Orzo Noodles with Greek-Inspired Chicken

Greek Chicken Orzo

Prep Time: 10 minutes Marinate Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Servings: 4

A delicious orzo (pasta shaped like rice) featuring chicken, olives, roasted red peppers, and feta cheese!

ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
• 1 teaspoon oregano (or Greek seasoning (link))
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, diced
• 1 cup orzo (or another small pasta) (gluten-free for gluten-free)
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (link)
• 1 teaspoon oregano (or Greek seasoning (link))
• 1/3 cup kalamata olives, cut into slices
• 1/3 cup roasted red peppers (link), sliced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon dill, chopped (optional)
• 1 tablespoon mint, chopped (optional)
• 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped (optional)
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 cup tomato, diced (optional)
• 1 cup cucumber, diced (optional)

directions

1. Marinate the chicken in a blend of olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper for 20 minutes to overnight.
2. Sauté the chicken and onion in a large skillet over moderate heat. (The marinade on the chicken should provide sufficient oil for cooking.)
3. Incorporate the garlic and cook until aromatic, around one minute.
4. Stir in the orzo, broth, oregano, kalamata olives, and roasted red peppers, bringing to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer until the orzo is tender, stirring occasionally.
5. Mix in the lemon juice and zest, dill, mint, parsley, and feta, serving optionally with diced tomatoes and cucumbers on top!