If you’re looking for a dish thatās flavorful, satisfying, and refreshingly simple, look no further than Easy Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo. Bursting with bright flavors and wholesome ingredients, this one-pan meal brings a taste of the Mediterranean straight to your dinner table with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
At its core, this dish features tender, golden-browned chicken thighs or breasts simmered with orzo pasta, a rice-shaped pasta that absorbs all the savory juices and Mediterranean spices. Infused with garlic, lemon, oregano, and a splash of olive oil, every bite is layered with warmth and zest.
What makes this recipe truly shine is the combination of classic Mediterranean ingredientsājuicy cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach or kale, and crumbled feta cheese stirred in just before serving. These additions bring brightness, saltiness, and a touch of creamy tang that beautifully balance the richness of the chicken and orzo.
Not only is this meal vibrant and delicious, but it also comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Everything cooks in one pan, meaning you spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying a nourishing, well-rounded meal. Itās also highly customizableāswap in sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts based on what you have on hand.
Serve it straight from the skillet with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil. Whether youāre feeding a hungry family or prepping lunch for the week, Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo is a smart, feel-good choice that brings the sunny flavors of Greece and Italy to your home kitchen.
Simple, healthy, and full of fresh ingredientsāthis dish is proof that dinner doesn’t need to be complicated to be incredible.
Ingredients
- 200 grams chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon oregano dried
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1/4 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Add the orzo and cook, stirring frequently, until it begins to brown lightly.
- Pour in water as per package instructions for orzo, add oregano, and cook until the orzo is al dente and the water is absorbed.
- Stir in the cherry tomatoes and spinach, and cook until the spinach is wilted.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, and add lemon juice. Stir everything to combine.
- Serve warm, topped with crumbled feta cheese.
Nutrition
Yum! This reminds me of my trip to Greece. Love the feta cheese on top! Will recommend to my friends.
Why not just use rice? Orzo is overrated tbh. š¤·āāļø
I think orzo adds a special texture to the dish! Rice is good, but orzo is just different and more fun. š
This recipe was a hit at dinner! So easy to make and delicious. Definitely doing it again! š
Delish! I added some olives too. Who doesn’t love a Mediterranean vibe?
Olives sound great! I love adding my own twist to recipes. What kind did you use?
Not bad, but I feel like it needed more flavor. Maybe some garlic or seasoning? š¤
Easy, but my orzo turned out mushy. Followed the instructions exactly, not sure what went wrong. š©