Name: Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced thin + pounded); 1/8 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; 1 1/2 cup whole wheat orzo (9.5 oz); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 tablespoon garlic (minced); 2 cups grape tomatoes (halved); 1/4 cup white wine; 1/2 cup kalamata olives (pitted + sliced into small pieces); 2 cups spinach (chopped); 1/4 cup pine nuts ((optional if nut free)); 1 tablespoon fresh basil (chopped); 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Jump to Recipe

This Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo is the kind of meal that brings a burst of sunshine to your dinner table. Juicy, tender chicken pairs perfectly with orzo pasta, a vibrant tumble of tomatoes, briny olives, fresh herbs, and a touch of feta, making every bite bright, fresh, and deeply satisfying. The ingredients are Mediterranean classics, and the whole dish comes together in under an hour. Perfect for impressing company or indulging yourself with a nourishing bowl that truly delivers on taste and cheerful color, Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo deserves a spot in your regular dinner rotation!

Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo lies in the simplicity of its ingredients, each one thoughtfully selected to bring its own flavor, color, or texture to the party. A bit of fresh herb brightness, bold olives, and creamy cheese pull everything together, so don’t skip these stars!

Olive oil: Essential for searing the chicken beautifully and giving a light, fruity base to the whole dish.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Sliced thin and pounded flat, they cook up juicy and fast.
Salt and black pepper: The foundation for perfectly seasoned tender chicken.
Whole wheat orzo: Tiny pasta with a nutty depth and a great toothsome texture.
Garlic: Adds a subtle aromatic punch; freshly minced is best here!
Grape tomatoes: These burst into sweet, juicy pops as they cook down.
White wine: Lends acidity and complexity to the sauce; use something you’d also enjoy sipping.
Kalamata olives: Bring that signature briny kick and color contrast.
Spinach: Chopped spinach adds color, nutrients, and a silky texture.
Pine nuts (optional): Toasty crunch and a buttery flavor—skip if nut allergies are a concern.
Fresh basil and parsley: These fresh herbs brighten up every bite and make things taste garden-fresh.
Dried oregano and red pepper flakes (optional): For a pop of earthiness and a pinch of gentle heat, if you like.
Feta (optional): Crumbled feta adds creamy saltiness and those irresistible Mediterranean notes.

How to Make Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering—this helps guarantee a golden crust. Season your sliced, pounded chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot pan. Cook them for five minutes on each side so they turn deliciously golden and juicy. The aroma alone will make your kitchen smell amazing. Once done, move them to a clean plate but make sure to keep all those flavorful little browned bits (and the oil) in the pan, because they are pure flavor gold for the next steps.

Step 2: Cook the Orzo

While your chicken is sizzling, bring a small pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the whole wheat orzo and cook it according to the package directions until it’s al dente—don’t overcook, because you want it to soak up some flavor later in the pan. Drain it well and set aside. This multitasking keeps things moving smoothly and dinner on the table faster.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Return to your sauté pan and drizzle in another tablespoon of olive oil. Warm it up over medium heat, then toss in the minced garlic. Let it sizzle for about a minute until just fragrant (be careful not to let it burn). Immediately follow with the halved grape tomatoes and a generous splash of white wine. As the tomatoes soften and the wine reduces over five minutes, you’ll see the beginnings of a saucy, flavorful base that dreams are made of—this is what makes Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo so craveworthy.

Step 4: Toss It All Together

Now the fun part: pile the cooked orzo into the skillet, followed by chopped kalamata olives, spinach, basil, parsley, oregano, and (if using) those buttery pine nuts. Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes for a whisper of heat, and stir gently to combine, letting the spinach wilt and everything meld together. Finally, crumble in some feta for that last savory flourish! The mixture should look gloriously colorful—the signature look of Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo at its best.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Slice your cooked chicken breasts into strips and nestle them over the top of the orzo mixture. Finish with a shower of extra feta and a few torn fresh herbs for a restaurant-worthy touch. Serve hot, and get ready for compliments to come your way!

How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo

Garnishes

Bring this Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo to life with a final sprinkle of fresh basil, parsley, and a little extra feta before serving. A handful of toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of your best extra-virgin olive oil can take things up another notch in both texture and taste.

Side Dishes

This bright, flavorful dish pairs beautifully with a crisp Greek salad, lemony roasted potatoes, or a platter of grilled seasonal veggies. If you’re craving something simple, a basket of warm pita or crusty bread helps you scoop up every bit of sauce from your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo in shallow bowls with a wedge of lemon on the side for squeezing. For parties, you can make little orzo bowls topped with chicken slices and a basil leaf as colorful tapas. Even packed into mason jars, this dish makes an irresistible picnic lunch or meal-prep option!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors continue to meld overnight, making your next meal even more delicious. Make sure the pasta and chicken are fully cooled before covering and refrigerating.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully, as long as you skip the final sprinkle of fresh herbs and feta until after reheating. Cool the Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, place the Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo in a pan with a splash of water or chicken broth, covering and warming gently over low heat until everything is hot and the orzo is fluffy. For a quick lunch, microwave in short intervals, stirring regularly and adding a bit of liquid if it seems dry.

FAQs

Can I use regular orzo instead of whole wheat?

Absolutely! Regular orzo works perfectly and will offer a slightly softer texture. Whole wheat orzo just adds a little extra nutrition and nuttiness, but either variety will result in a delicious Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo.

What’s a good substitute for white wine?

If you’re out of white wine or prefer not to cook with it, use low-sodium chicken broth with a splash of lemon juice to mimic the acidity and brightness it brings to the sauce.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo as written contains wheat-based orzo, but you can easily swap for a gluten-free orzo or even rice-shaped gluten-free pasta if needed! Just follow the package instructions on your substitute for best results.

Can I make Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo vegetarian?

You sure can! Swap the chicken for cubes of sautéed halloumi or extra chickpeas. You’ll still get fantastic flavor and all the satisfaction, especially with the olives, herbs, and feta in the mix.

How can I amp up the veggies?

Feel free to stir in sliced bell peppers, zucchini ribbons, or roasted eggplant for even more Mediterranean flair and vibrant color. This recipe is perfect for cleaning out your produce drawer!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that feels both comforting and a little bit sunny, look no further than Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo. It’s simple enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for guests, and made with ingredients that truly shine together. Give this recipe a try—I know you’ll fall in love with every vibrant, satisfying bite!

Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 30 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delightful and flavorful Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo recipe that combines tender chicken with orzo pasta, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, spinach, and aromatic herbs, all tossed in a savory white wine and garlic sauce.

Instructions

Heat Olive Oil: Add a tablespoon of olive oil to a large sauté pan. Heat over medium high heat for 3 minutes or until the olive oil starts to shimmer.
Cook Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the preheated pan and cook for 5 minutes on each side.
Cook Orzo: Cook orzo per package directions in boiling water.
Sauté Aromatics: Sauté garlic in olive oil, then add cherry tomatoes and white wine. Cook until tomatoes are soft.
Combine Ingredients: Mix cooked orzo, olives, spinach, herbs, spices, nuts, and feta in the pan.
Serve: Slice chicken, place on top of orzo mixture, garnish with feta, and serve.

Notes

You can customize this dish with additional vegetables like bell peppers or artichokes.
For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas.
Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sauté, Boil
Cuisine: Mediterranean