Name: Greek Chicken Orzo Bowls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487189H21M44S
Total time: PT-487189H21M44S
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Juice of 1 lemon; 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta (uncooked); 1 cucumber (diced); 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved); 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced); 1/4 cup Kalamata olives (pitted and sliced); 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil (for dressing); 1 tablespoon vegetable broth vinegar (for dressing); 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for dressing); 1 teaspoon dried oregano (for dressing); Salt and pepper to taste (for dressing)

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Greek Chicken Orzo Bowls are a fresh, vibrant, and satisfying meal that combines grilled chicken, tender orzo pasta, and classic Mediterranean flavors. Packed with veggies like cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and Kalamata olives, this dish is bursting with freshness. Tossed in a tangy lemon-oregano dressing and topped with creamy feta cheese, these bowls are the perfect balance of savory, crunchy, and refreshing. They’re great for meal prep, a quick weeknight dinner, or a healthy lunch option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Greek Chicken Orzo Bowls are packed with flavor and texture, making them an ideal meal for anyone who loves Mediterranean cuisine. The combination of tender chicken, juicy veggies, and the richness of feta makes every bite deliciously satisfying. The orzo pasta adds a light, yet filling base, and the lemon-oregano dressing brings a zesty, tangy kick. It’s a complete meal that is light, healthy, and packed with nutrients. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit your preferences—whether you want to add more veggies, swap out the chicken for a different protein, or adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Greek Chicken Orzo Bowls

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Juice of 1 lemon

For the Orzo Bowl:

1 1/2 cups orzo pasta (uncooked)
1 cucumber (diced)
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
1/4 cup Kalamata olives (pitted and sliced)
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

For the Dressing:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon vegetabale brooth vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Marinate the chicken: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over the chicken. Let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
Cook the orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes). Drain the orzo and set it aside to cool slightly.
Grill the chicken: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, vegetabale brooth vinegar, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Assemble the bowls: In each bowl, layer the cooked orzo, sliced chicken, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss everything gently to combine.
Serve: Serve the Greek Chicken Orzo Bowls immediately or refrigerate for later use. They’re great for meal prep!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Total time: 30-40 minutes
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15-20 minutes

Variations

Grilled vegetables: Add grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant to the bowl for more flavor and texture.
Different protein: You can swap the chicken for grilled shrimp, lamb, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Swap the orzo: If you prefer a different grain, use quinoa, couscous, or brown rice as the base.
More tang: For extra tang, add a dollop of tzatziki sauce on top of the bowl.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover Greek Chicken Orzo Bowls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will marinate and develop even more overnight.
Reheating: If you want to reheat the bowls, warm the chicken and orzo in the microwave or on the stove. The vegetables and feta can be added afterward to maintain their freshness and crunch.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this dish is perfect for meal prep. Prepare the chicken, orzo, and dressing ahead of time, then assemble the bowls just before serving. You can store each component separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese?

If you don’t like feta, you can use goat cheese, shredded mozzarella, or Parmesan instead. However, feta is traditional and adds a unique tangy flavor to the dish.

3. Can I use a different pasta for this recipe?

While orzo is commonly used in Mediterranean dishes, you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like couscous, farro, or even quinoa for a gluten-free option.

4. Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Add more veggies like olives, artichoke hearts, or even spinach to increase the nutritional value and flavor of the bowl.

5. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! You can replace the chicken with roasted vegetables, chickpeas, or even falafel for a vegetarian or vegan version of this dish.

6. How do I prevent the orzo from being sticky?

To prevent the orzo from clumping, make sure to stir it occasionally while it cooks. Rinse the orzo under cold water after draining it to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.

7. Can I use store-bought dressing?

While homemade dressing is simple and fresh, you can use store-bought Greek dressing as a shortcut if you’re in a rush.

8. Can I grill the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can grill the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the bowls. This will save time when putting the dish together.

9. How can I add more flavor to the chicken?

You can marinate the chicken overnight for a deeper flavor or add more spices, such as cumin, paprika, or chili flakes, to the marinade.

10. Can I serve this dish with pita bread?

Yes! Pita bread, pita chips, or even flatbread would be a great accompaniment to these bowls.

Conclusion

Greek Chicken Orzo Bowls are a vibrant, fresh, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With juicy grilled chicken, tender orzo, and Mediterranean-inspired toppings, this meal is both satisfying and packed with flavor. Whether you make it for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a gathering, these bowls are sure to please everyone. Plus, the dish is versatile and can be easily customized with your favorite ingredients. Give it a try, and enjoy a delicious, wholesome meal that’s full of fresh, zesty flavors!