This tasty Mediterranean Chicken Orzo is a one-pan wonder! It’s packed with juicy chicken, flavorful herbs, and delicious orzo pasta, making it a comforting meal everyone will love.
I adore how quick this dish comes together—it’s like a mini vacation on a plate! Just cook everything in one pan, and you’ll have a hearty dinner in no time. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I love using chicken thighs for this recipe because they stay juicy and tender. If you prefer, you can swap them with boneless, skinless chicken breasts, just be careful not to overcook them!
Orzo Pasta: Orzo is the star here as it soaks up the flavors beautifully. If orzo is unavailable, feel free to use other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even quinoa, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Kalamata Olives: They add a wonderful briny flavor. If you’re not a fan of olives, you could skip them or try green olives for a milder taste.
Feta Cheese: I find feta adds creaminess and tang. If you’re looking for a different flavor or dairy-free option, try goat cheese or a dairy-free feta alternative!
How Do I Ensure the Orzo is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking orzo correctly is key to a great dish. First, toast it lightly in the pan before adding liquids. This helps add flavor and keeps it a bit firm. Also, pay attention to the liquid ratio as orzo absorbs quite a bit. Stir occasionally while it simmers to avoid sticking, and check for doneness to ensure it’s al dente.
- After adding the broth, keep the heat at medium-low for a gentle simmer.
- Always taste the orzo towards the end. If it’s too firm, add a splash more broth or water and let it cook a few extra minutes.
Easy Mediterranean Chicken Orzo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- Juice of 1 lemon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful meal requires about 10 minutes of prep time and 20-25 minutes of cooking time. In just about 35-40 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, hearty dish ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. This step ensures the chicken is flavorful throughout.
2. Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and cook until they’re golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook it for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Your kitchen is about to smell wonderful!
4. Toast the Orzo
Next, stir the orzo into the pan with the onions and garlic, cooking it for about 2 minutes. Keep stirring frequently, as this helps toasting the orzo and enhances its flavor.
5. Add Chicken Broth and Tomatoes
Now, add the halved cherry tomatoes, chicken broth, dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together to combine well.
6. Simmer the Dish
Return the browned chicken thighs to the pan, nestling them into the orzo mixture. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through. You want the orzo to soak up all those delicious flavors!
7. Final Touches
Once the orzo has cooked, remove the lid and stir in the Kalamata olives, fresh parsley, and lemon juice. Allow it to cook uncovered for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors and thicken slightly.
8. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top, along with more fresh parsley if desired. Serve your Mediterranean Chicken Orzo hot, and enjoy the vibrant flavors and comforting textures of this hearty dish!
FAQ for Easy Mediterranean Chicken Orzo
Can I Substitute Chicken Thighs with Another Meat?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs remain my favorite due to their tenderness, you can easily use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead. Just be careful not to overcook them to keep them juicy.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Sure! To make it vegetarian, you can substitute the chicken with chickpeas or your favorite plant-based protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and add more veggies like spinach or bell peppers for added texture and flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! This is a versatile dish. Feel free to add vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or even spinach when you toss in the olives and parsley for an extra nutrition boost!
