Description
Mediterranean flavors dance through Greek chicken orzo power bowls, bringing hearty protein and zesty herbs together in one satisfying meal. Packed with tangy feta, crisp vegetables, and juicy marinated chicken, this bowl promises a delicious journey you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup (240 ml) orzo pasta
- 2 cups (480 ml) chopped romaine or baby spinach
- 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup (150 g) cucumber, diced
- ½ cup (75 g) red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup (75 g) Kalamata olives, halved
- ½ cup (75 g) crumbled feta cheese
- Optional: fresh dill or parsley, for garnish
- ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
- 2 tbsps red wine vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Orzo Preparation: Boil orzo according to package instructions, drain thoroughly, and allow to cool to room temperature while preparing remaining components.
- Chicken Marinade and Cooking: Combine chicken with aromatic herbs, citrus essence, minced garlic, and seasoning. Sear in hot skillet or grill until internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring golden-brown exterior. Rest protein briefly before slicing into appetizing portions.
- Flavor Emulsion: Whisk Mediterranean-inspired dressing ingredients vigorously, creating smooth, tangy vinaigrette that will harmonize bowl components with robust, zesty profile.
- Bowl Construction: Layer cooled orzo as foundation, strategically arranging crisp greens. Position sliced chicken atop verdant base, then artfully distribute vibrant tomatoes, crisp cucumber, piquant onions, briny olives, and crumbled feta for textural complexity.
- Serving Strategy: Drizzle prepared dressing generously, garnish with optional fresh herbs. Serve immediately for optimal temperature and flavor integrity, or refrigerate for convenient meal preparation.
Notes
- Allow chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to enhance flavor penetration and tenderness.
- Avoid overcooking orzo by checking package instructions and testing doneness; rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent mushiness.
- Whisk dressing ingredients thoroughly and taste before drizzling; adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or acid to balance flavors.
- Store components separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness; keep dressing and greens separate to prevent wilting for up to 3-4 days in refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg