This Easy Mediterranean Chicken Orzo is a tasty one-pot meal. Juicy chicken, colorful veggies, and soft orzo come together for a lovely dish that’s packed with flavor!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness. You can use chicken breast if preferred, but it may dry out a bit faster.
Orzo: This small pasta is perfect for this dish, but if you’re out of orzo, try any small pasta like ditalini or even rice as alternatives.
Kalamata Olives: These bring great flavor, but you can swap them with green olives or any olives you enjoy. Just make sure to pit and chop them first!
Cherry Tomatoes: I prefer sweet cherry tomatoes for a burst of flavor. Grape tomatoes work too, and canned diced tomatoes are a good substitute when fresh ones aren’t available.
Feta Cheese: I use crumbled feta for a tangy finish. If you need a dairy-free option, consider using tofu feta or omitting it completely.
How Do You Ensure the Orzo is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking orzo just right can be tricky, but here are some tips:
- Toast the orzo in the skillet briefly before adding liquids. This enhances its flavor.
- Watch your broth-to-orzo ratio closely. You want enough liquid, but not too much, so it gets creamy without being soupy.
- Keep it covered while simmering. This traps steam and cooks the orzo evenly.
Try to stir it a couple of times during cooking to ensure it doesn’t stick. It should be al dente and absorb the flavors beautifully!
Enjoy this easy and filling dish!
Easy Mediterranean Chicken Orzo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 3/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 3 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Mediterranean Chicken Orzo takes about 10 minutes to prep and about 30 minutes to cook. In just around 40 minutes, you’ll have a tasty and hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides, around 5-7 minutes. Once done, transfer the chicken pieces to a plate and set them aside.
2. Cook the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until you can smell its wonderful aroma.
3. Toast the Orzo:
Add the orzo to the skillet, stirring it constantly for 1-2 minutes until it’s lightly toasted. This step adds a lovely flavor to the pasta!
4. Combine the Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to mix everything! Pour in the cherry tomatoes, halved kalamata olives, dried oregano, dried thyme, and chicken broth. Mix well until everything is combined.
5. Cook Together:
Return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the chicken has cooked through completely.
6. Final Touches:
After simmering, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and crumbled feta cheese to add pops of bright flavor!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your dish with extra parsley and a sprinkle of feta cheese before serving warm. Enjoy this beautiful and flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Orzo!
Your friends and family will love this easy-to-make dish that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors!
FAQ for Easy Mediterranean Chicken Orzo
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of Orzo?
Yes, you can use brown rice instead of orzo, but keep in mind that the cooking time will be longer. You’ll need to adjust the amount of chicken broth accordingly, as brown rice typically requires about 2-2.5 cups of liquid per cup of rice. Just cook it until tender!
What Can I Replace the Feta Cheese With?
If you’re looking for a substitute for feta cheese, try goat cheese, ricotta, or even a dairy-free cheese alternative for a vegan option. You can also simply skip the cheese if you prefer a lighter dish!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Mediterranean Chicken Orzo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth to restore moisture.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini during the cooking process. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time so that everything cooks evenly. Enjoy customizing it to your taste!
