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High Protein Mediterranean Chicken Orzo

A wholesome and delicious Mediterranean-inspired dish combining tender chicken, al dente orzo pasta, and fresh ingredients, ready in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound chicken breast, diced Use boneless, skinless chicken breast.
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth Can substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup spinach Fresh spinach is preferred.
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup olives, sliced Any variety of olives can be used.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Start off by dicing the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, halving the cherry tomatoes, and slicing the olives. Rinse and chop the spinach.
Cooking
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken along with salt, pepper, and oregano. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
  2. Pour in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Add the orzo and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
  3. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer and cover the pan with a lid. Cook for 9-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  4. Stir in the cherry tomatoes, spinach, and olives, allowing them to wilt slightly in the residual heat.
  5. Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese, letting it meld into the dish.
  6. Taste and adjust with more seasoning if necessary.
  7. Plate up your High Protein Mediterranean Chicken Orzo with a sprinkle of extra feta and fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

For substitutions, feel free to swap chicken for halal turkey or chickpeas for a vegetarian version. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.