Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Bowl with creamy feta dressing
Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Bowl with Creamy Feta Dressing: A Flavorful and Healthy Meal for Any OccasionIf you're looking for a fresh, vibrant, and healthy dish to serve for lunch or dinner, look no further than this Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Bowl. With tender marinated chicken, creamy feta dressing, and a mix of fresh vegetables, this dish brings the best of Mediterranean flavors into one wholesome meal. The combination of juicy chicken, al dente orzo pasta, and zesty dressing is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire!In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to make this delicious Mediterranean-inspired dish from scratch, share tips and tricks to enhance the flavors, and offer ideas for variations or make-ahead options to suit your busy schedule. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, preparing a family dinner, or hosting friends, this recipe is the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and refreshing.Ingredients Breakdown: What You’ll Need1. For the Chicken MarinadeThe key to flavorful chicken is all in the marinade. This recipe uses a combination of classic Mediterranean ingredients to infuse the chicken with rich, aromatic flavors. The olive oil helps tenderize the meat, while the lemon juice adds brightness and acidity. The dried oregano, marjoram, and basil give the chicken its Mediterranean flair, while garlic powder and black pepper round out the seasoning.Tip: For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours (or up to overnight) to allow the flavors to meld. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be!2. For the Creamy Feta DressingThis creamy feta dressing takes the classic tanginess of feta cheese and combines it with olive oil, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, and herbs for a rich, creamy, and slightly tangy dressing. It’s the perfect complement to the chicken and vegetables, adding a velvety texture and a burst of Mediterranean flavor.Tip: Feel free to adjust the thickness of the dressing. If you like it thinner, add a little extra olive oil or lemon juice. If you prefer it thicker, reduce the olive oil slightly and use more feta cheese.3. For the BowlsThe base of the bowl is made with orzo pasta, which is small, rice-shaped pasta that absorbs the creamy dressing wonderfully. Adding fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions provides texture, color, and a refreshing balance to the richness of the chicken and dressing.Tip: For added crunch, you can include some Kalamata olives or roasted bell peppers. They’ll bring even more Mediterranean flair to the dish!Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Your Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Bowl1. Prepare the Chicken MarinadeStart by slicing your chicken breasts horizontally to create two thinner cutlets. This ensures the chicken cooks quickly and evenly. In a zip-top bag or shallow dish, combine all of the marinade ingredients: olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, marjoram, Greek seasoning, basil, garlic powder, and black pepper. Add the chicken and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.Pro Tip: For even more flavor, you can score the chicken breasts slightly with a knife before marinating. This allows the marinade to penetrate deeper into the meat, making it even more tender and flavorful.2. Make the Creamy Feta DressingWhile the chicken is marinating, prepare the creamy feta dressing. In a small bowl, combine crumbled feta, olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, oregano, dill, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until smooth. Refrigerate the dressing until you’re ready to serve.Trick: If you prefer a smoother dressing, you can blend it using an immersion blender or a regular blender. This will give it a silky, smooth texture that coats the ingredients beautifully.3. Cook the OrzoBring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes). Be careful not to overcook it, as you want the orzo to be al dente, providing a pleasant bite to the dish. Once cooked, drain the orzo and rinse it under cold water to prevent it from sticking together.Tip: You can drizzle a little olive oil on the cooked orzo to keep it from sticking while it cools down.4. Cook the ChickenHeat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once the pan is hot, add the marinated chicken cutlets. Cook the first side until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Flip the chicken over, reduce the heat to medium, and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).Pro Tip: Let the chicken rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.5. Assemble the BowlsOnce your chicken has rested and your orzo is cooked, it’s time to assemble the bowls! Start by placing a base of orzo in each bowl. Top with sliced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and thinly sliced red onion. Drizzle the creamy feta dressing generously over the top, and sprinkle with additional crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor.Tip: If you’re serving a crowd or meal prepping, you can store the individual components separately and assemble the bowls just before serving to keep everything fresh.6. Serve and EnjoyFor the finishing touch, serve the Mediterranean chicken orzo bowls with lemon wedges on the side. The fresh squeeze of lemon just before eating brightens up the dish and adds a perfect finishing touch.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp marjoram
- 1/2 tsp Greek seasoning blend
- 1/4 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1 lb. chicken breast each breast cut into 2 thinner cutlets
For the Creamy feta dressing
- ½ cup Feta crumbled
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ lemon juiced
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ teaspoon of dill
- Salt & pepper
For the Bowls:
- 8 oz dry orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 3/4 English cucumber sliced and quartered
- 1/4 small red onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Optional: Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken Marinade:
- o Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create two thinner cutlets. This helps them cook more evenly and quickly.
- o In a zip-top bag or shallow dish, combine olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, marjoram, Greek seasoning, basil, garlic powder, and black pepper. Add the chicken cutlets, seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to marinate.
Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
- o In a small bowl, combine the, feta, olive oil, redwine vinegar, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, oregano, dill, Mix well Salt and pepper to taste then refrigerate until ready to serve.
Cook the Orzo:
- o Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to the package instructions, or until al dente. Once done, drain and rinse the orzo to prevent it from becoming too sticky.
Cook the Chicken:
- o Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and place the marinated chicken cutlets in the pan. Cook the first side until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Flip the chicken, reduce the heat to medium, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Remove from the pan and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
Assemble the Bowls:
- o In each bowl, start with a base of cooked orzo. Arrange the sliced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red onion on top. Add a generous spoonful of the tzatziki sauce and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese. For an extra touch of freshness, serve with a wedge of lemon on the side.
- Serve and Enjoy!
Notes
Tips & Tricks for a Perfect Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Bowl
- Make it a Meal Prep Masterpiece: This recipe is perfect for meal prep! Prepare the chicken, dressing, and orzo ahead of time, and store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply assemble the bowls and enjoy!
- Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to swap in any of your favorite Mediterranean veggies. Roasted red peppers, Kalamata olives, or roasted zucchini would all be fantastic additions.
- Add a Protein Boost: If you want to add even more protein to this dish, consider adding chickpeas or white beans to the bowls. They’ll complement the Mediterranean flavors and make the meal even more filling.
- Serve with Pita or Warm Flatbread: For an extra indulgent touch, serve these bowls with warm pita or flatbread on the side for a true Mediterranean experience.
- Make it Vegan: To make this dish vegan, swap the chicken for grilled tofu or roasted vegetables, and replace the feta dressing with a plant-based alternative.
Nutrition
Calories: 475kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 24gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 318mgPotassium: 526mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 290IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 137mgIron: 2mg
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