one pot greek chicken and orzo

One pot greek chicken and orzo is one of those weeknight dinners that feels like a warm hug. The savory chicken, the tender orzo, the bright burst of lemon—it all comes together in a symphony of flavors. I often think of this recipe as a Mediterranean vacation in a bowl.

This recipe reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen, where simple ingredients transformed into feasts. Just like her, I believe in the magic of one-pot meals. I’ve been making many chicken recipes in the past, like my zesty cilantro lime chicken!

This one pot greek chicken and orzo recipe is hearty, comforting, and incredibly easy to clean up. My tip? Don’t skimp on the feta!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

This one pot greek chicken and orzo recipe relies on fresh flavors and simple pantry staples. The combination of juicy chicken, briny sun-dried tomatoes, and salty feta cheese makes every bite delicious. I love the Mediterranean flair, and I’m sure you will too. Find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below! I’ve also made similar recipes like my Cranberry Orange Chicken.

How to Make one pot greek chicken and orzo

Making this one pot greek chicken and orzo is surprisingly simple. You’ll start by searing the chicken, then adding the orzo and other ingredients to cook in the same pot. In just under an hour, you’ll have a complete and flavorful meal ready to enjoy. My family loves this recipe, and I think yours will too! I can often compare the steps with my Chicken Burrito Bowl.

yasin

One-Pot Greek Chicken and Orzo

This easy one-pot recipe combines tender chicken thighs with flavorful orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and feta cheese for a complete and delicious Greek-inspired meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Greek

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 tsp Dried oregano
• 1 tsp Dried basil
• 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper
• 1 medium Yellow onion chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic minced
• 1 cup Sun-dried tomatoes oil-packed, drained and chopped
• 1 1/2 cups Orzo pasta uncooked
• 4 cups Chicken broth low sodium
• 1/2 cup Dry white wine optional
• 1 tbsp Lemon juice freshly squeezed
• 5 oz Baby spinach fresh
• 1/2 cup Feta cheese crumbled
• 2 tbsp Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• Large Dutch oven or pot
• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Method

 

• In a large bowl, toss the chicken thighs with olive oil, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated.
• Heat the remaining olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
• Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and orzo pasta. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
• Pour in the chicken broth and white wine (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
• Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir in the lemon juice and spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
• Remove from heat and stir in half of the feta cheese. Garnish with remaining feta cheese and fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and sear them skin-side down first. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Pro Tips for Making This one pot greek chicken and orzo

Here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years to make this one pot greek chicken and orzo recipe even better:

• Don’t overcrowd the pot: Sear the chicken in batches to ensure it browns properly.
• Use good quality chicken broth: This adds a lot of flavor to the orzo.
• My Secret Trick: I always add the lemon juice at the very end to keep it bright and fresh.
• Don’t overcook the orzo: It should be al dente, not mushy.

Fun Variations for one pot greek chicken and orzo

Want to mix things up? Here are a few fun variations on this one pot greek chicken and orzo recipe:

• Add more veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, or artichoke hearts would be delicious additions.
• Use different herbs: Fresh dill or mint would be great substitutes for parsley.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Change the protein: Swap the chicken for shrimp or chickpeas.

What to Serve With one pot greek chicken and orzo

This one pot greek chicken and orzo is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few sides that would complement it nicely:

• Greek salad: A classic combination!
• Tzatziki sauce: For dipping or drizzling.
• Grilled pita bread: Perfect for soaking up the sauce.
• Roasted vegetables: Asparagus or broccoli would be great choices. My tip: a little extra lemon juice on the finished dish brightens everything up!

How to Store one pot greek chicken and orzo

Leftover one pot greek chicken and orzo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.

To reheat, simply microwave or heat on the stovetop until warmed through. I always add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to keep the orzo from drying out.

Nutritional Benefits

This one pot greek chicken and orzo is a balanced and nutritious meal. It’s packed with protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. It provides sustained energy and is a great way to get your veggies in.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

While chicken thighs offer more flavor and stay moister in this one pot greek chicken and orzo recipe, you can substitute with chicken breasts. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out easily. I recommend cutting the breasts into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking.

Can I make this one pot greek chicken and orzo vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make this vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding chickpeas or white beans instead. You may also want to use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. It will still deliver the delicious flavors of one pot greek chicken and orzo.

Can I add other vegetables to this one pot greek chicken and orzo?

Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you enjoy. Spinach, bell peppers, zucchini, and artichoke hearts all work well. Add them along with the orzo so that they cook evenly. This is a flexible one pot greek chicken and orzo dish that welcomes customization.

Can I make this one pot greek chicken and orzo ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this one pot greek chicken and orzo a day or two in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving. Keep in mind that the orzo may absorb some of the liquid as it sits, so you may need to add a splash of broth when reheating.

Conclusion

This one pot greek chicken and orzo recipe is a delicious and easy way to bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table. It’s a comforting, flavorful meal that the whole family will love. Give this chicken cordon bleu recipe a try!

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