High Protein Mediterranean Chicken Orzo (Printable Format)
Mediterranean flavors with chicken and orzo for a balanced, protein-rich meal in under 30 minutes.
# Needed Ingredients:
→ Pasta and Grains
01 -
1 cup orzo pasta
→ Proteins
02 -
1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
→ Oils and Fats
03 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
→ Seasonings and Aromatics
04 -
1 teaspoon salt
05 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
06 -
1 teaspoon dried oregano
07 -
1 teaspoon dried basil
08 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Produce
09 -
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
10 -
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
11 -
2 cups baby spinach leaves
12 -
1/2 cup black olives, sliced
13 -
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
→ Cheese
14 -
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
# Preparation Steps:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, and set orzo aside.
02 -
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil. Add chicken to skillet in a single layer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
03 -
Lower skillet heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, 30 to 60 seconds. Deglaze the pan with freshly squeezed lemon juice, scraping to lift browned bits.
04 -
Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 2 to 3 minutes.
05 -
Add baby spinach leaves and sliced black olives to the skillet. Stir until spinach is wilted and incorporated.
06 -
Return cooked chicken and orzo to the skillet. Toss gently, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until a silky sauce develops. Mix until evenly heated through.
07 -
Remove skillet from heat. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the top. Serve warm with additional lemon wedges if desired.
# Supplementary Details:
01 -
Reserve a portion of the pasta cooking water to achieve a smooth sauce consistency when combining the orzo and chicken.