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Overhead shot of a rustic pot filled with flavorful one pot Greek chicken and orzo, garnished with fresh herbs on a marble background.
Reda

One-Pot Greek Lemon Herb Chicken and Orzo

This vibrant one-pot meal brings together tender, lemon-herb marinated chicken with creamy orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and feta for an easy and delicious weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs cut into 1.5-inch pieces
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice fresh squeezed
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
For the Orzo
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 Yellow Onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1.5 cups Orzo Pasta uncooked
  • 4 cups Chicken Broth low sodium
  • 1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes packed in oil, drained and chopped
  • 1/2 cup Feta Cheese crumbled, plus extra for garnish
  • 2 cups Fresh Spinach packed
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice fresh squeezed
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper or to taste

Equipment

  • Large Dutch Oven or Deep Oven-Safe Skillet (at least 5-quart)
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk
  • Tongs or spatula

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken
  1. In a medium bowl, combine the cut chicken thighs, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prep other ingredients, or up to 30 minutes.
Sear the Chicken
  1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding). Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely browned, but not cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics
  1. Reduce heat to medium. Add the chopped yellow onion to the pot and sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add Orzo and Liquid
  1. Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta, coating it with the residual oil and aromatics. Pour in the chicken broth and add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Simmer and Cook Orzo
  1. Return the seared chicken pieces to the pot, nestling them into the orzo mixture. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Finish and Serve
  1. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the fresh spinach, crumbled feta cheese (reserving some for garnish), and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Stir until the spinach wilts and the feta is just warmed through. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  2. Serve immediately, garnished with extra crumbled feta and fresh chopped parsley, if desired.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, omit chicken and use vegetable broth, adding chickpeas or cannellini beans for protein towards the end. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it seems too dry. Feel free to add other Greek-inspired ingredients like Kalamata olives or diced bell peppers along with the onion.