Description
A warm and tantalizing Mediterranean dish featuring tender chicken, wholesome orzo, vibrant spinach, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1½ cups (280 g) orzo pasta
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cups (90 g) fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup (70 g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 3 cups (700 ml) chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove it to a plate and cover.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the orzo pasta and toast it for 1–2 minutes, allowing it to absorb some flavor.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover and let it cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
- Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Cook for an additional minute until the spinach is wilted.
- Slice the chicken and return it to the pan. Gently toss everything together, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano for a couple of hours before cooking. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, orzo recipe, quick dinner, healthy meal, family-friendly