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Greek Chicken Orzo with Broccoli


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  • Author: Ava
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Greek Chicken Orzo with Broccoli is a vibrant and wholesome dish that combines tender chicken, nutty orzo pasta, and crisp broccoli, all tossed in a zesty Greek-inspired dressing. It’s fresh, nutritious, and full of Mediterranean flavors.


Ingredients

  1. 2 chicken breasts (or thighs), boneless and skinless
    1 cup orzo pasta
    2 cups broccoli florets
    2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
    1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
    Zest of 1 lemon
    2 teaspoons dried oregano
    1 teaspoon garlic powder
    Salt and pepper, to taste
    2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
    1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
    Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to the package instructions, typically about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the orzo, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water, and set it aside.

  1. Cook the broccoli: Steam or blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan, let it rest for a few minutes, and then slice it thinly.
  3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, red wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. You can also add a little more olive oil if you like a richer dressing. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
  4. Assemble the dish: In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, steamed broccoli, and sliced chicken. Drizzle the lemon dressing over the mixture and toss everything together, adding a little of the reserved pasta water to help combine the ingredients, if needed.
  5. Garnish and serve: Top with crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley for a burst of flavor and color. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • For extra veggies, add cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or olives for more Mediterranean flair.
  • For more protein, add shrimp, lamb, or grilled steak.
  • To make it vegan, skip the chicken and feta cheese, and add chickpeas or tofu for protein.
  • If you prefer spice, add red pepper flakes or a sliced jalapeño when cooking the chicken.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Boiling, Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg