1lbboneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1tbspolive oil
1tspdried oregano
½tspdried thyme
¼tspsalt
¼tspblack pepper
Veggies & Aromatics
1tbspolive oil
1medium yellow onion, diced
2clovesgarlic, minced
1cupchopped zucchini
1red bell pepper, diced
½cupsun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, drained and chopped
Liquid & Orzo
4cupschicken broth
1cuporzo pasta
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Finishing Touches
4cupsbaby spinach
¼cupfresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)
¼cupcrumbled feta cheese, optional, for serving
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Instructions
Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil. Toss the chicken pieces with oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes, until browned on all sides and mostly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics & Veggies: Add the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil to the skillet. Add the onion, zucchini, and bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add Orzo & Liquid: Pour in the chicken broth, lemon zest, and orzo. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Finish the Skillet: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the baby spinach until it wilts (this will take about 1-2 minutes).
Serve: Stir in the lemon juice and taste for seasoning (add more salt/pepper if needed). Garnish with fresh parsley/basil and a sprinkle of feta cheese before serving.