Chicken with Orzo (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Proteins

01 - 1 pound chicken breasts, thinly sliced and gently flattened

→ Grains

02 - 1 1/2 cups uncooked whole wheat orzo

→ Vegetables

03 - 1.5 cups halved grape tomatoes
04 - 1/2 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
05 - 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped

→ Herbs & Spices

06 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
07 - 1 tablespoon freshly chopped basil
08 - 1/4 teaspoon optional red pepper flakes
09 - 1/2 teaspoon oregano (dried)
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Pantry Items

11 - 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
12 - 1/2 cup sliced and pitted kalamata olives
13 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
14 - 1/2 cup crumbled feta (optional)
15 - 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - Fill a small pot with water and bring it to a boil. Follow the package instructions to cook orzo until tender but firm. Drain off the water and leave it aside.
02 - Warm a big skillet over medium heat with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper on the pieces of chicken. Cook them for 5-7 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Take the chicken out of the skillet and put it aside.
03 - Using the same skillet, pour in the remaining olive oil. Stir in the garlic and cook for a minute. Toss in the tomatoes and pour in the wine if using. Let it all cook for 5–10 minutes until the tomatoes soften and the liquid reduces.
04 - Add spinach, cooked orzo, olives, oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you like a kick) into the skillet. Mix everything up until blended nicely.
05 - Lay the chicken over the orzo mix, then sprinkle with basil, parsley, and feta if you like. Add a handful of pine nuts for crunch. Serve warm and enjoy!

# Notes:

01 - Chopping fresh basil and parsley gives a big burst of flavor.
02 - Make sure your pan is really hot so the chicken sears perfectly.
03 - Use canned diced tomatoes or cherry tomatoes instead of grape tomatoes if needed.
04 - Swap white wine with chicken or veggie broth if you'd rather not use wine.