Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Skillet
A delightful blend of juicy chicken, tender orzo pasta, and colorful vegetables that brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean right to your home.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450kcal
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts lean and tender
- 1 cup orzo pasta small pasta that cooks quickly
- 2 tablespoons olive oil adds richness and a hint of fruitiness
- 1 medium onion, chopped brings a subtle sweetness
- 3 cloves garlic, minced aromatic and savory
- 1 piece red bell pepper, diced sweet and crunchy
- 1 piece zucchini, diced soft and mild
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved juicy and fresh
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano an essential Mediterranean herb
- 1 teaspoon dried basil sweet and slightly peppery
- to taste Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups chicken broth the base that unites all the ingredients
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese tangy and creamy
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
Cooking the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
- Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Sautéing the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic.
- Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the diced red bell pepper and zucchini, cooking for another 3-4 minutes.
Toasting the Orzo & Simmering
- Stir in the orzo pasta and allow it to toast slightly, about 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes.
Assembling the Dish
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips.
- Once the orzo is tender, gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced chicken.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serving
- Serve warm straight from the skillet and enjoy the delicious flavors.
Notes
For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for an hour before cooking. You can also add other vegetables like spinach or olives for variation.