A vibrant dish that combines succulent chicken, tender orzo, and fresh vegetables, bringing the essence of Mediterranean summer days to your kitchen.
Author:topchoicerecipesgmail-com
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:35 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Mediterranean
Diet:Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1½ cups (280 g) orzo pasta
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 cups (90 g) fresh baby spinach
½ cup (70 g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
3 cups (700 ml) chicken broth (low-sodium)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Pat the chicken dry and season each piece with salt, pepper, and oregano.
In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sear the chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and cover on a plate.
Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet and sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Toss in the orzo pasta, stirring frequently to toast for 1–2 minutes.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 8–10 minutes until the orzo is tender.
Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, lemon zest, and juice to the skillet. Cook for another minute until the spinach wilts.
Slice the cooked chicken and return to the skillet, tossing everything together. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Consider serving with a side salad or topping with feta cheese or kalamata olives for extra flavor.