This delicious Mediterranean chicken orzo is packed with flavor! Juicy chicken, tender orzo, and fresh veggies come together in a bright, zesty dish that will make your taste buds dance.
You won’t believe how easy this is to whip up! I love making this for dinner because it’s a one-pot meal—less mess means more time to enjoy each bite. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juicy flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, chicken breast works well too, but may need a bit less cooking time. You could also use tofu for a vegetarian twist!
Orzo Pasta: Orzo is fantastic for this dish due to its small size and ability to absorb flavors. If you don’t have orzo, any small pasta like ditalini or even quinoa can be great alternatives. Just adjust cooking times as needed.
Kalamata Olives: These olives add a nice briny taste. If they’re hard to find, green olives or black olives are good substitutes. You can also skip them if you prefer a milder flavor.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds creaminess and saltiness when garnished on top. If you want a different flavor, try goat cheese or even a dairy-free feta alternative! Just remember to sprinkle it generously.
Fresh Herbs: Oregano and basil really bring this dish to life! If you have access to fresh herbs, they elevate the flavor even more. Dried herbs are fine, too—just use a bit less since they’re more potent.
How Do I Cook the Orzo Perfectly with Chicken?
Getting the orzo just right in this recipe is key. It should be perfectly tender while still capturing the dish’s flavors. Here’s how to do it:
- First, toast the orzo for about 1-2 minutes in the skillet. This adds a nice nutty flavor.
- When adding chicken broth, make sure it covers the orzo by about half an inch. This ensures even cooking.
- Keep the heat at low simmer, covering the pan after it starts boiling. Stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick!
- Check the pasta after 15 minutes. If it’s not quite done and the liquid is low, add a splash more broth or water and continue cooking.
Easy Mediterranean Chicken Orzo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnishing:
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Mediterranean Chicken Orzo takes about 10 minutes to prepare and roughly 30 minutes to cook. In just around 40 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. While the oil is heating, season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and half of the oregano and basil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. When done, take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the finely chopped red onion. Sauté it for 2-3 minutes until it becomes soft. After that, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it smells wonderful.
3. Toast the Orzo:
Next, stir in the orzo pasta. Toast it in the skillet for about 1-2 minutes while stirring frequently. This step enhances the flavor of the orzo!
4. Combine Ingredients:
Now, pour in the chicken broth and add the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced Kalamata olives, along with the remaining oregano, basil, and the red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Mix everything together well.
5. Simmer the Dish:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the orzo and veggies. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Remember to stir occasionally to avoid sticking!
6. Final Touches:
Once cooked, taste your dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove it from heat.
7. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve your Mediterranean Chicken Orzo warm. Top it with crumbled feta cheese and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for that extra touch of flavor. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Pasta Instead of Orzo?
Absolutely! If you don’t have orzo, you can substitute it with another small pasta, like ditalini or couscous. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type you choose, as some might cook faster or slower than orzo.
Can I Substitute For Chicken Thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer! Just be aware that they might cook more quickly than thighs, so aim for about 4-6 minutes on each side. You can also use other proteins, such as shrimp or tofu – just adjust the cooking time as needed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or warm it on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it from drying out.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Sure! To make it vegetarian, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra flavor and texture!
