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
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
Instructions
Cook the orzo in salted water until al dente. Drain, reserve ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
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.
Lower heat slightly, add garlic, and sauté until fragrant (30–60 seconds). Deglaze with lemon juice.
Stir in cherry tomatoes; cook until softened, about 2–3 minutes.
Add spinach and olives, stirring until spinach wilts.
Return chicken and orzo to the skillet. Toss gently, adding pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.
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