Save This vibrant Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Skillet is the ultimate no-fuss weeknight dinner. Tender chicken thighs, orzo, and a garden of vegetables are all cooked together in a savory tomato-herb broth. The dish finishes with briny olives, creamy feta, and a squeeze of bright lemon. Every bite delivers the sun-kissed flavors of the Mediterranean with just one skillet to wash up.
I first made this for a family birthday and it was an instant hit. Even the pickiest eaters in my house devour it, and it has quickly become my go-to for busy nights.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs with bone and skin: bring flavor and juicy texture Look for fresh pink-hued pieces with minimal fat
- Olive oil: adds richness and helps crisp the chicken Use extra-virgin for the best aroma
- Dried oregano: infuses classic Mediterranean flavor Opt for Greek or Turkish for an authentic touch
- Garlic powder: seasons the chicken evenly Reach for a fresh, fragrant bottle
- Salt and black pepper: enhance chicken and vegetables Use freshly ground pepper for extra warmth
- Onion: gives a sweet, savory base Choose firm white or yellow onions for the best flavor
- Red bell pepper: adds vibrant color and a hint of sweetness Look for glossy, firm peppers
- Fresh garlic: lifts the whole dish with its aroma Use big, plump cloves for maximum flavor
- Orzo pasta: soaks up broth like tiny pearls Choose high-quality pasta or a gluten-free substitute
- Diced tomatoes: create a fragrant broth Look for Italian or fire-roasted for extra depth
- Chicken broth: forms the backbone of the sauce Homemade or low-sodium boxed broths both work well
- Zucchini: offers mild, tender bites Pick small zucchini for fewer seeds
- Kalamata olives: give briny pop and authentic Mediterranean taste Buy pitted and glossy, never wrinkled
- Tomato paste: deepens the sauce with rich umami Use double-concentrated if possible
- Dried basil: rounds out the herbiness Look for dark green, aromatic flakes
- Crumbled feta cheese: melts slightly for a creamy finish Use authentic Greek feta in brine if available
- Fresh parsley: adds color and brightness Flat-leaf is best for flavor
- Lemon juice and wedges: add zesty balance Always use freshly squeezed
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken:
- Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken thighs with oregano, garlic powder, salt, and plenty of black pepper You want the flavors to cling to every piece Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high until shimmering Place the chicken thighs in the pan skin side down Let them sear without moving for about eight minutes so the skin crisps deeply and turns golden brown Flip each piece with tongs then cook another three minutes to lock in juices Transfer the seared chicken to a plate It will finish cooking later
- Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables:
- In the same skillet reduce the heat to medium and add diced onion and chopped red bell pepper Stir with a wooden spoon scraping up any brown bits from the chicken Sauté for about five minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions look translucent Add the minced garlic and stir for another thirty seconds until everything smells sweet and rich but do not let the garlic brown
- Toast Orzo and Build the Broth:
- Add the orzo directly to the skillet Stir and let it toast with the vegetables for one minute This step gives the pasta a lovely nutty flavor Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices plus the chicken broth tomato paste oregano and basil Stir thoroughly to combine and bring everything to a gentle simmer
- Nestle Chicken and Simmer:
- Place the chicken thighs back in the pan skin side up so they rest just above the orzo mixture Cover the skillet tightly and lower the heat so the liquid barely bubbles Simmer for fifteen to eighteen minutes until the orzo is tender and the chicken cooks through to one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit Remove the lid for the last three minutes if you want the sauce to thicken slightly
- Add Zucchini and Olives:
- Stir diced zucchini and Kalamata olives into the skillet around the chicken Let everything cook uncovered for about four minutes so the zucchini stays bright and tender but not mushy
- Finish with Feta and Lemon:
- Turn off the heat and scatter crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the hot skillet Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the top right before serving Serve directly from the skillet making sure everyone gets a piece of chicken plus plenty of orzo and veggies Pass lemon wedges on the side
Save I always look forward to sprinkling on the feta at the end It gently melts into the tomato broth and brings every flavor together My kids love squeezing their own lemon wedges on top and it turns dinner into a table event every time
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days The orzo will continue absorbing liquid so add a splash of broth or water before reheating Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave to keep chicken moist
Ingredient Substitutions
Use boneless chicken thighs or breasts if preferred adjusting cook time down Check for doneness so the meat stays juicy For a dairy free version leave out the feta or try dollops of dairy free cheese Short pasta shapes like penne or even cooked rice work well if orzo is not available
Serving Suggestions
Serve straight from the pan family style for a casual dinner Pair with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables For an appetizer add a platter of tzatziki and warm pita A glass of crisp white wine complements the Mediterranean flavors
Cultural and Seasonal Context
This skillet dinner draws inspiration from classic Greek and Italian flavors The use of feta olives and fragrant herbs shines brightest in late summer when zucchini and peppers peak It is a perfect way to capture Mediterranean sunshine in colder months using pantry staples like tomatoes and pasta
Success Stories
Whenever I bring this dish to potlucks it is the first empty skillet at the table My neighbor asked for the recipe after just a single bite and now she makes it every weekend for her family
Freezer Meal Conversion
If prepping ahead allow the cooked dish to cool completely then portion into freezer safe containers Once thawed reheat gently with a splash of broth for best texture The flavors meld even more richly after freezing
Save Bring the flavors of the Mediterranean to your table tonight with just one skillet and a handful of fresh ingredients. This colorful meal is sure to earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation.