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Healthy Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo Pasta
tagesrezept
45m
Healthy Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo Pasta
Author:
tagesrezept
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Healthy Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo Pasta

This recipe features succulent chicken breast seared to perfection, then combined with a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired sauce. Cherry tomatoes, olives, capers, garlic, and a hint of chili create a flavorful base, which is then tossed with tender orzo pasta. Finished with fresh basil, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of Parmesan, this dish is a delicious and healthy meal that's quick to prepare. It's an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner, offering a taste of the Mediterranean in every bite.
#Chicken
#Mediterranean
#Orzo
#Pasta
#Healthy
#One-pan meal
#Quick dinner
#Easy recipe
Seared Chicken Breast
Seared Chicken Breast

Recipe Information

15m
Prep Time
30m
Cook Time
45m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Mediterranean
German
Nutrition (per serving)
450
Calories
40g
Protein
35g
Carbs
18g
Fat
Mediterranean Sauce with Tomatoes and Olives
Mediterranean Sauce with Tomatoes and Olives

Ingredients

  • Chicken breast
    (boneless, skinless, about 400g total)

    2 pieces
  • Olive oil
    (plus extra for drizzling)

    2 tbsp
  • Butter

    1 tbsp
  • Garlic
    (minced)

    3 cloves
  • Cherry tomatoes
    (halved)

    1 cup
  • Red chili flakes
    (or 1 small fresh chili, sliced)

    0.5 tsp
  • Kalamata olives
    (pitted and halved)

    0.5 cup
  • Capers
    (drained)

    1 tbsp
  • Orzo Pasta
    (dry)

    1 cup
  • Vegetable or chicken broth
    (or water for cooking orzo)

    2 cups
  • Lemon juice
    (freshly squeezed)

    2 tbsp
  • Salt

    to taste
  • Black pepper

    to taste
  • Fresh basil
    (chopped)

    0.3 cup
  • Parmesan cheese
    (grated, plus extra for serving)

    0.3 cup
Servings: 4
๐Ÿ’ก Tip: Check off ingredients as you add them to keep track of your progress!
Orzo Pasta Cooking in Sauce
Orzo Pasta Cooking in Sauce

Instructions

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  • 1

    Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. If large, slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets for faster cooking.
    Step 1 visual
    Preview
    5m
    Step 1 visual
    Preview
    Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. If large, slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets for faster cooking.
    5m

    Ensure chicken is patted dry for a better sear.
  • 2

    Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
    Step 2 visual
    Preview
    8m
    Step 2 visual
    Preview
    Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
    8m

    Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
  • 3

    Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the butter to the same skillet. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and red chili flakes. Sautรฉ for 1 minute until fragrant.
    Step 3 visual
    Preview
    2m
    Step 3 visual
    Preview
    Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the butter to the same skillet. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and red chili flakes. Sautรฉ for 1 minute until fragrant.
    2m

    Watch closely to prevent garlic from burning, which can make it bitter.
  • 4

    Add the halved cherry tomatoes, pitted olives, and drained capers to the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.
    Step 4 visual
    Preview
    5m
    Step 4 visual
    Preview
    Add the halved cherry tomatoes, pitted olives, and drained capers to the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.
    5m

    Gently press on some tomatoes to help them burst and release more flavor.
  • 5

    Stir in the orzo pasta and 2 cups of vegetable or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
    Step 5 visual
    Preview
    12m
    Step 5 visual
    Preview
    Stir in the orzo pasta and 2 cups of vegetable or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
    12m

    If the orzo absorbs liquid too quickly, add a splash more broth or water.
  • 6

    While the orzo cooks, slice the seared chicken breasts into strips or cubes. Once the orzo is cooked, return the sliced chicken to the pan. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, chopped basil, and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
    Step 6 visual
    Preview
    3m
    Step 6 visual
    Preview
    While the orzo cooks, slice the seared chicken breasts into strips or cubes. Once the orzo is cooked, return the sliced chicken to the pan. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, chopped basil, and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
    3m

    Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh basil and Parmesan if desired.
๐Ÿ’ก Tip: Click on any step to mark it as completed and track your cooking progress!

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