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; ½ tsp each: 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 combines tender, juicy chicken with al dente orzo pasta, all basking in a flavorful Mediterranean bath of olive oil, herbs, and tomatoes. This dish encapsulates the essence of comfort food while transporting you straight to a sunny Greek taverna, making it the perfect weeknight wonder. The little bursts of sweetness from cherry tomatoes, along with the creamy goodness of feta and the tangy punch from olives, make every forkful a delightful exploration of flavor.

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 first encountered Greek Chicken and Orzo during a summer potluck, where the vibrant colors and inviting aroma caught my attention immediately. It’s amazing how such a simple preparation can yield such depth in flavor! The blend of herbs infuses the chicken and orzo with a warm, inviting scent that makes your kitchen feel like a cozy dinner spot on a Greek island. This crowd-pleaser is not only budget-friendly but also perfect for feeding a family or hosting a gathering, so let’s jump right in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prep this delightful one-dish meal in just 15 minutes, with total cook time around an hour.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of herbs, garlic, and feta creates a vibrant dance of flavors that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The colorful medley of tomatoes, spinach, and olives makes this dish both tasty and visually stunning.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for an inviting weeknight dinner, or even a weekend gathering with friends and family.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets by swapping orzo with gluten-free pasta.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 ½ lb skinless boneless chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and easy eating. Alternatively, use chicken thighs for richer flavor.
1 ½ tbsp olive oil: This is essential for adding richness; use extra virgin for more flavor.
1 ½ tsp oregano: Dried oregano gives an authentic Mediterranean essence. Fresh oregano can be used if you have it on hand.
½ tsp paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness; smoked paprika is a great alternative for a deeper flavor.
½ tsp basil: Dried basil will work well; if using fresh, adjust the quantity as it is less concentrated.
½ tsp salt and pepper: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the dish.
3-4 garlic cloves, minced: Adds aromatic depth; use more if you’re a garlic lover!
1 cup orzo, uncooked: This small pasta cooks quickly and absorbs flavors wonderfully; substitutions like quinoa can work for gluten-free needs.
1 tbsp minced onion: For more flavor, use shallots or a small onion if you prefer.
2 ¼ cups low sodium chicken broth: This will infuse the dish with moisture and flavor, enhancing the overall taste compared to water.
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice: The acidity brightens the dish; fresh is best!
12 oz cherry tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, they add wonderful texture. You can replace them with grape tomatoes if desired.
8 oz block feta cheese (cubed): Fresh feta adds creaminess; avoid crumbled feta as it doesn’t hold up as well in this dish.
¼ cup chopped parsley: Fresh herbs brighten and add color; swap with dill for a different twist.
2 oz chopped baby spinach: Not just for nutrition but also enhances the color and flavor; kale can be used for a heartier option.
⅓ cup kalamata olives: These briny delights provide a perfect counterbalance to the creamy feta.

How to Make Greek Chicken and Orzo

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your dish cooks evenly and perfectly golden.

Coat the chicken: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the cubed chicken breast 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 to coat everything evenly, allowing the fragrant herbs and seasonings to cling to the chicken.

Add orzo and veggies: Carefully layer 1 cup uncooked orzo and 2 ¼ cups low sodium chicken broth into the pan, along with 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp minced onion, and 12 oz cherry tomatoes. Make sure all the orzo is submerged in the liquid. This is key for proper cooking!

Incorporate feta: Nestle 8 oz cubed feta cheese throughout the mixture, allowing it to melt beautifully during cooking.

Seal and bake: Cover the dish tightly with foil, which retains steam to cook everything gently. Bake this tantalizing mix for about 35-40 minutes, checking for doneness around the 35-minute mark. You want the chicken to reach 165°F and the orzo to absorb the broth and be perfectly al dente.

Stir and enjoy: Once cooked, remove the foil and give everything a gentle stir, inviting that melted feta into the mix. The cherry tomatoes will pop and release their juices—this is a good thing!

Finish with greens: Fold in 2 oz chopped baby spinach and ¼ cup chopped parsley, letting the residual heat wilt the spinach, adding a lovely vibrant green hue and freshness.

Garnish: Serve it warm, topped with ⅓ cup kalamata olives and additional feta, for a perfect finishing touch!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you wish to freeze it, transfer the dish to a freezer-safe container and keep it for up to 3 months. When reheating, simply place it in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Be aware that the texture may alter slightly, so add a splash of chicken broth or water to refresh it if needed.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the chicken by using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.
Let the dish rest for about 5-10 minutes after cooking for better results, as the flavors settle!
If you’re using freshly chopped herbs, add some at the end to maximize their flavor.
For a cheesier dish, consider stirring in some grated Parmesan along with the feta during the last mixing step.
Make this dish vegetarian-friendly by omitting the chicken and adding more vegetables or chickpeas!

With its lively flavors and straightforward cooking method, Greek Chicken and Orzo is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick family dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, the combination of flavors is irresistibly delicious. Plus, this delightful dish is versatile enough to adapt to your taste and dietary needs. So, gather your ingredients, and let the Mediterranean escape begin. Enjoy every bite!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Absolutely! While orzo is a great choice, you can substitute with any small pasta like couscous or ditalini. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as they may differ.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

A simple way to enjoy a vegetarian version of this dish is to omit the chicken and increase the quantity of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even chickpeas for protein.

What can I serve with Greek Chicken and Orzo?

This dish is quite filling on its own, but you can pair it with a light Mediterranean salad or crusty bread to soak up those delicious flavors.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep everything up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy!

More Main Dishes Recipes

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Greek Chicken and Orzo

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Peter
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Greek

Print Recipe

Description

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Greek Chicken and Orzo, featuring juicy chicken, orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, and creamy feta. Perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner, this dish is both healthy and comforting, making it a go-to for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

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
½ tsp each: 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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F.
In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the chicken, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, oregano, basil, and paprika. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.
Add the orzo, chicken broth, lemon juice, minced onion, and cherry tomatoes. Stir to ensure the orzo is submerged in liquid. Place feta cubes throughout the mixture.
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes without opening the foil to retain steam. Check for doneness at the 35-minute mark; orzo should be al dente and chicken at 165°F.
After cooking, remove the foil and mix in the feta. Note that the tomatoes may burst during mixing, which is fine!
Stir in the spinach and parsley, allowing the spinach to wilt. The sauce will thicken as the feta incorporates.
Serve topped with kalamata olives, additional feta, and chopped herbs.

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition.
This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated.