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A vibrant Greek Chicken Orzo Bowl with tender chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, feta, and olives, garnished with fresh basil and lemon.
Reda

Greek Chicken Orzo Bowl

A vibrant and satisfying Greek-inspired bowl featuring tender lemon-herb chicken, fluffy orzo, and fresh Mediterranean vegetables, all drizzled with a bright lemony dressing.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 540

Ingredients
  

For the Lemon-Herb Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil divided
  • 0.25 cup Lemon juice freshly squeezed, divided
  • 1 tsp Dried oregano divided
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 0.5 tsp Salt
  • 0.25 tsp Black pepper
For the Orzo
  • 1 cup Orzo pasta
  • 2 cups Chicken broth
  • 0.25 tsp Salt
For the Bowl Assembly
  • 1 English cucumber medium, diced
  • 1 cup Cherry tomatoes halved
  • 0.25 Red onion small, thinly sliced
  • 0.5 cup Kalamata olives pitted, halved
  • 0.5 cup Feta cheese crumbled
  • 2 tbsp Fresh dill chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Medium saucepan
  • Mixing Bowls

Method
 

Prep & Marinate Chicken
  1. Slice chicken breasts into 1/2-inch thick strips or bite-sized pieces. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, half of the lemon juice, half of the dried oregano, all the minced garlic, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper. Toss to coat well. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate for up to 30 minutes for deeper flavor.
Cook the Orzo
  1. While the chicken marinates, bring the chicken broth and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the orzo pasta, stir, and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
Cook the Chicken
  1. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if necessary). Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove chicken from the pan and set aside to rest for a few minutes, then slice into smaller pieces if desired.
Prepare Bowl Toppings
  1. While the chicken cooks, dice the English cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and halve the pitted Kalamata olives.
Make the Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining lemon juice and remaining dried oregano with a pinch of salt and pepper. This simple dressing will brighten up your bowl!
Assemble the Bowls
  1. Divide the cooked orzo among four serving bowls. Top each with a generous portion of the cooked chicken, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and Kalamata olives. Sprinkle generously with crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh dill. Drizzle the lemon-herb dressing evenly over each bowl just before serving.

Notes

Make-Ahead: Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor and cook it up quickly for dinner. Cooked orzo can also be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble bowls just before serving for best results.
Customization: Feel free to add other Greek favorites like thinly sliced bell peppers, a handful of chickpeas, or a dollop of creamy tzatziki for extra richness.
Serving Suggestion: Serve these bowls with warm pita bread on the side – perfect for scooping up any delicious bits!