Mediterranean Orzo Chicken Skillet
Experience a burst of Mediterranean flavors with this delightful Orzo Chicken Skillet! This light yet satisfying dish combines tender chicken breast, perfectly cooked orzo pasta, and a medley of sun-ripened tomatoes and kalamata olives. Enhanced by the creamy richness of feta cheese and the fragrant herbs of oregano and basil, each bite transports you to sunny shores. Perfect for a quick dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal, you'll love how effortlessly this recipe comes together in just 30 minutes. Adjust the ingredients to your taste, and whether you’re a feta lover or prefer it without, this dish is versatile enough for everyone to enjoy. Serve it with fresh parsley for a touch of color, and savor the deliciousness!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
orzo pasta
12 ounces (uncooked)
chicken breast
1 lb (boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
olive oil
2 teaspoons (for cooking)
onions
2 medium (coarsely chopped)
garlic
4 teaspoons (minced)
oregano
1 teaspoon (dried)
basil
1 teaspoon (dried)
dry white wine
1 cup (for deglazing)
diced tomatoes
28 ounces (2 (14-ounce) cans, Italian style with juice)
feta cheese
8 ounces (crumbled (use less as desired))
kalamata olives
1/3 cup (chopped)
fresh parsley leaves
1/2 cup (chopped, optional for garnish)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions, stirring occasionally. Drain and set aside.
2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3
Coarsely chop the onions and add them to the skillet, sautéing until they soften, about 3-4 minutes.
4
While the onions are cooking, cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, then gently add them to the skillet.
5
Increase the heat to medium-high and cook the chicken until it is cooked through and no longer pink on the outside, about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6
Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, and basil, and cook for an additional 2 minutes, ensuring the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
7
Pour in the dry white wine and let it simmer for about 1 minute, allowing the alcohol to cook off.
8
Add the diced tomatoes with their juice to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the mixture reduces slightly.
9
Gently fold in the feta cheese and chopped kalamata olives, cooking until the cheese slightly melts into the dish.
10
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
11
Serve the chicken mixture over the hot drained orzo, mixing everything together for a well-rounded dish, or serve separately for a more composed presentation.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Orzo Chicken Skillet?
It is a light and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken breast, orzo pasta, sun-ripened tomatoes, kalamata olives, and feta cheese.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
The recipe is designed to come together effortlessly in just 30 minutes.
What are the main ingredients for the Mediterranean Orzo Chicken Skillet?
The main ingredients include orzo pasta, chicken breast, olive oil, onions, garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, dry white wine, diced tomatoes, feta cheese, and kalamata olives.
How should the chicken be prepared?
Use 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces.
How much orzo is required?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of uncooked orzo pasta.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
You should use 28 ounces of Italian-style diced tomatoes with their juice, typically found in two 14-ounce cans.
Is there wine in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 cup of dry white wine for deglazing and adding flavor.
Can I adjust the amount of feta cheese?
Yes, while the recipe suggests 8 ounces, you can use less as desired or omit it if you prefer.
How do I cook the orzo?
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the coarsely chopped onions in olive oil for about 3-4 minutes until they soften.
How long does the chicken take to cook in the skillet?
Cook the chicken over medium-high heat for about 5-6 minutes until it is cooked through and no longer pink.
When should I add the garlic and herbs?
Add the minced garlic, oregano, and basil after the chicken is cooked, and cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
What is the purpose of the white wine?
The dry white wine is used to deglaze the skillet; let it simmer for about 1 minute to allow the alcohol to cook off.
How long should the tomato mixture simmer?
After adding the diced tomatoes, cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture reduces slightly.
When do I add the olives and feta?
Gently fold in the chopped kalamata olives and feta cheese at the end, cooking until the cheese slightly melts.
What is used for the garnish?
Freshly chopped parsley leaves are used as an optional garnish for a touch of color.
How do I serve the dish?
You can either mix the chicken and tomato mixture directly with the hot orzo or serve the chicken mixture over the pasta for a more composed look.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, low-fat, and light pasta dish.
How much olive oil is needed?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of olive oil for sautéing.
What type of olives are recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/3 cup of chopped kalamata olives.
How many onions are needed?
The recipe requires 2 medium onions, coarsely chopped.
Can I use dried herbs?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and dried basil.
What heat setting should be used for the chicken?
Increase the heat to medium-high once the chicken is added to the skillet.
Is this a one-pan meal?
While the chicken mixture is made in one skillet, you will need a separate pot to boil the orzo pasta.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe uses 4 teaspoons of minced garlic.
Can I make this dish without feta?
Yes, the dish is versatile and can be enjoyed with or without the feta cheese.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
It is a Mediterranean-style skillet with a light sauce from the tomatoes and wine, made creamy by the melting feta.
How much parsley is needed?
If using, prepare 1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley leaves.
Does the recipe use fresh or dried basil?
The main recipe uses dried basil, though fresh parsley is used for garnish.
Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
Yes, it is described as a crowd-pleasing meal that is quick and easy to prepare.