Mediterranean Chicken Bowl with Lemon Orzo & Roasted Veggies

Mediterranean Chicken Bowl with Lemon Orzo & Roasted Veggies

Servings

2 large bowls or 3 moderate portions

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1️⃣ Grilled / Pan-Seared Chicken

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp cumin (optional)

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• Optional glaze: 1–2 tbsp balsamic glaze or reduced balsamic vinegar

Instructions

1. Pound chicken slightly for even thickness.

2. Rub with olive oil, spices, salt, and pepper.

3. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.

4. Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F / 74°C.

5. Brush lightly with balsamic glaze during the last minute (optional).

6. Rest 5 minutes, then slice.

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2️⃣ Lemon Garlic Orzo

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta

• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• Zest of ½ lemon

• 1–2 tbsp lemon juice

• Salt & pepper

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.

2. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds.

3. Add orzo and toast 1 minute.

4. Pour in broth and salt lightly.

5. Simmer 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.

6. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, pepper, and parsley.

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3️⃣ Roasted Zucchini

Ingredients

• 1–2 zucchinis, sliced into thick rounds

• 1½ tbsp olive oil

• Salt & pepper

• Optional: dried thyme or oregano

Instructions

1. Toss zucchini with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs.

2. Roast at 425°F / 220°C for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway.

3. Lightly charred edges = perfect.

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4️⃣ Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Ingredients

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt & pepper

• Optional: splash of balsamic vinegar

Instructions

1. Toss tomatoes with olive oil, seasoning, and vinegar.

2. Roast at 425°F / 220°C for 15–18 minutes until blistered.

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5️⃣ Roasted Red Onion

Ingredients

• 1 red onion, sliced into thick rounds

• Olive oil

• Salt & pepper

Instructions

1. Brush onion slices with olive oil and season.

2. Roast 20–25 minutes, flipping once, until tender and caramelized.

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6️⃣ Herbed Ricotta (or Feta Alternative)

Ingredients

• ½ cup ricotta cheese (or crumbled feta)

• Salt & pepper

• Chopped parsley or thyme

• Optional: drizzle of olive oil

Instructions

1. Season ricotta lightly with salt and pepper.

2. Mix in herbs and olive oil.

3. Chill slightly or use at room temp.

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🥗 Assembly (Like the Photo)

1. Spoon lemon orzo into the center of a wide bowl.

2. Arrange zucchini, tomatoes, and red onion around the sides.

3. Add sliced chicken breast.

4. Finish with a dollop of ricotta.

5. Garnish with parsley and extra olive oil if desired.

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Pro Tips 🌿

• Swap orzo for couscous or rice if needed.

• Add olives or cucumber for extra Mediterranean vibes.

• For sauce lovers: drizzle tzatziki or garlic yogurt on top.

• Works great for meal prep — keep components separate