Name: Greek Chicken and Orzo
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 ½ lb skinless boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 ½ tbsp olive oil; 1 ½ tsp oregano; ½ tsp paprika; ½ tsp basil, salt and pepper; 3-4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup orzo, uncooked; 1 tbsp minced onion; 2 ¼ cups low sodium chicken broth; 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 12 oz cherry tomatoes; 8 oz block feta cheese (cubed), more for serving; ¼ c chopped parsley; 2 oz chopped baby spinach; ⅓ c kalamata olives

Jump to Recipe · Leave a Review

Greek Chicken and Orzo is a delightful one-pan dish that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your table. Featuring tender, seasoned chicken mingling with perfectly cooked orzo, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy feta, this dish encapsulates a comforting blend of textures and tastes. The vibrant colors of the fresh ingredients make it as appealing to the eye as it is to the palate. It’s hearty enough for a cozy family dinner yet sophisticated enough for entertaining guests.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Greek Chicken and Orzo
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Greek Chicken and Orzo

I still remember the first time I tasted a version of this dish at a small bistro while traveling through Greece. The aroma of garlic and herbs wafted through the air, and with the first bite, I knew I had to recreate it at home. My recipe for Greek Chicken and Orzo captures those memories while staying simple and budget-friendly. The best part? It requires minimal prep work—just a dump and bake, leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy the delicious results. I can’t wait for you to try it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: In just 15 minutes of prep time, you can set dinner to bake while you relax.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of oregano, lemon, and feta creates a mouthwatering dish that bursts with Mediterranean flavor.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Vibrant cherry tomatoes and lush spinach make for an Instagram-worthy meal.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep, everyone will love it!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapt to include gluten-free or dairy-free choices with simple swaps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 ½ lb skinless boneless chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces; this ensures quick cooking and easy serving. You can substitute with turkey breast if desired.
1 ½ tbsp olive oil: This adds healthy fat and flavor—extra virgin olive oil is a great choice.
1 ½ tsp oregano: A must for authentic flavor; fresh oregano can be used, but dried is perfect for convenience.
½ tsp paprika: It provides a hint of smokiness; smoked paprika can enhance this flavor profile further.
½ tsp basil: Adds aromatic sweetness; fresh basil works, but dried is fine too.
½ tsp each: salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning.
3–4 garlic cloves, minced: Their pungent aroma complements the other flavors.
1 cup orzo, uncooked: This short pasta cooks perfectly alongside the chicken, absorbing all those delicious juices.
1 tbsp minced onion: For an extra layer of flavor; diced shallots make a nice alternative.
2 ¼ cups low sodium chicken broth: Using low sodium helps control the salt content; you can swap with vegetable broth if needed.
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice: Brightens the dish; fresh lemon is always preferable.
12 oz cherry tomatoes: These sweet bursts of flavor head straight to the oven with the dish; halved tomatoes can enhance their sweetness.
8 oz block feta cheese (cubed): Feta adds a creamy tang; crumbled feta can also be used.
¼ cup chopped parsley: For finishing and freshness; feel free to substitute with fresh dill or mint for a twist.
2 oz chopped baby spinach: This adds a pop of color and nutrients; kale or Swiss chard can be great alternatives.
⅓ cup kalamata olives: These olives contribute a rich, salty flavor; green olives are a suitable substitute if preferred.

How to Make Greek Chicken and Orzo

Preheat the oven: Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it’s hot enough to cook everything perfectly.

Prepare the chicken: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the cubed chicken with 1 ½ tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper, 3–4 minced garlic cloves, 1 ½ tsp oregano, ½ tsp basil, and ½ tsp paprika. Toss thoroughly so all the chicken is evenly coated—those flavors need to cling on!

Add the orzo: Next, stir in 1 cup uncooked orzo, 2 ¼ cups low sodium chicken broth, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp minced onion, and 12 oz halved cherry tomatoes. It’s crucial to mix everything well to ensure the orzo is submerged in the liquid for even cooking.

Incorporate feta: Now, place 8 oz cubed feta cheese evenly throughout the mixture in the pan—this is where the magic will happen!

Bake it: Cover the dish tightly with foil and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Try your best not to peek until 35 minutes have passed! You want to keep all that steam in! Check for doneness by ensuring the orzo is al dente, the broth has been largely absorbed, and the chicken is at least 165°F internal temperature.

Stir and combine: Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the foil (watch out for steam!). Using a spatula, stir everything to mix in the feta—it’ll be melty and delicious! You might notice the tomatoes have burst, which is just perfect.

Add greens and herbs: Gently fold in 2 oz chopped baby spinach and ¼ cup chopped parsley. You’ll notice the spinach wilting and adding even more vibrant color to the dish. The sauce should thicken slightly, making it even richer.

Garnish and serve: For a lovely finishing touch, sprinkle on ⅓ cup kalamata olives, more feta if you’re feeling generous, and additional chopped herbs if desired. Serve this beautiful dish warm, and enjoy the compliments!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze portions for up to 3 months—just make sure to use freezer-safe containers. When reheating, the best method is in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through; you may need to add a splash of broth. While the texture may alter slightly, stirring well can refresh the dish.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Chicken pieces should be uniform in size for even cooking, so cut them into similar-sized bites.
Make sure the broth actually covers the orzo well—it helps it cook properly.
If you like a little spice, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
To make ahead, prepare the chicken and orzo mixture, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready!
Don’t stress if the feta crumbles instead of cubes; the flavor will be just as delightful!

There’s something so comforting about making a dish that feels both familiar and fresh. This Greek Chicken and Orzo recipe brings together essential flavors in a simple way that invites you to make it again and again. Feel free to get creative with the herbs or toss in some seasonal veggies to match your tastes. I encourage you to enjoy every bite and maybe even share this delicious meal with friends or family. The cozy, comforting warmth of this dish is sure to make everyone feel right at home.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of orzo?

Absolutely! Brown rice can be substituted for orzo, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook—about 45 minutes—so keep that in mind when planning your dish.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, simply substitute the orzo with gluten-free pasta or rice. Ensure that any broth or other condiments used are labeled gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken mix a day ahead and store it covered in the fridge. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before baking. You might need to add a little extra time if baking straight from the fridge.

What should I serve with Greek Chicken and Orzo?

This dish stands well on its own, but a side salad with lemon vinaigrette or a fresh cucumber yogurt dip can round out the meal beautifully. Enjoying it with some crusty bread to dip is also a fantastic option!