Description
Flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Orzo is a vibrant one-skillet meal made with juicy chicken thighs, lemony orzo, fresh veggies, and classic Mediterranean flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a refreshing dinner. Try this healthy chicken orzo recipe packed with bold flavor, protein, and fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
1½ cups orzo pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 lemon, zested and juiced
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups chicken broth or water
Instructions
1. In a bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and marinate for 20 minutes or overnight.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add remaining olive oil and sear marinated chicken for 5 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove and rest.
3. In the same skillet, add orzo and toast lightly for 1–2 minutes. Pour in broth or water and simmer until orzo is tender and liquid is absorbed.
4. While orzo cooks, prepare the vegetables—chop cucumber, halve cherry tomatoes, slice red onion, and chop parsley.
5. Slice cooked chicken and return to the pan. Add tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, and parsley. Stir gently to combine.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm or chilled with optional crumbled feta.
Notes
Let the orzo absorb all the chicken juices for maximum flavor.
For extra zing, drizzle with lemon vinaigrette before serving.
Works great with leftover grilled chicken or rotisserie.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: One-Skillet
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 95mg