Description
Bright, zesty, and bursting with Mediterranean flavor, this Lemon Herb Chicken & Mediterranean Orzo with Olives is a complete meal that feels like a sunny escape. Juicy lemon-marinated chicken tops a warm orzo salad tossed with tomatoes, olives, feta, and herbs. It’s ready in just 35 minutes and perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or impressive gatherings!
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 teaspoon lemon zest
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Orzo:
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 cup orzo pasta
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2 cups chicken broth
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1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced
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1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
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1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Marinate the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, zest, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture over the chicken breasts. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes.
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Cook the Chicken: Grill or pan-sear the chicken over medium heat for 6–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Set aside to rest, then slice thinly.
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Toast the Orzo: In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring often, until lightly golden.
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Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8–10 minutes, until orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
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Add the Goodies: Stir in cherry tomatoes, olives, feta, parsley, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
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Assemble & Serve: Top the orzo with sliced lemon herb chicken. Garnish with extra parsley or feta if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
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Want a vegetarian version? Swap the chicken with grilled halloumi or chickpeas and use veggie broth.
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Add spinach or arugula toward the end for an extra nutrient boost.
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Leftovers taste amazing chilled—just serve it as a cold pasta salad the next day!
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This dish is perfect for meal prep—just keep the chicken and orzo stored separately until ready to reheat and combine.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop, Skillet
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/4 of total)
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Lemon chicken and orzo, Mediterranean chicken, easy chicken dinner, feta orzo recipe, chicken and olives pasta