Zesty Mediterranean Chicken and Olive Orzo with Lemon Herb Dressing

Ingredients

• 1 cups orzo
• 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup mixed olives, pitted and halved
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium red onion, finely sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon oregano, dried
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard

Method

1. 01
   Cook the orzo in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 02
   In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
3. 03
   Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. 04
   In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the garlic and red onion for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
5. 05
   Add the cherry tomatoes and olives to the skillet, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.
6. 06
   Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together. Add the cooked orzo and stir to combine.
7. 07
   In a small bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients: lemon juice, olive oil, honey, parsley, basil, and dijon mustard.
8. 08
   Pour the lemon herb dressing over the orzo and chicken mixture, and toss well to ensure everything is coated evenly.
9. 09
   Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.