Mediterranean chicken orzo and corn power bowl

 Mediterranean Chicken Orzo and Corn Power Bowl

A nourishing and flavor-packed power bowl featuring juicy grilled chicken, orzo pasta, roasted corn, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta, and a tangy lemon-herb vinaigrette. Light yet hearty — perfect for summer meals or meal prep.

⏱ Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 4 bowls

Ingredients

For the Bowl:

1 cup uncooked orzo pasta

2 cups cooked chicken breast, grilled or pan-seared, sliced

1½ cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or roasted)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

⅓ cup Kalamata olives, sliced

½ cup crumbled feta cheese

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or dill

Optional: ½ avocado per bowl (sliced)

For the Lemon-Herb Dressing:

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup

1 garlic clove, minced

1 tablespoon fresh oregano or 1 tsp dried

Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook Orzo:

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.

Cook orzo according to package instructions (about 8–10 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.

2. Prepare Dressing:

Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, zest, mustard, honey, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl or jar.

3. Cook Corn (if fresh):

Grill, roast, or pan-sear fresh corn until slightly charred. Cool and cut kernels off the cob. If using canned, rinse and drain.

4. Assemble the Bowls:

In each bowl, layer orzo, sliced chicken, corn, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta.

Drizzle with lemon-herb dressing.

Top with parsley or dill and optional avocado slices.

5. Serve:

Serve cold or at room temperature. Drizzle with more dressing if needed.

Notes & Tips

Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save time.

Add baby spinach or arugula for extra greens.

Substitute orzo with quinoa, farro, or brown rice for a gluten-free or whole grain version.

Can be meal-prepped — store dressing separately until serving.

❓ Frequently asked questions FAQ

Q: Can I make it vegetarian?

A: Yes! Replace the chicken with roasted chickpeas or grilled halloumi.

Q: How long does it last in the fridge?

A: Up to 3 days in an airtight container (store dressing separately).

Q: Can I use frozen corn?

A: Absolutely. Just thaw and lightly pan-sear for better flavor.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 520

Protein: 36g

Carbs: 40g

Fat: 24g

Fiber: 6g

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