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.
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
30 min
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
Spices Used in This Recipe
→ Cybele's Harvest Mediterranean Seasoning
— Bright herb-forward blend with Persian lime, rosemary, thyme, and mint
Ingredients
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)
- ✓ 1 small onion, finely diced
- ✓ 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ✓ 1 medium zucchini, diced
- ✓ 1 cup orzo
- ✓ 2¼ cups chicken or vegetable stock
- ✓ ½ tsp Cybele's Harvest Mediterranean Seasoning (optional)
- ✓ ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- ✓ Zest of ½ lemon
- ✓ Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
-
1
Season and Sear the ChickenCoat chicken with Mediterranean Seasoning, olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken on both sides until golden, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
-
2
Sauté the AromaticsIn 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.
-
3
Toast the OrzoAdd orzo to the pan. Stir to coat, toasting for about 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
-
4
Add the LiquidPour in the stock and stir well, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Return chicken to the pan, nestling it into the orzo.
-
5
Cook Until TenderBring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 12–15 minutes, until the orzo is tender and chicken is fully cooked through.
-
6
Finish and ServeRemove from heat. Stir in lemon zest and feta if using. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- • 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