One-Pot Healthy Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo Recipe
This One-Pot Healthy Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo is a delicious flavorful and easy-to-make dish that brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your table. The combination of juicy chicken tender orzo fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs creates a satisfying balanced meal in one pot. It’s perfect for busy weeknights meal prepping or impressing guests with minimal effort!
Total Time:
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Salt and pepper to taste
1 onion diced
2 garlic cloves minced
1 red bell pepper chopped
1 zucchini chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
1 cup orzo pasta
1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions:
Season and Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for about 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the red bell pepper zucchini and cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
Cook Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the pan and stir to combine with the vegetables. Sprinkle in the oregano basil and paprika. Pour in the chicken broth and stir well. Bring to a simmer then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the orzo is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Combine Chicken and Orzo: Once the orzo is cooked nestle the seared chicken back into the pan spooning some of the orzo and vegetables over the top. Cover and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm the chicken through.
Finishing Touches: Remove from heat. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish sprinkle with fresh parsley and crumbled feta if desired for an extra burst of flavor.
Serve: Serve the Mediterranean chicken with orzo hot with a side of extra lemon wedges if you like.
Tips for Success:
Chicken Alternatives: You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor and moisture. Bone-in chicken works too but you’ll need to adjust cooking times.
Customize the Veggies: Feel free to swap or add other Mediterranean veggies like olives artichokes or spinach. Adding fresh spinach in the last few minutes of cooking gives the dish extra nutrients and color.
Broth Choice: For an even deeper flavor use homemade chicken broth or add a splash of white wine to the broth before simmering.
Make It Low-Carb: Swap the orzo for cauliflower rice for a low-carb gluten-free version of this recipe. Just be mindful of the cooking times since cauliflower rice cooks quickly.
One-Pot Tip: If your skillet or Dutch oven isn’t large enough use a large saucepan or consider cooking the chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding. You want everything to cook evenly.
Meal Prep: This dish stores well for leftovers. Keep the chicken and orzo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.
In conclusion this One Pot Healthy Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo recipe is a flavorful and convenient meal that combines tender chicken nutrient-packed vegetables and satisfying orzo pasta. The dish is quick to prepare requiring minimal clean-up thanks to the one-pot method. With vibrant Mediterranean flavors from ingredients like olives, tomatoes and feta cheese it offers a wholesome and balanced meal that’s both delicious and nourishing. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or meal prep providing a satisfying heart-healthy dish the whole family will enjoy!
Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 4 servings):
Calories: ~380
Protein: ~30g
Fat: ~18g
Carbohydrates: ~30g
Fiber: ~3g
Sugar: ~4g
Sodium: ~450mg
Cholesterol: ~75mg
This Mediterranean-inspired chicken and orzo is easy healthy and full of vibrant flavors—perfect for a wholesome dinner any day of the week!