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To create delicious Greek Chicken Orzo Power Bowls, gather these ingredients: - 1 lb chicken breast, diced - 1 cup orzo pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced - 1 cup baby spinach or arugula - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved - 3 tablespoons olive oil - Juice of 1 lemon - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You can make this meal your own. Here are some optional ingredients: - Grilled bell peppers for added sweetness - Avocado for creaminess and healthy fats - Chickpeas for extra protein and fiber - Fresh herbs like dill or mint for added freshness - Red pepper flakes for some heat Each ingredient plays a role in flavor and health: - Chicken: This lean protein keeps you full and helps build muscle. - Orzo: This pasta adds a comforting texture and offers carbs for energy. - Cherry tomatoes: They provide sweetness and are rich in vitamins. - Cucumber: This adds crunch and hydration with low calories. - Red onion: It gives a sharp taste and is full of antioxidants. - Spinach/Arugula: These greens add vitamins and minerals, boosting nutrition. - Feta cheese: This adds creaminess and calcium for bone health. - Kalamata olives: They bring a briny flavor and healthy fats. - Olive oil: This heart-healthy fat enhances taste and helps absorb nutrients. - Lemon juice: This brightens the dish and adds vitamin C. - Dried oregano: This herb adds a classic Greek flavor and has anti-inflammatory properties. When you mix these ingredients, you create a meal that's tasty and packed with nutrients. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it boils, add the orzo pasta. Cook it for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want it to be firm, or al dente. After cooking, drain the orzo and place it in a mixing bowl. This will be the base of your power bowl. Next, take 1 pound of diced chicken breast. In a medium bowl, mix the chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, lemon juice, and dried oregano. Don't forget to add salt and pepper! Make sure you coat the chicken well. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the marinated chicken. Cook it for 7 to 10 minutes. Stir it often until it’s golden and cooked through. While the chicken cooks, chop your veggies. Dice 1 cucumber, halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice 1/2 of a red onion. Also, get 1 cup of baby spinach or arugula ready. All these will add freshness and crunch to your bowl. Now it’s time to put everything together! In the bowl with the orzo, add the cooked chicken, chopped tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, baby spinach, and 1/4 cup of Kalamata olives. Crumble 1/2 cup of feta cheese on top. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the mix. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently toss everything until well combined. This colorful blend is your Greek Chicken Orzo Power Bowl. To make your orzo just right, start with salted water. Bring it to a boil first. Add the orzo and cook it until it's al dente. This means it should still have a slight bite. Drain the orzo and let it cool in a big bowl. For the chicken, marinating is key. Use lemon juice, olive oil, and oregano to add flavor. Sauté the chicken over medium heat. Cook until it's golden brown and fully cooked through. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes. For an extra flavor boost, add more herbs. Fresh parsley or dill can brighten the dish. You can also mix in more lemon juice for zest. If you like heat, try adding red pepper flakes. Kalamata olives add a nice salty punch, so don’t skip them. You can also toss in a pinch of smoked paprika for depth. Lastly, using good-quality feta cheese makes a big difference. When serving, make each bowl beautiful. Layer the orzo and chicken, then add the veggies on top. Arrange everything in sections for a colorful look. A sprinkle of chopped parsley on top adds a nice touch. You can also serve with lemon wedges on the side. This not only looks great but gives a fresh squeeze when eating. Remember, we eat with our eyes first! Check out the Full Recipe for more details on assembling. {{image_4}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of Greek Chicken Orzo Power Bowls. Instead of chicken, use chickpeas or grilled vegetables. These options add protein and flavor. For chickpeas, use one can, drained and rinsed. For grilled vegetables, try zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant. Just toss them with olive oil and herbs before grilling. This will keep the dish hearty and satisfying. If you need a gluten-free option, swap orzo for quinoa or rice. Both grains work well and keep the meal filling. For a dairy-free version, leave out the feta cheese. You can use dairy-free cheese or avocado for creaminess. This still gives the bowl a rich taste without dairy. To boost protein, consider adding grilled shrimp or tofu. Both options are great choices and add different flavors. You can also mix in nuts or seeds for added crunch. Sunflower seeds or walnuts work well. They add nutrients and texture to your meal. Feel free to customize your bowl based on what you enjoy. For the full recipe, check out the Greek Chicken Orzo Power Bowls above! To keep your Greek Chicken Orzo Power Bowls fresh, store leftovers in airtight containers. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. Make sure to separate the chicken from the orzo if possible. This keeps the orzo from getting too soggy. Leftovers can last in the fridge for about three days. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Reheat your bowls gently to keep the chicken moist. I find the best method is using the microwave. Place your bowl in the microwave and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, about 30 seconds at a time. Stir between intervals to ensure even heating. If you prefer, you can also reheat on the stove. Just add a splash of water to a pan, and warm over low heat. Stir until everything is heated through. To maintain freshness, consider these tips: - Use glass containers: They help reduce odors and keep food fresh. - Cool completely before sealing: This prevents condensation inside the container. - Label containers with dates: This makes it easy to track how long they've been stored. - Freeze for longer storage: If you want to keep leftovers for weeks, freeze individual portions. They can last up to three months in the freezer. For more details on preparing this dish, check out the Full Recipe. To make these bowls vegan, swap chicken with chickpeas or tofu. Cook the chickpeas or tofu as you would the chicken. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to cook the orzo. You can also add more veggies, like bell peppers or zucchini, to boost flavor and nutrition. Yes, you can prepare these bowls in advance. Cook the orzo and chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers. Chop the veggies and keep them in the fridge. Assemble the bowls just before serving to keep everything fresh. These bowls pair well with a light salad or some warm pita bread. You can also serve a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping. This adds a nice creamy texture and enhances the flavors. To make a simple dressing, mix 3 tablespoons of olive oil, juice of 1 lemon, and a pinch of salt and pepper. You can add a teaspoon of dried oregano for extra flavor. Whisk the ingredients together until blended. Drizzle this dressing over your bowls for a tasty finish. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Greek Chicken Orzo Power Bowls are simple and tasty. We covered the ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for the best flavor. You can easily customize your bowl to fit your diet. Learning to store and reheat leftovers helps minimize waste. I hope you feel inspired to make this dish. Enjoy healthy eating with these easy and fun bowls. Happy cooking!

- Greek Chicken Orzo Power Bowls

Discover the vibrant flavors of Greek Chicken Orzo Power Bowls! This delicious recipe combines tender chicken, creamy feta, fresh veggies, and perfectly cooked orzo for a nutritious meal that's as colorful as it is tasty. Perfect for meal prep or a family dinner, these power bowls are quick to make in just 30 minutes. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your weeknight meals with a burst of Mediterranean flavor!

Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken breast, diced

1 cup orzo pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

1 cup baby spinach or arugula

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved

3 tablespoons olive oil

Juice of 1 lemon

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Orzo: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Once boiling, add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until it reaches an al dente texture. Afterward, drain the orzo and set it aside in a large mixing bowl.

    Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, take your diced chicken breast and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, dried oregano, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade.

      Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the marinated chicken. Sauté the chicken for approximately 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is fully cooked through and has developed a golden-brown color on the outside.

        Chop the Vegetables: While your chicken cooks, take the time to prepare your vegetables. Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion, ensuring all are ready for when you combine everything.

          Assemble the Bowls: In the large mixing bowl with the cooked orzo, combine the cooked chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, baby spinach, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the mixture and season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Gently toss all the ingredients together until well mixed and coated.

            Serve: Finally, divide the vibrant orzo mixture among four bowls. Garnish each bowl with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and flavor.

              Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: For an extra pop, arrange the bowls with all the colorful ingredients in sections, showcasing each ingredient beautifully. Consider serving with lemon wedges on the side for an added zing.