Mediterranean Chicken Orzo | Easy Healthy Weeknight Dinner

feta cheese

🥗Healthier: cottage cheese

💰Cheaper: ricotta cheese

Cottage cheese reduces calories while maintaining creaminess.

chicken breast

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Chicken thighs are more affordable and flavorful.

Get a large pot and add plenty of water to it, then bring it to a boil.

Chop 1 large English cucumber into a small dice and add it to a large salad bowl.

Cut grape tomatoes into small dice and add them to the salad bowl.

Once the water is boiling, add salt and 1 cup of Orzo pasta, then give it a quick stir.

Place a wooden spoon on top of the pot to prevent the water from boiling over.

Preheat a large pan over medium heat.

Once hot, add a drizzle of olive oil and a little blob of butter.

Once the butter is melted, place 4 to 5 large skinless boneless chicken thighs into the pan and season them generously with chicken seasoning.

Let the chicken sit for 6 to 8 minutes to brown nicely.

Finely chop 1/4 red onion and a handful of parsley, then add them to the salad bowl.

Grate about 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese directly into the salad bowl.

Flip the chicken to brown the other side, adding chicken seasoning on this side as well.

Once the pasta is finished cooking, strain it and add it to the salad bowl.

Season everything in the salad bowl with sea salt, pepper, a drizzle of olive oil, and the juice of 1 whole lemon, then toss to combine.

Serve the Orzo and veggies in a bowl, top with a piece of chicken, drizzle the pan juices over it, and add a few olives.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens