There’s something magical about a dish that delivers bold flavors, hearty textures, and effortless cleanup—all in under an hour! This Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo is exactly that. Juicy, golden-brown chicken thighs simmered with garlic, tomatoes, olives, and orzo, then finished with fresh parsley and crumbled feta. Every bite bursts with Mediterranean goodness.
And the best part? It’s all made in one pot, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this dish won’t disappoint.
Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo
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One-Pot Wonder – Less mess, more flavor
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Quick & Easy – Ready in under an hour
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Incredibly Flavorful – A perfect balance of savory, tangy, and herby goodness
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Meal-Prep Friendly – Tastes just as amazing the next day
What Does This Dish Taste Like?
This Mediterranean chicken and orzo is bright, hearty, and comforting. The juicy chicken is infused with garlic, oregano, and lemon, while the orzo soaks up all the rich flavors of the tomatoes and chicken stock. The briny olives and creamy feta add the perfect touch of saltiness, and the red pepper flakes give a gentle kick.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Chicken thighs – Juicy, tender, and full of flavor
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Extra virgin olive oil – For that authentic Mediterranean taste
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Onion & garlic – Aromatic and essential for depth of flavor
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Red pepper flakes – A touch of heat to balance the flavors
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Cherry tomatoes – Sweet and slightly tangy
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Orzo – Small, rice-shaped pasta that soaks up all the goodness
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Chicken stock – Creates a rich, savory base
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Honey – A hint of sweetness to balance the acidity
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Dried Greek oregano – A classic Mediterranean herb
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Lemon juice – Brightens up the whole dish
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Olives – Adds briny, salty goodness
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Feta cheese – Creamy and tangy for the perfect finishing touch
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Fresh parsley – A fresh and herby boost
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
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Large deep skillet or Dutch oven
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Wooden spoon for stirring
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Sharp knife for chopping
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Measuring cups & spoons
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Tongs for handling the chicken
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo
1. Sear the Chicken
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Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt and pepper
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Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat
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Add the chicken thighs and cook 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown
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Remove and place on a plate, tented with foil
2. Sauté the Aromatics
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In the same pan, add the diced onion with a pinch of salt
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Sauté until soft and translucent (5-7 minutes)
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Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant
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Add the red pepper flakes and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook until tomatoes start to burst (2 minutes)
3. Toast the Orzo & Simmer
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Stir in the orzo, ensuring it’s well coated in the olive oil
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Toast for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally
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Pour in the chicken stock, honey, and oregano. Stir to combine
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Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low
4. Nestle the Chicken Back In
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Place the seared chicken thighs back into the pan, nestling them into the orzo
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Cover and simmer until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed (12-15 minutes)
5. Finish with Olives, Lemon & Feta
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Stir in the chopped olives and lemon juice
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Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley and crumbled feta
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If the orzo seems dry, add a splash of extra chicken stock or olive oil
6. Taste & Serve
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Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed
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Serve warm and enjoy every delicious bite
What to Serve with Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo
This dish is already a complete meal, but if you want to round it out, try serving it with:
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A crisp Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion
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Warm pita bread or a slice of crusty sourdough
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A side of tzatziki or hummus for extra creaminess
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Roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers
Expert Tips for the Best Chicken and Orzo
Pat the chicken dry before cooking for a crispier sear
Toast the orzo before adding liquid for extra depth of flavor
Use fresh lemon juice for the best taste—bottled lemon juice won’t do it justice
Don’t overcook the orzo—it should be tender but not mushy
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors meld together
Storage & Reheating Tips
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Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
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Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or stock to loosen up the orzo
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Freeze? This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as orzo can become mushy when frozen
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Chicken Breasts for Thighs?
Yes! If you prefer chicken breasts, sear them until fully cooked, then slice into bite-sized pieces and stir them in after the orzo has finished cooking.
What Can I Use Instead of Orzo?
No orzo? No problem! You can use Israeli couscous, small pasta shapes, or even rice. Just be sure to adjust the liquid amounts as needed to prevent dryness or excess moisture.
Are There Other Cheese Options Besides Feta?
Absolutely! While feta adds a delicious tangy and creamy finish, you can also try goat cheese for a creamier texture or grated Parmesan for a saltier bite.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the chicken for chickpeas to keep the protein content high, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a fully plant-based meal.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you love a little extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes or stir in some harissa paste, cayenne pepper, or chopped fresh chili peppers for an extra kick.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! This dish stores well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it a great meal prep option. Just reheat with a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen up the orzo.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a little broth or olive oil to bring back moisture.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh since orzo can become mushy when frozen. However, if you do need to freeze it, store it in an airtight container for up to a month and reheat gently with extra liquid.
Final Thoughts: A Mediterranean Masterpiece
This Easy Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo is everything you want in a meal—bold flavors, satisfying textures, and effortless cleanup. With juicy chicken, garlicky orzo, tangy feta, and briny olives, it’s a dish that’s comforting yet fresh. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below or tag me on Pinterest with your photos: Pinterest – Recipes by Sylvia
Enjoy, and happy cooking
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