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Lemon-Herb Grilled Chicken with Mediterranean Orzo in Ninja Speedi

Lemon-Herb Grilled Chicken with Mediterranean Orzo in Ninja Speedi
This Mediterranean-inspired chicken dinner combines zesty lemon-herb flavours with perfectly cooked orzo all in one convenient Ninja Speedi appliance. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a restaurant-quality meal without multiple pots and pans, this dish delivers tender chicken and perfectly seasoned pasta in under 30 minutes. For the most flavoursome results, let the chicken marinate in the herb mixture for at least 15 minutes before cooking.
Lemon-Herb Grilled Chicken with Mediterranean Orzo in Ninja Speedi Ingredients lid out on a work top
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 35 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine: ,
Courses:
Difficulty: Beginner
Cooking Temp: 190  C
Servings: 4
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year
Description

This vibrant dish combines succulent grilled chicken with a fresh Mediterranean-inspired orzo pasta, creating a complete meal that's both nutritious and full of flavour.

The Ninja Speedi's dual-cooking capability allows the orzo to simmer while the chicken cooks to perfection above.

The lemon and herb marinade infuses the chicken with bright citrus notes and aromatic herbs, while the orzo absorbs the flavours of garlic, tomatoes, and Mediterranean vegetables for a harmonious blend of tastes.

Ingredients
  • 4 Chicken Breast
  • 3 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 2 Lemon (Juiced and Zested)
  • 4 Garlic Cloves (Minced)
  • 2 tsp Oregano
  • 1 tsp Thyme
  • 300 g Orzo Pasta
  • 750 ml Chicken Stock
  • 200 g Cherry Tomatoes (Halved)
  • 100 g Baby Spinach
  • 100 g Feta Cheese (Crumbled)
  • 60 g Kalamata Olives (Pitted and Halved)
  • Salt and Pepper (To Taste)
Instructions
  1. 1

    Combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, half the zest, garlic, oregano, and thyme. Marinate chicken for 15 minutes.

    2. Bottom Pot:
  2. 2

    Add remaining olive oil, orzo, stock, tomatoes, and season with salt and pepper.

  3. 3

    Place pot in unit.

    4. Crisping Tray:
  4. 4

    Place marinated chicken breasts on crisping tray.

  5. 5

    Position tray above orzo mixture.

    6. Cooking:
  6. 6

    Select Speedi Meals function, set temperature to 190°C for 15 minutes.

  7. 7

     When 5 minutes remain, add spinach to orzo mixture and stir.

  8. 8

    Once complete, remove chicken and let rest for 5 minutes.

  9. 9

    Stir feta cheese and olives into orzo.

  10. 10

    Slice chicken and serve over orzo, garnishing with remaining lemon zest.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 884.53kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 28.1g44%
Saturated Fat 7.5g38%
Trans Fat 0.01g
Cholesterol 226.51mg76%
Sodium 1651.44mg69%
Potassium 1656.17mg48%
Total Carbohydrate 74.12g25%
Dietary Fiber 5.8g24%
Sugars 7.54g
Protein 81.5g163%
Vitamin A 200.32 IU
Vitamin C 37.91 mg
Calcium 236.44 mg
Iron 5.08 mg
Vitamin D 0.1 IU
Vitamin E 4.36 IU
Vitamin K 138.55 mcg
Thiamin 0.49 mg
Riboflavin 0.97 mg
Niacin 31.23 mg
Vitamin B6 2.7 mg
Folate 117.83 mcg
Vitamin B12 0.99 mcg
Phosphorus 897.03 mg
Magnesium 163.55 mg
Zinc 4.24 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Tips: For best results, ensure chicken breasts are of even thickness by gently pounding them before marinating.

If orzo appears dry during cooking, add an extra 60ml of hot stock.

The dish can be made spicier by adding red pepper flakes to the marinade.

Leftover portions will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Vibrant Weeknight Meal Pairing

Versatility makes this lemon-herb chicken and orzo dish an ideal centrepiece for various weeknight dinner combinations.

You'll find that this Mediterranean-inspired meal pairs beautifully with simple side dishes that can be prepared while your chicken and orzo cook.

For a complete nutritious dinner, try adding a crisp Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and red onions dressed in olive oil and red wine vinegar.

If you're looking for more vegetables, roasted asparagus or courgette complement the lemony flavours perfectly and can be ready in just 15 minutes.

You can also serve warm pitta bread on the side to soak up the flavourful sauce from the orzo.

When you're short on time but don't want to compromise on taste, this dish works wonderfully with shop-bought shortcuts like pre-cut vegetables or prepared tzatziki sauce.

For busy nights, prep your salad ingredients in advance and store them separately - you'll thank yourself later.

Don't forget to double the recipe if you're planning for leftovers; the flavours actually improve overnight, making it perfect for the next day's lunch.

Conclusion

You'll find this Mediterranean-inspired dish brings together centuries of culinary wisdom in a modern, weeknight-friendly format. With your Ninja Speedi's dual-cooking technology, you're getting restaurant-quality results in under an hour. The combination of zesty lemon-herb chicken and perfectly cooked orzo isn't just a meal - it's a reflection of how ancient flavours can adapt beautifully to today's busy lifestyle.

Read it online: https://easyrecipes.pro/recipe/lemon-herb-grilled-chicken-with-mediterranean-orzo-in-ninja-speedi/
Nick-Jolliffe
Nick Jolliffe
Home Cook, Foodie, and Recipe Tinkerer

Nick Jolliffe is a self-proclaimed food enthusiast who loves nothing more than experimenting with new flavours and ingredients at home. With a passion for cooking that borders on obsession, Nick is always on the lookout for inspiration to create delicious, mouth-watering dishes to share with friends and family. When he's not busy scouring cookbooks or browsing food blogs, you can find him whipping up a storm in his kitchen, always eager to try out new recipes and techniques.