High Protein Mediterranean Chicken Orzo

If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen at 6:30 p.m. staring at a pack of chicken breasts and thought, “Ugh, what now?”—this High Protein Mediterranean Chicken Orzo is your new best friend. It’s quick, packed with flavor, and (bonus!) you’ll only dirty one skillet. That means more time enjoying dinner and less time battling your sink full of dishes.

This recipe is everything you want on a weeknight: hearty enough to satisfy hungry bellies, light enough not to weigh you down, and brimming with the sunny flavors of the Mediterranean. Think juicy chicken, tangy feta, briny olives, sweet cherry tomatoes, and a bright kiss of lemon—all cozied up with tender orzo pasta.

Why You’ll Love This High Protein Mediterranean Chicken Orzo

• Protein-packed & satisfying: Chicken breast plus feta make this meal as filling as it is flavorful.
• Mediterranean flair: With oregano, basil, olives, and lemon, every bite tastes like a summer holiday.
• One-skillet magic: Because let’s be real, nobody wants to juggle three pots after a long day.
• Balanced & family-friendly: Even picky eaters will find something to love here (hint: cherry tomatoes become little flavor bombs!).

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the colorful cast of characters that make this dish shine:

• Orzo pasta – tiny rice-shaped pasta that soaks up all the goodness.
• Olive oil – the Mediterranean’s liquid gold.
• Chicken breasts – lean, juicy, and packed with protein.
• Salt & black pepper – simple seasonings that do heavy lifting.
• Dried oregano & dried basil – warm, herby staples of Greek-inspired cooking.
• Lemon juice – the zesty wake-up call every skillet meal needs.
• Garlic – because when has garlic ever let us down?
• Cherry tomatoes – sweet, juicy pops of sunshine.
• Baby spinach – tender greens that sneak in extra nutrients.
• Black olives – briny bites that balance the richness.
• Feta cheese – creamy, tangy, and the perfect finishing touch.
• Fresh parsley – for that fresh, green sparkle at the end.

How to Make High Protein Mediterranean Chicken Orzo

Ready to turn simple ingredients into weeknight gold? Here’s a longer, ultra-clear walkthrough—with sensory cues and tiny chef-y tricks—so your High Protein Mediterranean Chicken Orzo comes out bright, saucy, and perfectly tender every time.

1. Boil the Orzo (a.k.a. flavor sponge time).
   Bring a generously salted pot of water to a rolling boil (think ocean-salty). Add the orzo and cook until al dente—tender with a tiny bite. Scoop out a cup of starchy pasta water before draining (trust me, it’s liquid insurance for silky texture later). Drain and toss the orzo with a drizzle of olive oil so the grains stay separate and happy.
2. Preheat the Skillet for a Real Sear.
   Heat a large, wide skillet over medium-high until a drop of water fizzles on contact. Add olive oil and let it shimmer. If the oil smokes, it’s too hot—pull it off the heat for a few seconds.
3. Season the Chicken with Intention.
   In a bowl, toss bite-size chicken breast pieces with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil. This early seasoning means the chicken is flavorful all the way through, not just on the surface.
4. Sear, Don’t Steam.
   Spread the chicken in a single layer—no pileups. Let it cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes to build that golden crust, then flip and continue 3–4 minutes until just cooked through. Remove to a plate; tent loosely with foil. (Keeping it out for a minute prevents overcooking and keeps things juicy.)
5. Build Brightness: Lemon + Garlic.
   Lower heat slightly. If the pan looks dry, add a whisper of olive oil. Stir in minced garlic for 30–60 seconds until fragrant (lightly golden, not brown). Immediately splash in fresh lemon juice and use a wooden spoon to scrape up those tasty browned bits (deglazing = flavor fireworks).
6. Tomatoes for Juicy Pops.
   Add halved cherry tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Cook 2–3 minutes until they soften and release some juices—think saucy but not soupy. If the pan feels tight, swirl in a splash of the reserved pasta water to keep things glossy.
7. Spinach + Olives = Mediterranean Magic.
   Drop in baby spinach and sliced black olives. Toss gently just until the spinach wilts. You’re building layers here: garlicky-lemony base, sweet tomatoes, briny olives, tender greens. It should smell like vacation.
8. Reunite with Orzo + Chicken.
   Add the cooked orzo back to the skillet along with the chicken (and any juices on the plate—liquid gold!). Toss everything together over low heat. Add small splashes of reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky, clingy sauce that coats every grain of orzo.
9. Finish with Feta + Parsley.
   Pull off the heat. Crumble in feta so it softens but keeps little creamy nuggets. Shower with chopped fresh parsley for a clean, herbaceous finish. Taste and adjust: a pinch of salt, a crack of pepper, or an extra spritz of lemon if you love that bright pop.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overcrowd the chicken in the skillet—give those little cubes room to get golden.
• If you’re short on time, buy pre-cooked orzo. Just toss it in at step 7.
• Want it creamier? Stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt before adding the feta.
• Leftover tip: This reheats beautifully in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth or water.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

The first time I made this dish, I served it at a Sunday dinner with my family. My kids spotted the spinach and made that face (you know the one). But the orzo and chicken won them over, and by the end, even the greens had disappeared from their plates. This has officially become my “I don’t feel like negotiating with picky eaters” dinner.

FAQs About High Protein Mediterranean Chicken Orzo

Bringing It All Together

This High Protein Mediterranean Chicken Orzo is proof that healthy dinners don’t have to be bland or complicated. It’s bright, flavorful, filling, and ready in about 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even meal prep for the week ahead.

So the next time you’re stuck staring at plain chicken breasts, remember—you can turn them into a Mediterranean masterpiece with just a skillet, some pantry staples, and a sprinkle of feta magic.

More Recipes You’ll Love

If this High Protein Mediterranean Chicken Orzo won your heart (and your dinner table), here are some other delicious recipes you might want to explore next:

• For another bright and hearty skillet dish, try this Mediterranean chicken skillet that’s just as easy and flavorful.
• If orzo is your love language, you’ll adore this creamy lemon-feta orzo with roasted shrimp that brings a fresh seafood twist.
• Looking for a family favorite with comforting vibes? This chicken wild rice casserole is a cozy, protein-packed option.
• And when you want a quick, Greek-inspired dinner, these Mediterranean chicken tacos deliver sunshine flavors in every bite.

High Protein Mediterranean Chicken Orzo

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• Author: Aneta
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This High Protein Mediterranean Chicken Orzo is a one-skillet wonder loaded with juicy chicken, cherry tomatoes, spinach, olives, and tangy feta. Quick, healthy, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner that’s satisfying yet light.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup orzo pasta

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried basil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 2 cups baby spinach leaves

• ½ cup black olives, sliced

• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Cook the orzo in salted water until al dente. Drain, reserve ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

3. Season chicken with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Add to the skillet in a single layer and cook 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

4. Lower heat slightly, add garlic, and sauté until fragrant (30–60 seconds). Deglaze with lemon juice.

5. Stir in cherry tomatoes; cook until softened, about 2–3 minutes.

6. Add spinach and olives, stirring until spinach wilts.

7. Return chicken and orzo to the skillet. Toss gently, adding pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.

8. Remove from heat, sprinkle with feta and parsley, and serve warm with extra lemon wedges.

Notes

For extra creaminess and protein, stir in 2 tbsp Greek yogurt off the heat.
Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs if you prefer richer flavor.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days—just reheat with a splash of broth or water.
Great for meal prep: pack into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Main Course
• Method: One-Pan / Skillet
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 425 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg