Healthy Lemon Mediterranean Chicken Orzo

Are you looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that is not only healthy but also bursting with flavors? Look no further than this Mediterranean chicken Orzo bowl with bright lemon flavor.

This recipe is perfect for those who want to savor all the flavors and textures in one dish. The dish comes together in perfect harmony, and it is a great way to enjoy the health benefits of a Mediterranean diet.

How To Make Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Bowl

Step 1: Boil Water and Chop Vegetables

Begin by getting a large pot and filling it with water. Place it on a high heat source and bring it to a boil.

While you are waiting for the water to boil, chop one large English cucumber into small dice and then add it to a large salad bowl.

Cut some grape tomatoes into small dice and add those to the salad bowl as well.

Step 2: Add Orzo Pasta to Boiling Water

Once the water is boiling, add salt and 1 cup of Orzo pasta. Give it a quick stir, and then here’s a little tip for you – add the wooden spoon on top of your pot.

This stops the water from boiling over, and you don’t have to babysit your pot or blow in it every once in a while. Instead, you can focus on the next part of the recipe.

Step 3: Preheat Large Pan and Brown Chicken Thighs

Preheat a large pan over medium heat, and once hot, add a drizzle of olive oil and a little blob of butter.

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

Let them sit for 6-8 minutes so they can brown nicely.

Step 4: Finely Chop Onion and Parsley

While the chicken is cooking, get back to your chopping board and finely chop a quarter of a red onion as well as a handful of parsley. Add those to the salad bowl.

Step 5: Grate Parmesan Cheese

Grate about half a cup of Parmesan cheese freshly into the salad bowl.

Step 6: Flip Chicken Thighs and Season

Once the chicken is brown on one side, it’s time to flip it so we can brown it on the other side.

At this point, you’re going to want to add some chicken seasoning on this side as well.

Step 7: Season Orzo Pasta and Veggies

Once your pasta is finished cooking, strain it and add it to the salad bowl. Season everything with sea salt, pepper, a drizzle of olive oil, and the juice of a whole lemon.

Toss all of the ingredients to combine them well.

Step 8: Assemble Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Bowl

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

Tools and Equipment Needed:

The tools you will need for this recipe are:

• A large pot for boiling water
• A cutting board and a sharp knife for chopping vegetables
• A large salad bowl for mixing the salad ingredients
• A grater for grating Parmesan cheese
• A large pan for cooking the chicken
• A wooden spoon to prevent the water from boiling over
• A strainer to strain the cooked pasta.

Tips and Variations:

• If you don’t have Orso pasta, you can use other small pasta shapes like macaroni or fusilli.
• For a vegetarian version, you can substitute chicken with roasted chickpeas or tofu.
• You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, sliced zucchini or roasted eggplant to the salad.
• If you like a bit of heat, you can add some red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning or drizzle some hot sauce over the finished dish.

FAQ:

Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

A: Yes, you can use chicken breast, but keep in mind that they may cook faster than thighs, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the salad and cook the chicken in advance. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the chicken in a pan and assemble the dish.

Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon?

A: Fresh lemon juice will give the dish a brighter flavor, but if you don’t have fresh lemons, you can use bottled lemon juice as a substitute.

Q: Can I use other types of cheese instead of Parmesan?

A: Yes, you can use other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago.

In conclusion, this Mediterranean chicken and Orso pasta salad is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that combines bright flavors and textures in perfect harmony. With simple ingredients like cucumber, grape tomatoes, red onion, and Parmesan cheese, this dish is both healthy and delicious. The juicy and flavorful chicken thighs add protein and heartiness to the salad, making it a satisfying meal. Give this recipe a try and share your photos with us!

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