You’ll love this comforting one-pan chicken orzo recipe, prepared Greek-style! Boldly seasoned chicken, nestled in a mixture of tiny orzo pasta with onions, bell peppers, and tomato and baked to tender, creamy perfection. Easy and satisfying.
Chicken dinners are always a winner at my house. And luckily, there are so many options from juicy baked chicken thighs, to chicken piccata and grilled souvlaki, which make a lot of during the summer months.
But as a busy home cook, I’m always up for one-pan dinners, and I’ve been rotating between chicken and rice with warm Middle Eastern flavors and today’s bold and comforting Greek-Style chicken orzo, which is my girls’ favorite!
Why this chicken orzo bake works!
There is so much I love about this chicken orzo bake! A comforting, one-pot meal to feed a hungry little crowd, that’s for sure. But the real draw is in the flavors!
Boneless chicken thighs take on a bold seasoning with dried oregano, paprika, and coriander. Then, the chicken is nestled in a mixture of tiny orzo pasta with aromatics including onions, garlic, tomatoes, and bell peppers. Yes, it is what we call around here, a flavor party!
Once baked in the delicious, flavor-packed tomato broth, the orzo soaks up all the goodness and turns extra plump, and the result is a velvety, creamy chicken orzo! This is all the comfort without the use of any butter or heavy cream.
And for me, a sprinkle of good feta cheese seals the deal on this comforting orzo recipe.
Fewer dishes to clean is never a bad thing, but just be sure to grab something like a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot to fit all the ingredients.
What is orzo?
Orzo is not rice. It is a tiny, short-cut pasta that is shaped like a large grain of rice. Orzo is traditionally made from wheat semolina flour or white flour but you can find whole wheat and gluten-free versions as well (so even my gluten free friends will have a way to make this!)
Orzo pasta is super convenient and quick to cook. That’s exactly why I keep it on hand to use in everything from a one-pot orzo with chicken, to shrimp soup, or even a vegetarian main like this orzo recipe tossed with chickpeas and zucchini.
How to cook orzo?
As with any pasta, the typical way to cook orzo is in salted boiling water, and it will take somewhere around 8 minutes or so. If I am making it to use in an orzo salad or just as a plain side or bed for a saucy shrimp recipe, that is how I would cook my orzo. But today’s recipe is different.
In something like this Greek orzo recipe with chicken, you do not need to cook the orzo in boiling water first. Instead, dry orzo is baked in the flavorful, tomato broth with the chicken and vegetables all in one pot. It will take about 20 minutes in the oven, and the result is velvety, creamy, extra plump orzo pasta that everyone loves!
How to make chicken and orzo
To make this easy, weeknight orzo recipe, be sure to grab a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot to fit the chicken, orzo, and vegetables. Here is how it goes:
- Season and brown the chicken
Mix together 2 teaspoons oregano and 1 teaspoon each paprika and coriander with a good pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Then get rub this spice mixture all over the chicken (both sides). Squeeze a lemon all over the chicken and set aside for a few minutes as you work to prepare other things.
In your Dutch oven, heat up some good extra virgin olive oil and brown the chicken on both sides. This will take 8 to 10 minutes or so. Transfer the chicken to a plate so you can use the Dutch oven for the rest. - Sautee the vegetables
Grab 2 bell peppers, any colors you like, and cut them into rings. Throw the peppers in the pot and cook until they gain some color.
Set the peppers aside and throw some chopped onions (2 cups) in the pot. Cook the onions for a bit, then add some minced garlic and cook a little bit longer, tossing regularly
- Add the liquid to make a broth for the chicken and orzo
To the pot, add some peeled whole tomatoes from a can (yes, use the tomato juices as well) and add 2 cups of chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil. - Add the orzo and chicken
When the liquid boils, add 2 cups of dry orzo and let that boil a bit. Nestle the chicken into the delicious orzo mixture. Top with those beautiful bell peppers you sautéed earlier. - Bake in 350 degrees F oven for 20 to 25 minutes
Tranfer your pot to the oven. Bake uncovered until the orzo has cooked through and has absorbed the majority of the liquid. When you take it out, cover it and let it sit for 5 minutes until the liquid is fully absrobed. - Finish and serve
For me, a drizzle more extra virgin olive oil, the good stuff, and a sprinkle of feta is the perfect way to finish this dish!
What to serve with it?
When I made this the other night, all I added as a side was my easy Greek salad to carry on the theme. But if you like, you can add a starter or two like Greek baked feta or melitzanosalata with your favorite crusty bread.
Equipment and special ingredients to make this recipe
- You will need one big oven-safe pot or Dutch oven like this one.
- I like using a wooden spoon to stir and sauté all the vegetables
- For the spices and olive oil used, browse our online shop here.
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Greek-Style Chicken Orzo Recipe
Ingredients
For Chicken
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1 tsp each kosher salt and black pepper
- 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 lemon, juice of
- Extra virgin olive oil
For Orzo
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Bell peppers any color, cored and sliced into rounds
- 2 cups chopped yellow onion
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups canned peeled plum tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- 2 cups dry uncooked orzo pasta, whole grain orzo if you have it
- Feta cheese for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a small bowl, combine spices (oregano, paprika, coriander, salt and pepper.)
- Pat the chicken dry, and season well with the spices on both sides. Place the seasoned chicken in a large tray or bowl and add lemon juice. Set aside for a few minutes.
- In a 5-quart Dutch oven like this one or a large oven-safe pot, heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil over medium-high until shimmering.
- Add the chicken and brown on both sides (about 8 to 10 minutes). Transfer the chicken to a plate for now.
- In the same pot, add the bell pepper slices and sear on either side. Remove and place with the chicken for now.
- If needed, add another tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Add the chopped onions and cook for 5 minutes, stirring regularly, until soft. Add the garlic, and cook another 30 seconds, then add the tomatoes, broth, spices, and a dash of kosher salt and pepper. Bring to a boil then add the orzo pasta.
- Nestle the chicken pieces into the orzo mixture, and top with the bell pepper slices.
- Transfer the pot to the heated oven oven. Bake, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes or until the orzo is fully cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid. Remove from oven, cover and let sit 5 minutes undisturbed (the orzo will absorb any juices.)
- Before serving, drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil, and garnish with fresh parsley and feta, if you like.
Video
Notes
- For the spices and olive oil used, browse our online shop here.
- Leftovers & storage: allow any leftovers to cool completely and store in the fridge in tight-lid containers. If stored properly, leftovers orzo and chicken will keep for 3 days or so.
Nutrition
*This post first appeared on The Mediterranean Dish in 2018 and has been updated with new media and information for readers’ benefit.
Very good but the cooking time is WAY off. If you have to brown the chicken for 8-10, then sear the peppers for another 2, then 5 minutes on the onion, then wait for all the broth to boil, you’re at roughly 18 minutes before it goes into the oven for 20-25 minutes with a 5 minute cook down. This is a 40-45 minute cook time plus 10 minutes of prep time. Wish I had know that before I started cooking.
Can I make this in the instant pot?
I am am not sure if you will see this but this looks amazing, as do all your recipes. I would like to make this but quick quick question, am I able to substitute with bone in chicken thighs?
Thank you again for sharing the food love!
Thank you, Dena! And, yes, but bone-in chicken will take longer to cook. To use bone-in chicken, you may cook them first for a bit, then add them in with the orzo before you bake.
Can I make this with brown rice, pearl barley or a tube pasta instead of orzo?
Hi, Jileen. I think any of those could work, but I haven’t personally tested them with this recipe.
Made this tonight. AMAZING! No surprise there but has moved up to one of my favorites from Suzy!
Really interested in making this! How would I convert the cooking time for chicken breasts instead of thighs? Also love with some picky eaters. Would chicken breast dry out? Thanks!
Hi, Julia. You can definitely use chicken breasts here. The timing would really depend on the size of the chicken breasts. If they are on the larger side, they will take longer to cook. You may want to cut them into smaller pieces and cook them to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Enjoy!
Made this for dinner tonight, it was delicious. Taking the left overs to work tomorrow to tease my coworkers with- it smells so good, too! Thanks for the easy one pot recipe!
My pleasure,Kris! So glad you enjoyed it!
I made this – with a few modifications – for dinner tonight. It was fantastic! I didn’t have orzo so I used pearled farro instead. I always use chicken breast (I live with a picky eater who won’t eat dark meat), and because my pan is not suitable for the oven, I cooked it on the stovetop. It came out great. Even my picky eater liked it. Served it with your quick Greek salad, homemade tzatziki and creamy feta. I will definitely be adding this to the rotation!
Thanks for the great recipes.
Thanks so much for taking the time to share, Lynn!
Too much orzo in my opinion: one and a half cup would have been enough. Also, one can of diced tomatoes and more chicken broth for me
how would you adapt this recipe to cook for 8 people? looking for easy to prep/clean up before the crowd arrives. Can it be made in a roasting pan of some sort? or what other non meat recipe (no olives) would you recommend
I first made this recipe several months ago. It’s a favorite and has become a regular on our menu rotation. It gets five stars! It’s also delicious using zucchini instead of peppers.
Thanks for sharing, Katherine!
It was a hit. Super easy and tasty, just the was I like it. Will be making it again.
Thanks, Carlos!
Making 12 servings of this for a big dinner tomorrow. Do you drain the tomatoes, as not doing so will add more liquid? Will have to do the prep on the stove and then put in a large casserole pan to finish. Love your recipes!
Hi, Bernadette. I don’t drain the tomatoes and have not issues with it being too liquidy.
This was an excellent dish! I love the flavors! My family loved the smells coming from the kitchen as I cooked it. I did reduce the Oreo pasta per the one reader’s comment out of concern for there being too much. I am glad that I did. There would have been too much given the amount of chicken. We try to be carb conscious.
If I want to substitute rice, do I need to make any other changes? Loved it with the orzo, but want to make it for friends who are gluten free. Thank you.
Hi, Sue! I think rice could work here, but I have never tried personally. We have a couple of other chicken and rice recipes that might be helpful to look at for guidance: Chicken & Rice, Spanish Chicken & Rice.If you give the rice a go with this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out!
Suzy this was amazing! So easy and delicious. I only used 4 servings of orzo (so cut out 2), 1.5 cups broth, and used a can of diced tomatoes instead of the plum since that’s what I had on hand. Hands down going into our normal rotation. I don’t think I’ve had a mediocre recipe from you. Thank you!