Description
This Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Bowl is the kind of meal that makes healthy eating feel easy, colorful, and genuinely satisfying. Juicy seasoned chicken, tender orzo, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, olives, lemon, and herbs come together in one vibrant bowl that works beautifully for a quick breakfast-for-later meal prep, an easy dinner, healthy snack leftovers, and everyday food ideas when you want something fresh but still comforting. It is a simple Mediterranean-inspired recipe packed with bright flavor, balanced ingredients, and easy dinner ideas you will want to keep on repeat.
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup dry orzo
1 medium zucchini diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
1/2 small red onion diced
1/3 cup kalamata olives sliced
3 cloves garlic minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
1/3 cup feta cheese crumbled
Instructions
1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo until tender. Drain and set aside.
2. Season the chicken breasts with oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper on both sides.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add the chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.
5. Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
6. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil.
7. Add the red onion and zucchini and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly softened.
8. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
9. Add the cherry tomatoes and olives and cook for 2 minutes.
10. Add the cooked orzo to the skillet and pour in the lemon juice.
11. Toss everything together until well combined and warmed through.
12. Return the sliced chicken to the skillet or place it over the orzo mixture in serving bowls.
13. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and feta cheese before serving.
Notes
Do not overcook the orzo or it can turn soft and clumpy once mixed with the warm vegetables and lemon juice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 78mg