A delightful Mediterranean dish featuring succulent chicken, hearty orzo pasta, and bright greens, perfect for any occasion.
Author:topchoicerecipesgmail-com
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Sautéing
Cuisine:Mediterranean
Diet:Gluten-Free Option Available
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) low-sodium chicken broth
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 it generously with salt, pepper, and oregano.
In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes on each side until it’s golden and fully cooked. Transfer the chicken to a plate, covering it to keep warm.
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet, and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant.
Add the orzo to the skillet and toast it for 1–2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, bring it to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Cook for another minute until the spinach wilts.
Slice the chicken, return it to the pan, and toss everything together gently.
Adjust the seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for chickpeas or tofu. Great served with crusty bread or arugula salad.