A final drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the Mediterranean flavor.
Variations
Add greens: Stir in baby spinach or kale at the end for extra color and nutrients.
Try a creamy version: Mix in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a splash of cream to make it saucier.
Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add chickpeas or white beans instead for a hearty meat-free version.
Use other proteins: Shrimp, turkey, or tofu all work nicely with the honey-garlic glaze.
Spice it up: Add chili flakes or a pinch of smoked paprika for gentle heat.
Swap the orzo: Substitute quinoa, couscous, or even brown rice for a different texture.
Add cheese: Top with crumbled feta or shaved Parmesan for richness.
Q&A
Q: Can I use another pasta instead of orzo?
A: Yes. Small pastas like ditalini, couscous, or even short-grain rice work well. Just adjust cooking time and liquid as needed.
Q: How can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: You can roast the tomatoes and cook the orzo and chicken a day in advance. Store each separately in the fridge, then reheat and combine with the sauce before serving.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can dry out the orzo.
Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Yes. Just use gluten-free orzo or substitute cooked quinoa or rice. Also make sure to use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Q: What pairs well with this dish?
A: Serve it with a crisp side salad, roasted vegetables, or a slice of warm pita bread. A light yogurt or tzatziki sauce also complements it nicely.
Nutrition
(per serving)
(Approximate, for 4 servings)
Calories: 410
Protein: 28 g
Fat: 14 g
Carbohydrates: 42 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 9 g
Sodium: 480 mg
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Honey Garlic Chicken Orzo with Roasted Tomatoes is comfort food with a sunny, balanced twist. The honey-garlic glaze adds a perfect mix of sweetness and savor, the roasted tomatoes bring freshness, and the orzo ties it all together. It’s colorful, flavorful, and easy to make in under 40 minutes — the kind of dish that looks impressive but feels effortless. Ideal for weeknights, meal prep, or whenever you need a wholesome dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste.