Description

Enjoy tender chicken thighs paired with al dente orzo, refreshing cucumber, and juicy grape tomatoes. Infused with zesty lemon and aromatic parsley, this Mediterranean Chicken Orzo offers a wholesome and vibrant dining experience.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup orzo
1 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (4-5 large)
1/4 red onion
1 English cucumber
1 cup grape tomatoes
1 cup fresh parsley
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan
1/2 cup green olives
1 Tbsp chicken seasoning / poultry seasoning
1 tsp butter
2.5 Tbsp olive oil
1 lemon
sea salt
pepper

Instructions

Start by boiling water in a large pot, then season it with salt and incorporate the orzo pasta, cooking for 9-11 minutes until it reaches an al dente texture.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add butter along with a splash of olive oil. After the butter has melted, introduce the chicken, generously seasoning it with chicken seasoning. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes until it turns golden brown, then flip it over, season the other side, and continue cooking for another 6-8 minutes until the internal temperature hits 165°F.
Meanwhile, dice the cucumber and tomatoes into small pieces, finely chop the parsley, chop the red onion, and grate the Parmesan cheese. Combine these ingredients in a large bowl, and once the orzo is done cooking, drain it and mix it in with the vegetables in the bowl.
Drizzle olive oil over the pasta and vegetables, squeeze in the juice of one lemon, and season with sea salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together until well mixed.
Plate the orzo and vegetable mixture alongside a piece of chicken and a few olives.

Notes

TECHNIQUE TIP: Place a wooden spoon across the pot to prevent water from boiling over, allowing you to focus on other tasks.

STORAGE: Store leftover Chicken Orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

SUBSTITUTION: Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner option, ensuring to adjust cooking times accordingly.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: italian cuisine

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 PEOPLE
Calories: 468 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 587 mg
Fat: 21 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
Trans Fat: 0.1 g
Carbohydrates: 37 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 33 g
Cholesterol: 119 mg