Description
Mediterranean Creamy Chicken Orzo is a delicious meal featuring tender chicken, creamy orzo pasta, and vibrant steamed broccoli.
Ingredients
Scale
- 450g boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 200g orzo pasta
- 600ml low-sodium chicken broth
- 240ml milk or half-and-half
- 100g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups small broccoli florets, steamed
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh lemon zest, optional
- Fresh lemon juice, optional
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced chicken with olive oil, dried oregano, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to evenly coat.
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until golden and thoroughly cooked. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
- In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the orzo and toast for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the milk and freshly grated Parmesan until the mixture becomes creamy. Fold in the steamed broccoli florets and combine gently.
- Nestle the cooked chicken back into the skillet and allow everything to heat through for 2 to 3 minutes. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- For brightness, sprinkle with fresh lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly before serving.
- You can substitute orzo with other pasta types if desired.
- Fresh herbs can enhance the flavor of the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg