One Pot Greek Chicken and Orzo Recipe
There’s something so satisfying about a meal that brings together vibrant Mediterranean flavors in a single pot. One Pot Greek Chicken and Orzo is a dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with the rich flavors of tomatoes, olives, feta, and fresh herbs, all nestled in a bed of perfectly cooked orzo pasta.
This recipe not only brings a taste of Greece to your table but also offers the convenience of minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of making this delicious and wholesome dish, explore the key ingredients that give it its distinct flavor, and provide tips and variations to help you make it your own.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making One Pot Greek Chicken and Orzo
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This seasoning mixture will give the chicken a delicious, aromatic flavor that is distinctly Greek.
Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs, skin-side down. Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the skin is golden and crispy. Searing the chicken helps to lock in its juices and create a rich flavor base for the dish. Once seared, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the bell pepper starts to soften. The vegetables will absorb the flavorful drippings from the chicken, adding depth to the dish.
Next, add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter.
Step 3: Toast the Orzo
Add the orzo pasta to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Stir well to coat the orzo with the oil and vegetables. Toasting the orzo briefly helps to enhance its flavor and prevents it from becoming too mushy during cooking.
Once the orzo is lightly toasted, stir in the dried oregano and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). These spices will give the dish its signature Greek flavor with a touch of heat.
Step 4: Add the Liquid Ingredients
Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. The tomatoes add a rich, tangy base to the dish, while the broth provides the necessary liquid to cook the orzo.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, making sure the orzo is evenly distributed in the pot. Return the seared chicken thighs to the pot, placing them skin-side up on top of the orzo. The chicken should be partially submerged in the liquid.
Step 5: Simmer the Dish
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let the dish simmer for about 20-25 minutes. During this time, the orzo will absorb the liquid and cook to a tender consistency, while the chicken continues to cook and infuse the dish with its flavor.
Check the pot occasionally to ensure that the orzo is cooking evenly and the liquid has not completely evaporated. If necessary, add a bit more broth or water to keep the orzo moist.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
Once the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese. The olives add a briny, tangy flavor, while the feta cheese melts slightly into the orzo, creating a creamy, savory finish.
Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the dish for a bright, zesty flavor that cuts through the richness of the chicken and feta.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
To serve, garnish the One Pot Greek Chicken and Orzo with freshly chopped parsley and dill. These fresh herbs add a burst of color and a fragrant, herbal note that ties the dish together.
Serve the dish directly from the pot, family-style, for a relaxed and inviting meal.
Tips for Perfecting One Pot Greek Chicken and Orzo
Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken Thighs
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are ideal for this dish because they stay moist and flavorful during the cooking process. The bone adds depth to the flavor, and the skin crisps up beautifully when seared.
Choose High-Quality Feta Cheese
Feta cheese is a key ingredient in this dish, so opt for a high-quality, authentic Greek feta if possible. It should be tangy and creamy, with just the right amount of saltiness to complement the other flavors.
Don’t Overcook the Orzo
Orzo cooks relatively quickly, so be sure to keep an eye on it as the dish simmers. You want the orzo to be tender but still have a bit of bite to it, similar to al dente pasta.
Serving Suggestions for One Pot Greek Chicken and Orzo
Pair with a Greek Salad
A fresh Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta is the perfect side dish to complement the rich flavors of the chicken and orzo.
Serve with Crusty Bread
A side of crusty bread is ideal for soaking up the delicious tomato and herb-infused broth. Garlic bread or a simple baguette works beautifully.
Wine Pairing
Pair this dish with a crisp, dry white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a Greek Assyrtiko. These wines have a refreshing acidity that complements the bright, citrusy flavors in the dish.
Variations on Greek Chicken and Orzo
Vegetarian Version
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or artichoke hearts for added flavor and texture.
Seafood Twist
For a seafood variation, replace the chicken with shrimp or a mix of seafood like mussels and clams. Add the seafood during the last 10 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking.
Spicy Option
If you like a bit of heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the sautéed vegetables. This will give the dish a spicy kick that complements the Mediterranean flavors.
Nutritional Benefits of One Pot Greek Chicken and Orzo
One Pot Greek Chicken and Orzo is not only delicious but also offers several nutritional benefits. Chicken thighs are a great source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. Orzo pasta provides carbohydrates for energy, while the vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and minerals to the dish.
Olive oil, a key ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are good for heart health. The addition of olives and feta cheese provides healthy fats and a good source of calcium.
If you’re looking to reduce the calorie content, consider using chicken breasts instead of thighs, or use less orzo and add more vegetables to the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may not be as juicy as thighs. To prevent them from drying out, you can brine them before cooking or reduce the cooking time slightly.
Q2: How do I store leftovers?
Leftover Greek Chicken and Orzo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to prevent the orzo from drying out.
Q3: Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, this dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q4: What other herbs can I use?
Other herbs like rosemary, thyme, or mint can be added for different flavor profiles. Just be sure to use fresh herbs for the best taste.
Q5: Is orzo gluten-free?
Traditional orzo is made from wheat and contains gluten. However, you can find gluten-free orzo made from alternative grains like rice or corn at most grocery stores.
Conclusion
One Pot Greek Chicken and Orzo is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Greece to your kitchen in a simple and convenient way. With its tender chicken, flavorful orzo, and the bright, tangy notes of lemon, olives, and feta, it’s a meal that’s sure to become a favorite. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this dish is easy to make, delicious, and satisfying. Give it a try, and enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean at home!
One Pot Greek Chicken and Orzo Recipe
There’s something so satisfying about a meal that brings together vibrant Mediterranean flavors in a single pot. One Pot Greek Chicken and Orzo is a dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with the rich flavors of tomatoes, olives, feta, and fresh herbs, all nestled in a bed of perfectly cooked orzo pasta. This recipe not only brings a taste of Greece to your table but also offers the convenience of minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 large shallots, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¾ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried dill
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 3 cups chopped baby spinach
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup crumbled feta
Instructions
Season chicken with 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Working in batches, add chicken to the Dutch oven in a single layer and cook until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, about 4-5 minutes per side; set aside.
Add shallots, and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 3-5 minutes.
Stir in garlic, oregano, basil, paprika, dill, thyme and cinnamon until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
Stir in chicken stock, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the Dutch oven. Stir in orzo; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked through, about 6 minutes. Stir in spinach until wilted, about 3 minutes. Return chicken to the Dutch oven.
Serve immediately, sprinkled with tomatoes and feta.