Greek Chicken Orzo Power Bowls Recipe
If you’re craving a vibrant, nourishing meal that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors, you absolutely need to try the Greek Chicken Orzo Power Bowls Recipe. This dish brings together tender, herb-seasoned chicken, perfectly cooked orzo pasta, and a fresh Mediterranean veggie mix all topped with creamy tzatziki and tangy feta. It’s a harmonious blend of textures and flavors in every bite, making it the ultimate power bowl for any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a star role, from the tender chicken to the bright, fresh vegetables and tangy cheese. These simple components combine effortlessly to create a dish that’s not only colorful and delicious but also perfectly balanced in nutrients and taste.
- 4 cups prepared orzo pasta: The foundation of the bowl, orzo offers a tender, rice-like bite that soaks up all the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps crisp the chicken just right.
- 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts: Your lean protein, seasoned and cooked to juicy perfection.
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano: A classic Greek herb that gives the chicken a fragrant, earthy touch.
- 1 tablespoon dried basil: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the seasoning blend.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances every flavor beautifully without overwhelming.
- ½ teaspoon pepper: A hint of spice that balances the herbs.
- 1 medium cucumber, sliced and quartered: Brings crisp freshness and crunch.
- 2 large shallots, diced: Milder than onions, they contribute a bit of bite and sweetness.
- 12 cherry tomatoes, halved or diced: Adds bursts of juicy tang and vibrant red color.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Brightens the veggie mixture with its citrus zing.
- 1 cup Tzatziki sauce: Creamy and refreshing, it ties all the flavors together.
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled: Salty and tangy, perfect for sprinkling on top.
- 1 bunch fresh mint for garnish (optional): Adds a cool herbal note and pretty pop of green.
How to Make Greek Chicken Orzo Power Bowls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Orzo
Start by cooking the orzo according to the package instructions until tender but still slightly firm to the bite. Drain and set it aside, as this will be the hearty base that soaks up all the Mediterranean goodness later on.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Season your chicken breasts carefully with half of the dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper, letting those classic Greek herbs infuse the meat. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then cook the chicken until golden on the outside and cooked through inside. Slice the chicken into thin strips to make it easy to enjoy in your bowl.
Step 3: Prepare the Veggie Mixture
Combine the crisp sliced cucumber, diced shallots, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a good squeeze of lemon juice in a bowl. Season the mix with salt and pepper to taste. This fresh, tangy salad adds crunch and balances out the rich chicken and orzo perfectly.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
Now comes the fun part! Divide the cooked orzo evenly between your serving bowls. Layer on the sliced chicken, then spoon over the vibrant veggie mixture. Add generous dollops of creamy tzatziki sauce and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese all around. If you like, top it off with fresh mint leaves for a fragrant and colorful finishing touch.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
The Greek Chicken Orzo Power Bowls Recipe is best enjoyed fresh and warm. Each bite offers a delightful combination of herbaceous chicken, fresh veggies, tangy cheese, and creamy tzatziki—all bursting with flavor and satisfaction.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Orzo Power Bowls Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh mint leaves work wonders as a garnish, lending a cooling aroma and a vibrant look. You can also sprinkle a little extra crumbled feta or a dash of smoked paprika if you want to add a bit more flair to your bowls.
Side Dishes
This power bowl is quite a complete meal on its own, but if you want to add more, some warm pita bread, a simple Greek salad, or a handful of roasted olives pairs beautifully without overshadowing the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Greek Chicken Orzo Power Bowls Recipe in mason jars or layered lunch containers for an on-the-go option. Alternatively, use shallow bowls to let your colorful ingredients shine and invite everyone to mix each bite for a fresh experience every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover chicken, orzo, and veggie mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps maintain freshness and prevents the ingredients from becoming soggy or losing their texture.
Freezing
While chicken and orzo freeze well, the fresh veggie mixture and tzatziki do not. If you want to freeze portions for later, freeze only the cooked chicken and orzo in a freezer-safe container and add fresh veggies and sauce when ready to eat.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken and orzo gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or olive oil to bring back moisture. Add fresh veggies, tzatziki, and feta cheese after reheating for the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! While orzo’s small size and texture work perfectly in this bowl, you can substitute couscous, quinoa, or even small pasta shapes like ditalini if you prefer.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, it’s a great option for meal prep. Just store the components separately and assemble the bowls right before eating to keep everything fresh and delicious.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the chicken and add more veggies or plant-based proteins such as chickpeas or grilled tofu to keep it hearty and satisfying.
What’s the best way to cook the chicken for tenderness?
Cooking the chicken over medium heat and not rushing the process ensures it remains juicy and tender. Slicing it thinly after resting helps keep each bite mouthwatering.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe isn’t spicy by default, but you can add chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning if you want a little heat kick.
Final Thoughts
The Greek Chicken Orzo Power Bowls Recipe is truly a delight—easy to make, packed with vibrant flavors, and perfect for a wholesome meal that feels both indulgent and nourishing. Once you try it, I bet it’ll become one of your favorite go-to recipes for busy weeknights or when you want to impress friends with an effortless Mediterranean feast.
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Greek Chicken Orzo Power Bowls Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Greek Chicken Orzo Power Bowls recipe is a vibrant, nutritious dish combining tender, herb-seasoned chicken breast with perfectly cooked orzo pasta and a fresh vegetable medley. Topped with creamy tzatziki sauce, crumbled feta, and refreshing mint, these bowls offer a balanced, Mediterranean-inspired meal that is ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 4 cups prepared orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Chicken
- 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Vegetables & Toppings
- 1 medium cucumber, sliced and quartered
- 2 large shallots, diced
- 12 cherry tomatoes, halved or diced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup Tzatziki sauce
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 bunch fresh mint for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Orzo: Cook the orzo pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Cook Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with half of the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove from heat and slice thinly once rested.
- Prepare Veggie Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced and quartered cucumber, diced shallots, halved cherry tomatoes, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste and toss gently to mix.
- Assemble Bowls: Divide the prepared orzo evenly among six bowls. Top each with sliced chicken, a generous scoop of the veggie mixture, dollops of tzatziki sauce, and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese. Garnish with fresh mint if desired.
- Serve: Serve the bowls immediately while the chicken is warm and enjoy this fresh and flavorful Greek-inspired power bowl.
Notes
- To meal prep, cook chicken and orzo in advance and store separately; assemble bowls just before eating.
- Use low-fat or reduced-fat tzatziki and feta to reduce calories and fat content.
- Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can be substituted or added alongside mint for extra flavor.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta or quinoa.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for the chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Greek
