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Close up of High Protein Mediterranean Chicken Orzo showing seared chicken breast chunks and vibrant green wilted spinach.

High Protein Mediterranean Chicken Orzo: The Ultimate One-Skillet Meal

This High Protein Mediterranean Chicken Orzo features seared chicken, blistered tomatoes, and tender orzo in a golden pan sauce. A one-skillet healthy dinner perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Core Ingredients
  • 1.5 lbs Chicken Breast cut into bite-sized chunks (680g)
  • 1.5 cups Orzo Pasta dry (300g)
  • 2 cups Cherry Tomatoes whole (300g)
  • 3 cups Baby Spinach fresh (90g)
  • 0.5 cup Kalamata Olives pitted and halved (75g)
  • 0.5 cup Feta Cheese large white crumbles (75g)
  • 3 cups Chicken Broth low sodium (720ml)
  • 2 slices Fresh Lemon for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 Black Cast Iron Skillet A heavy-bottomed skillet is essential for the perfect sear.
  • 1 Wooden spoon For deglazing the golden pan sauce.

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken
  1. Season chicken chunks and sear in olive oil in a cast iron skillet until golden-brown. Remove and set aside.
  2. Add cherry tomatoes to the hot skillet, cooking until the skins blister and pop. Add garlic and shallots.
  3. Toast dry orzo in the pan for 2 minutes. Add chicken broth and simmer until orzo is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  4. Fold in seared chicken, spinach, and olives. Top with feta, parsley, and lemon slices before serving.

Notes

Use a block of feta rather than pre-crumbled for a creamier texture.
Ensure the skillet is very hot before adding tomatoes to get that charred, blistered effect.