Imagine a mouthwatering Mediterranean dish that transports you straight to the sunny shores of Greece, without spending hours in the kitchen. This One Pot Greek Chicken Orzo is your ticket to a restaurant-quality meal that's ridiculously easy to prepare. Packed with juicy chicken, burst-in-your-mouth cherry tomatoes, tangy feta, and aromatic herbs, this recipe is about to become your new weeknight dinner obsession. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a meal that looks and tastes like it took hours to make – but takes just 35 minutes from start to finish!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs, diced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olives, sliced
- 2 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the diced chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of oregano.
- Heat a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and nearly cooked through.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced olives to the skillet, sautéing for an additional 2 minutes to release their flavors.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the orzo pasta, stirring to ensure the pasta is evenly distributed and submerged in the liquid.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom.
- Check the orzo for doneness - it should be tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. If needed, add a little more broth or water.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle the remaining oregano and crumbled feta cheese over the top.
- Let the dish rest for 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to slightly melt.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs like parsley or dill if desired.
Tips
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear that locks in flavor.
- Use medium-high heat when initially cooking the chicken to achieve a beautiful caramelization.
- Stir the orzo occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- If the orzo seems too dry, don't hesitate to add a little extra broth or water to achieve the right consistency.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to slightly melt.
- For extra flavor, try using fresh herbs like dill or parsley as a final garnish.
- Choose high-quality feta cheese for the most authentic Greek flavor profile.
- If you prefer, you can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts, but thighs tend to be more flavorful and tender.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 125mg
