There’s something magical about the aroma of One Pot Greek Chicken and Orzo wafting through your kitchen. Imagine tender chicken simmering with fragrant herbs, sunny olives, and plump orzo pasta bathing in a rich, savory sauce. Greek meatballs with tzatziki As you take that first bite, the flavors explode in your mouth like a Mediterranean vacation on a plate.
This dish is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re entertaining friends. Picture sharing this vibrant creation around your dinner table, laughter filling the air as everyone digs into bowls of deliciousness.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This amazing Greek chicken and orzo offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table
- Perfect for a cozy family dinner but versatile enough for meal prepping for the week ahead
You know that moment when you whip out a homemade dish, and everyone’s eyes light up? That was me last summer at our family reunion when I made this One Pot Greek Chicken and Orzo. spicy white chicken chili My cousin couldn’t stop raving about it, claiming he’d never tasted anything like it before!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
- Orzo Pasta: This cute little pasta cooks quickly and soaks up all those wonderful flavors beautifully.
- Fresh Spinach: Use fresh spinach for vibrant color and added nutrition; it wilts perfectly into the dish.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy cherry tomatoes add a burst of freshness; choose ripe ones for the best flavor.
- Kalamata Olives: These briny beauties bring an authentic Greek flavor; pitting them yourself is worth the effort!
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds creaminess and tang; always sprinkle generously over the top before serving! one pot pumpkin mac and cheese.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential here; they infuse the dish with an irresistible aroma as they cook.
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness while still ensuring incredible flavor throughout.
- Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice brightens everything up; fresh squeezed is always best!
- Dried Oregano: This herb is key to achieving that classic Greek taste; don’t skimp on it!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Sautéing the Chicken: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and once hot, add diced chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Aromatics and Veggies: Toss in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then add halved cherry tomatoes and sliced olives, stirring well to mix flavors.
Cooking Orzo with Broth : Pour in chicken broth along with uncooked orzo pasta. Stir everything together, ensuring all pasta is submerged in liquid. Bring to a boil.
Simmering to Perfection : Reduce heat to low, cover pot tightly, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes until orzo absorbs most of the liquid and becomes tender.
Finishing Touches : Remove from heat and fold in fresh spinach until wilted. Squeeze lemon juice over everything before serving.
Garnishing Like a Pro : Top each serving with crumbled feta cheese and additional oregano if desired. Serve warm for maximum deliciousness!
This One Pot Greek Chicken and Orzo is not just easy to make but also delivers on flavor! With its delightful combination of textures—from tender chicken to creamy feta—this dish will surely become a family favorite in no time. creamy chicken enchilada soup Enjoy your culinary journey!
You Must Know
- This amazing Greek chicken marinade offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first to lock in flavors, then cook the orzo while preparing the sauce for perfect harmony of tastes.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out vegetables based on seasonality or your pantry’s contents; olives and feta are great additions too.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to revive flavors.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To enhance flavor, marinate chicken for at least two hours before cooking
- Always taste your seasoning as you go along for balance
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for perfect juiciness
Sharing this dish with friends turned into a laughter-filled evening, with everyone asking for seconds—who knew Greek food could bring such joy?
FAQ
What can I serve with One Pot Greek Chicken and Orzo?
For more inspiration, check out this Mediterranean Baked Fish recipe.
Consider pairing it with a simple Greek salad or warm pita bread for extra flavor.
Can I use different types of pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, feel free to substitute orzo with any small pasta like ditalini or elbow macaroni.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
One Pot Greek Chicken and Orzo
One Pot Greek Chicken and Orzo is a delightful, Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines tender chicken, savory orzo pasta, and vibrant vegetables in a single pot. The fragrant herbs and zesty lemon elevate the flavors, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings with friends. This easy-to-make recipe promises comfort and satisfaction in every bite, bringing a taste of Greece to your table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ½ cup Kalamata olives (pitted and sliced)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add halved cherry tomatoes and sliced olives; mix well.
- Pour in chicken broth and add uncooked orzo. Stir to ensure all pasta is submerged, then bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until orzo absorbs most liquid.
- Remove from heat; fold in fresh spinach until wilted and squeeze lemon juice over the top.
- Serve warm, garnished with crumbled feta cheese and additional oregano if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 300g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg