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.
Ingredients
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1 cup orzo pasta
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp dried oregano
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1 tsp dried basil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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2 cups baby spinach leaves
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½ cup black olives, sliced
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½ cup crumbled feta cheese
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
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Cook the orzo in salted water until al dente. Drain, reserve ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
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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.
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Lower heat slightly, add garlic, and sauté until fragrant (30–60 seconds). Deglaze with lemon juice.
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Stir in cherry tomatoes; cook until softened, about 2–3 minutes.
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Add spinach and olives, stirring until spinach wilts.
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Return chicken and orzo to the skillet. Toss gently, adding pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.
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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