Name: Delicious Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; ½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced; ½ cup crumbled feta cheese; 2 cups baby spinach; Juice of ½ lemon; Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re searching for a vibrant one-pan dinner that brings the sunshine of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen, let me introduce you to Delicious Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo! Juicy chicken, tangy feta, bursts of cherry tomato, and notes of lemon and herbs come together on a bed of silky orzo for a meal that’s both comforting and lively. It’s the kind of dish that feels special enough for company, yet easy enough for a weeknight—truly a recipe you’ll want to come back to again and again.

Delicious Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe brings together simple, high-impact ingredients that each play a wonderful part in creating layers of flavor, color, and satisfying texture. There’s no need for anything fancy or fussy—every component truly matters here, from the brininess of the olives to the creaminess of the feta.

Chicken thighs or breasts: Tender, juicy chicken soaks up all the Mediterranean spices—use whatever’s in your fridge!
Dried oregano: This classic herb infuses the chicken with Mediterranean character right from the start.
Paprika: A gentle smoky warmth that deepens the overall flavor—sweet or smoked both work well.
Garlic powder: Makes the chicken savory and aromatic even before you add the fresh garlic later on.
Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and brightening all the other ingredients—don’t skip or skimp.
Olive oil: For sautéing and adds that signature richness and glossiness to the base.
Yellow onion: Adds mellow sweetness and depth to the sautéed base.
Fresh garlic: Lends an unmistakable Mediterranean aroma and flavor as it sizzles in the pan.
Orzo pasta: These little rice-shaped pasta pieces cook up silky and full of flavor as they soak up the broth.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Creates a savory base and ensures the orzo is anything but bland.
Cherry tomatoes: They burst with juicy sweetness, painting your skillet with pops of red.
Kalamata olives: Brings briny, robust flavor and beautiful contrasting color to the dish.
Feta cheese: Crumbled feta makes every bite creamy, tangy, and utterly irresistible.
Baby spinach: Wilts into the orzo, adding bright green color and a nourishing touch.
Lemon juice: Squeezing fresh lemon at the end wakes up all the other flavors.
Fresh parsley: Just a sprinkle for garnish adds freshness and a burst of vibrant green.

How to Make Delicious Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Begin by generously sprinkling the chicken pieces with oregano, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You want every piece full of flavor! Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Sear for about 5 to 6 minutes until each piece is golden brown and cooked through. Don’t worry if brown bits stick to the pan—they’ll add big flavor later. Once your chicken is done, transfer it to a plate and keep it nearby.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Toast the Orzo

No need to clean the pan—the flavor gold is in those pan drippings! Add the diced onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring until it’s softened and fragrant. Toss in the garlic and orzo, and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Toasting the orzo until it’s lightly golden is the trick for extra flavor and makes the texture so much better.

Step 3: Simmer the Orzo

Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a lively simmer. Let the mixture cook, uncovered, for about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally, scraping up any delicious brown bits stuck to the pan. When the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, you know you’re ready for the next steps.

Step 4: Add Veggies, Cheese, and Chicken

It’s time to bring everything together! Stir in the cherry tomatoes, sliced Kalamata olives, crumbled feta, baby spinach, and the cooked chicken. The tomatoes will soften slightly, the spinach wilts, and the feta melts into tiny creamy pockets. Let it all cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes until everything is a harmonious, steamy mix.

Step 5: Finish with Freshness

Before serving, squeeze the juice of half a lemon right over the skillet and sprinkle generously with chopped parsley. The lemon juice brightens all the flavors, and the parsley adds a final layer of color and fragrance. Your Delicious Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo is ready to be devoured—just try not to sneak too many early bites!

How to Serve Delicious Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo

Garnishes

The best way to finish off this colorful meal is with a handful of freshly chopped parsley and, if you’re feeling fancy, a few extra crumbles of feta. A twist or two of fresh black pepper adds a little extra zing, and a wedge of lemon on the side is never a bad idea for that make-it-your-own flourish.

Side Dishes

While Delicious Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo makes for a well-rounded main on its own, you can pair it with warm pita bread, a crisp cucumber-tomato salad, or even a simple Greek yogurt dip. Each adds a refreshing touch and rounds out your Mediterranean spread for an easy, abundant dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this dish family-style right from the skillet for a beautiful, rustic table centerpiece. For something a bit more elegant, spoon it into shallow bowls and garnish with extra cherry tomato halves and a sprig of parsley. Mini portions in ramekins make a fun appetizer for a dinner party! However you plate it, the colors will make any table shine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Delicious Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo holds up beautifully in the fridge. Let it cool, then pack into airtight containers. It’ll stay fresh for up to three days. The flavors actually meld and deepen a bit overnight!

Freezing

This dish also freezes surprisingly well. Spoon individual or family-sized portions into freezer-safe containers, let them cool fully, and seal. Delicious Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo keeps in the freezer for up to two months. Just note that the texture of the orzo may soften a touch after thawing, but the flavors remain wonderful.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to loosen things up—just stir as it warms. You can also heat individual servings in the microwave. If using frozen portions, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for even heating and best texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Both chicken thighs and breasts work well for Delicious Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo. Thighs bring a juicier, richer flavor, while breasts offer a leaner bite. Just be careful not to overcook the breast meat so it stays tender.

Is orzo gluten-free?

Traditional orzo is made from wheat, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can find gluten-free orzo made from rice or legumes in many grocery stores and use it as a substitute without adjusting the recipe.

What are good substitutes for feta?

If feta isn’t your thing, creamy goat cheese or soft ricotta are great swaps. For a dairy-free version, simply leave out the cheese, and the dish is still loaded with flavor and richness from the other ingredients.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely! To make a vegetarian version of Delicious Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo, just leave out the chicken and use vegetable broth. Amp up the veggies—add extra spinach, roasted peppers, or even chickpeas for a protein boost.

Does this recipe work for meal prep?

This dish is perfect for meal prep! Prepare a batch of Delicious Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo, portion into containers, and enjoy throughout the week. The flavors only get better as they sit, making lunch or dinner a breeze.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fresh, lively dish that brings people together at the table, I can’t recommend Delicious Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo enough! Every bite offers a little bit of everything—comfort, color, and zesty flavor. Give it a try and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to Mediterranean favorite!

Delicious Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Delicious Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo is a flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, flavorful orzo pasta, and a variety of Mediterranean ingredients like cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. It’s a satisfying and healthy dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Orzo:

1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Additional Ingredients:

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
2 cups baby spinach
Juice of ½ lemon
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Season the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with oregano, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
Cook the Orzo: In the same pan, add the diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and orzo, toasting for 1–2 minutes until lightly browned. Pour in the chicken broth and simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes until orzo is tender.
Finish the Dish: Stir in cherry tomatoes, olives, feta, spinach, and cooked chicken. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until spinach wilts and everything is heated through. Squeeze lemon juice over the top and garnish with parsley.