Herby Chicken Kebabs with Olive-Studded Orzo

Bring a little taste of the Mediterranean home tonight with these easy herbed chicken skewers served with saucy, olive-studded orzo.

Photo: Ted Gibson

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See Also Lemony Catfish Kebobs on Wild Rice

Servings
4
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
15 min
Duration
35 min

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp chopped garlic
  • 1/4 to 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, or to taste (TRY: Simply Organic Crushed Red Pepper)
  • 2 14 1/2-oz BPA-free cans unsalted diced tomatoes
  • 1 1.2 cups whole-wheat orzo
  • 1/4 plus 1/8 tsp sea salt, divided
  • 3/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper, divided
  • 12 boneless, skinless chicken tenders (about 1 1/4 lb)
  • Olive oil cooking spray
  • 1 tbsp unsalted Mediterranean herb blend
  • 1/3 cup pitted Kalamata olives, chopped
  • 2 oz crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped

Equipment:

  • 4 metal skewers

Preparation

  1. Arrange oven rack about 6 inches from top heat source and preheat broiler to high. In a large skillet on medium, heat oil. Add garlic and pepper flakes and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add tomatoes and 2 cups boiling water. Increase heat to high, cover and bring to a boil. Add orzo, 1⁄8 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper and stir to combine. Reduce heat to medium-high and simmer, uncovered, for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and continue simmering until orzo is al dente, 4 to 6 minutes more, stirring occasionally.
  2. Once orzo is simmering, thread 3 chicken tenders on each of 4 metal skewers and place on a large rimmed baking sheet. Mist with cooking spray and sprinkle with herb blend, remaining 1/4 tsp salt and remaining 1/2 tsp black pepper. Broil for about 8 minutes, turning once, until no longer pink in thickest part and temperature reaches 165°F on an instant-read thermometer. (TIME-SAVING TIP: Chop olives and mint while chicken and orzo are cooking.)
  3. To orzo, stir in olives. Divide among serving plates and sprinkle with cheese. Top each with 1 skewer and sprinkle with mint.

Nutrition Information

  • Serving Size 1 1/2 cups orzo and 1 chicken skewer
  • Calories 522
  • Carbohydrate Content 59 g
  • Cholesterol Content 91 mg
  • Fat Content 14 g
  • Fiber Content 7 g
  • Protein Content 42 g
  • Saturated Fat Content 4 g
  • Sodium Content 573 mg
  • Sugar Content 8 g
  • Monounsaturated Fat Content 0 g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat Content 2 g