Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo with Zucchini

A bright and satisfying all-in-one meal that captures the essence of the Mediterranean. Juicy chicken is seared with Cybele’s Harvest Mediterranean Seasoning and simmered together with orzo, zucchini, and a touch of lemon for a complete dish that’s full of flavor, comfort, and ease — all from a single pan.

Ingredients

What You’ll Need (Serves 4):

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 2 tbsp Cybele’s Harvest Mediterranean Seasoning
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• Juice of ½ lemon

For the Orzo Base:

• 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed after searing chicken)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced (or half-moons if larger)
• 1 cup orzo
• 2¼ cups chicken stock (or vegetable stock)
  
• ½ tsp Cybele’s Harvest Mediterranean Seasoning (optional, for extra depth)
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• Zest of ½ lemon
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

How to Make It

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Season and Sear the Chicken
   In a bowl, coat chicken with Mediterranean Seasoning, olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Sear chicken on both sides until golden, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside (it will finish cooking later).
2. Sauté the Aromatics
   In the same pan, add a drizzle of olive oil if needed. Sauté onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes, until fragrant. Stir in zucchini and cook another 3 minutes until slightly tender.
3. Toast the Orzo
   Add orzo and tomato paste. Stir to coat, toasting the orzo for about 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
4. Add the Liquid & Simmer
   Pour in the stock and stir well, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Return the chicken to the pan, nestling it into the orzo mixture.
5. Cook Until Tender
   Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 12–15 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.
6. Finish and Serve
   Remove from heat. Stir in lemon zest and feta (if using). Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Why This Recipe Works

What Makes It Special?

• One-Pan Wonder: Chicken, grains, and vegetables all cook together for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup.
• Mediterranean Flavor: Cybele’s Harvest Mediterranean Seasoning ties the dish together with herbs and citrus notes.
• Balanced & Bright: Zucchini adds freshness, while lemon zest lifts the richness of the chicken and orzo.
• Weeknight-Friendly: Ready in under 40 minutes.

Serving Ideas

Serve With:

• A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Warm pita or crusty bread
• A dollop of tzatziki or hummus on the side
• Chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon