High Protein Mediterranean Chicken Orzo
If you’re craving a nutritious and flavorful meal, the High Protein Mediterranean Chicken Orzo is your answer! This dish combines tender chicken with vibrant spinach and juicy cherry tomatoes, all brought together with a zesty lemon twist on a creamy orzo base. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, it’s not only simple to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. Enjoy the delightful Mediterranean flavors in every bite and make it ahead for easy meal prep throughout the week!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup baby spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Season chicken with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil before adding to the skillet. Cook until golden brown (about 5–7 minutes).
- Add lemon juice and minced garlic to the skillet; sauté for an additional minute.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook for about 2–3 minutes until they soften.
- Lower heat and add cooked orzo along with spinach and olives; toss gently until spinach wilts.
- Remove from heat and top with feta cheese (if using) and parsley before serving warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 80mg