In the heart of Mediterranean cuisine lies the essence of fresh, vibrant flavors, brought to life with simple yet diverse ingredients. Today, I’m excited to share with you a dish that beautifully encapsulates the sunny Mediterranean spirit: Chicken and Orzo. This dish is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a visually appealing meal that’s sure to impress at any dining table.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breasts, sliced thin and pounded
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat orzo, dry
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 cup feta cheese (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions:
- Prepare the Orzo: Start by bringing a small pan of water to a boil. Cook the orzo according to the package directions, ensuring it’s perfectly al dente.
- Cook the Chicken: While the orzo is bubbling away, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet. Season your chicken slices with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, and sear until golden brown, approximately 5-7 minutes on each side. Once cooked, set the chicken aside, keeping it warm.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan used for the chicken, add the remaining olive oil. Add the garlic, letting it sizzle for a minute to release its fragrance. Follow with the grape tomatoes and white wine, cooking until the tomatoes are tender and the wine has reduced, which should take about 5-10 minutes.
- Combine Everything: To the pan, add the cooked orzo, kalamata olives, spinach, and spices, including the optional red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. If you’re using pine nuts, toss them in now for a lovely crunch. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Serve: Place the chicken attractively on top of the orzo mixture. If you’re a cheese lover, this is the moment to sprinkle over some feta cheese, adding a creamy, tangy contrast to the dish.
Prep and Cook Time:
- Preparation time is a breeze at just 10 minutes, with a cooking time of 25 minutes. In just 35 minutes, you’ll have a delightful meal ready to serve.
Nutritional Info:
- For those watching their intake, this recipe clocks in at 455 kcal per serving, making it a satisfying yet health-conscious option.
This Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo recipe is a testament to the beauty of combining simple ingredients to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to delight everyone at the table. The blend of juicy chicken, hearty orzo, and fresh veggies, all brought together with the warmth of Mediterranean spices, makes for a truly unforgettable meal. So, why not bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your kitchen tonight?
Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lb chicken breasts, sliced thin and pounded
1 1/2 cups whole wheat orzo, dry
1/2 tablespoon garlic, minced
1.5 cups grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
1/4 cup white wine
1 cup spinach, chopped
1/4 cup pine nuts (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 cup feta cheese (optional)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions:
Bring a small pan of water to a boil and cook orzo per package directions.
While orzo is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, if desired, and sear until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
In the same pan, add the remaining olive oil. Sauté garlic for 1 minute, then add tomatoes and white wine. Cook until tomatoes are soft and wine has reduced, about 5-10 minutes.
Stir in cooked orzo, kalamata olives, spinach, spices, and pine nuts. Combine thoroughly.
Serve with chicken on top and garnish with feta cheese.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 455 | Servings: 4