Greek Chicken and Orzo
π Cook Time: 20 minutes
π Prep Time: 20 minutes
π Total Time: 40 minutes
π₯’ Recipe Category: One Dish Meal
π Keywords: Lunch/Snacks, Chicken Breast, Chicken, Poultry, Cheese, Vegetable, Meat, Greek, European, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, < 60 Mins, Stove Top, Easy, Inexpensive
π©βπ³ Recipe Servings: 4
Description: Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Greece with this delightful Greek Chicken and Orzo recipe. Bursting with Mediterranean flair, this dish combines tender chicken breast, savory feta cheese, and aromatic oregano with wholesome orzo pasta and nutritious spinach, creating a satisfying one-dish meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fat-free chicken broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- 2/3 cup orzo pasta
- 3 boneless chicken breasts, cubed
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 538.8
- Fat: 13.6g
- Saturated Fat: 5.3g
- Cholesterol: 71.2mg
- Sodium: 1126.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 68.9g
- Fiber: 3.9g
- Sugar: 4.4g
- Protein: 33.5g
Recipe Instructions:
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Prepare Ingredients: Gather all the ingredients required for this recipe.
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Boil Broth with Onion and Oregano: In a large skillet, bring the fat-free chicken broth, diced onion, and dried oregano leaves to a boil over medium-high heat. Allow the flavors to meld together as the mixture simmers, releasing enticing aromas that will tantalize your senses.
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Add Orzo Pasta: Once the broth is boiling, add the orzo pasta to the skillet, stirring gently to ensure that it is evenly distributed in the broth. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let the orzo simmer for approximately 6 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the skillet and to ensure even cooking.
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Incorporate Chicken Cubes: After the orzo has cooked for 6 minutes, add the cubed boneless chicken breasts to the skillet. Continue cooking the chicken and orzo together for an additional 6 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the orzo is tender. Stir occasionally to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and absorbs the flavorful broth.
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Add Fresh Spinach: Once the chicken and orzo are cooked to perfection, it’s time to add the fresh spinach leaves to the skillet. Gently fold the spinach into the hot mixture, allowing it to wilt slightly from the residual heat. This step adds vibrant color, delightful texture, and a boost of nutritional value to the dish.
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Top with Feta Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the Greek Chicken and Orzo. The creamy and tangy flavor of the feta cheese perfectly complements the savory chicken, earthy spinach, and aromatic oregano, elevating the dish to new heights of culinary delight.
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Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the prepared Greek Chicken and Orzo to individual serving plates or bowls, ensuring that each portion receives a generous topping of feta cheese. Serve immediately while still warm, allowing your guests to savor the harmonious blend of flavors and textures with every delightful bite.
π½οΈ Serving Suggestions: Pair this delectable Greek Chicken and Orzo with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette dressing for a refreshing contrast to the warm and comforting flavors of the main dish. Accompany it with a slice of crusty bread or warm pita to soak up any remaining juices and enhance the overall dining experience.
π©βπ³ Chef’s Tips: For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and dried oregano for 30 minutes to 1 hour before cooking. This simple yet effective marinade will infuse the chicken with Mediterranean-inspired flavors and ensure that each bite is bursting with savory goodness. Additionally, feel free to customize this recipe by incorporating your favorite Greek-inspired ingredients, such as Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, or roasted red peppers, to suit your personal taste preferences.
Indulge in the rich culinary heritage of Greece with this irresistible Greek Chicken and Orzo recipe, brimming with vibrant flavors, wholesome ingredients, and easy-to-follow instructions that guarantee delicious results every time. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner with family or entertaining guests at a weekend gathering, this mouthwatering dish is sure to impress and delight even the most discerning palates. Enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean with each hearty forkful of tender chicken, al dente orzo, and tangy feta cheese, transporting your senses to sun-kissed shores and picturesque villages with every savory bite. Bon appΓ©tit! π¬π·ππ²
