Honey Garlic Chicken Orzo with Roasted Tomatoes
A warm and comforting Mediterranean-style dinner where pan-seared honey garlic chicken meets roasted burst tomatoes and buttery lemon orzo. It’s balanced, flavorful, and comes together beautifully in under 45 minutes — perfect for weeknights or date nights alike.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
Servings:2–3
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 chicken breasts
1 ½ tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper, to taste
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp lemon juice
½ tsp dried thyme or oregano
For the Roasted Tomatoes:
1 ½ cups cherry or grape tomatoes
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp dried basil
For the Orzo:
1 cup orzo pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 ¾ cups chicken broth
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Instructions
1. Roast the Tomatoes
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
On a baking sheet, toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and basil.
Roast for 15–18 minutes, until tomatoes blister and burst slightly.
2. Cook the Chicken
Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
Add minced garlic, honey, lemon juice, and thyme to the pan.
Toss chicken to coat and cook for 1–2 minutes, until the sauce is sticky and glazed.
Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Cook the Orzo
In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring often.
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
Cook 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and creamy (add a splash more broth if needed).
Stir in lemon juice, Parmesan, and fresh herbs.
4. Combine Everything
Spoon creamy orzo into bowls or a serving platter.
Top with sliced honey garlic chicken and roasted tomatoes.
Drizzle with any remaining pan sauce.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan.
Chef’s Tips
Make it creamy: Stir in 2 tbsp of Greek yogurt or cream cheese to the orzo before serving.
Add veggies: Roasted zucchini, spinach, or asparagus go beautifully here.
Use thighs for juicier chicken if you prefer richer flavor.
Make it one-pan: Sear chicken first, remove, then cook orzo and add everything back together before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Store the chicken and orzo separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth.
Q2: Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely — skip the chicken and add roasted chickpeas or grilled halloumi instead.
Q3: What can I serve it with?
It’s perfect with a crisp Greek salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies on the side.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 560 kcal
Protein: 40 g
Fat: 20 g
Carbs: 48 g
Fiber: 3 g