Description
Looking for a quick dinner idea that’s both hearty and healthy? This Flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Orzo is your answer. With tender marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and lemony orzo pasta, this dish brings the vibrant essence of Mediterranean cuisine straight to your kitchen. It’s easy to make, packed with protein, and makes a great option for lunch, meal prep, or dinner. Whether you’re craving a healthy snack, need fresh dinner ideas, or just want a no-fuss, easy recipe with big flavor — this one checks all the boxes.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 garlic cloves (minced)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
1 cup cucumber (diced)
1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)
1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
2 tablespoons olive oil (for dressing)
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice (for dressing)
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and marinate for at least 15–20 minutes.
2. Boil salted water and cook orzo until al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Drain and rinse with cool water.
3. Heat a skillet or grill pan on medium-high heat. Sear the marinated chicken until cooked through and golden, about 6–8 minutes.
4. While chicken cooks, chop tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and parsley.
5. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
6. In a large bowl, mix cooked orzo with the veggies and drizzle in the dressing. Toss to combine.
7. Add the cooked chicken on top of the salad. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm or chilled.
Notes
Marinate the chicken for maximum flavor, even just 15 minutes makes a difference.
For a lighter texture, rinse the orzo after boiling to stop it from overcooking.
Let the salad rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to help flavors meld together.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: easy dinner, quick dinner, chicken orzo, Mediterranean recipe, orzo salad, healthy meal, weeknight dinner, meal prep