Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Recipe (One-Pan, Lemon & Feta)

Your search for the perfect weeknight dinner ends here. This Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo recipe delivers on flavor, convenience and health, all in a single pan. Unlike many creamy and comfort-food versions, this recipe leans heavily into the bright and sun-kissed flavors of the Aegean, using high-quality olive oil, herbs, fresh lemon and lean protein. Which makes it an ideal and healthy choice for a Mediterranean Diet dinner.

This isn’t just another chicken orzo recipe; it’s a simple, layered dish where every ingredient shines. The chicken cooks right alongside the orzo, which toasts in a flavorful base before absorbing all the savory broth, lemon and herb goodness. Finally, finish with a sprinkle of salty feta and briny olives for a one-pan meal that tastes like a trip to the Greek islands.

Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Chicken & Orzo

This recipe addresses all the major search intents: ease, flavor and a healthier profile.

• One-Pan Weeknight Wonder: Everything cooks together in a large skillet, from browning the chicken to simmering the pasta. Minimal cleanup for maximum flavor payoff.
• Authentic Mediterranean Flavors: We ditch the heavy cream and focus on the core flavors of the diet: high-quality olive oil, fresh lemon, oregano, garlic and bright salty finishes from olives and feta. Learn more about the core principles of the Mediterranean diet on our dedicated page.
• Unbeatable Versatility (The 3-Way Recipe): Whether you prefer a quick skillet meal, a hands-off chicken and orzo bake or a cozy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, this foundational recipe can be easily adapted to your preferred cooking method or mood.
• High-Protein & Balanced: Featuring lean chicken and fiber-rich orzo, this dish is a satisfying and wholesome addition to your Mediterranean diet recipe rotation.

Ingredients for This Chicken and Orzo Recipe

The beauty of Mediterranean chicken orzo lies in using simple and high-quality ingredients that build flavor layers.

Chicken & Marinade – Breast or Thighs and Seasoning

You have flexibility here. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breast (sliced thin for quicker cooking) or for a more succulent result, use boneless chicken thighs and orzo.

• Protein: 1.5 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs.
• Seasoning: Use dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt and black pepper. And oregano is non-negotiable and it’s the soul of Mediterranean chicken.

Orzo & Broth – Chicken Stock, Aromatics

Orzo is key here. This rice-shaped pasta toasts beautifully, which significantly deepens the final flavor.

• Orzo pasta: 1 cup. A small, rice-shaped pasta that is technically a noodle, acting like a loose and creamy risotto when cooked properly.
• Aromatics: Yellow onion (finely diced) and 4-5 cloves of garlic (minced).
• Liquid: 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock/broth.

Mediterranean Flavor Boosters – Olive Oil, Garlic, Oregano, Lemon, Olives, Tomatoes, Feta and Parsley

This is where the dish truly gets its Mediterranean identity.

• Healthy Fat: 3 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO). Moreover, use your best quality; it is the signature fat of the region and adds significant flavor and health benefits.
• Brightness: Zest and juice of 1 large fresh lemon.
• Salty/Briny: 1/2 cup Kalamata olives (pitted and halved) and 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese.
• Sweetness/Acidity: 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed and drained).
• Fresh Finish: Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish).

Can I use whole-wheat orzo or make it gluten-free?

Yes! Whole-wheat orzo works well; it will increase the cook time by about 5-8 minutes and you may need an extra splash of liquid. And for a gluten-free option, simply substitute the orzo with an equal amount of arborio rice or a small, gluten-free rice-shaped pasta (like acini de pepe). But the rice will require slightly more liquid.

How to Make One-Pan Chicken & Orzo Recipe

This recipe uses the ‘toasting’ and ‘simmering’ technique (similar to a simplified risotto) to achieve that perfect and creamy texture.

Step 1 – Season & Brown Chicken

In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Then season the chicken pieces well with salt, pepper, oregano and paprika. After that, sear the chicken until deeply golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. The chicken does not need to be cooked through; we are only building flavor and getting a nice crust. Finally, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Step 2 – Toast Orzo with Aromatics

Reduce the heat to medium. Then add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the diced onion and cook until softened (about 3 minutes). Then add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Now, add the dry orzo and stir and toast the orzo in the residual oil and aromatics for 2-3 minutes. This crucial step, called toasting, prevents the pasta from getting mushy and dramatically enhances its nutty flavor.

Step 3 – Simmer with Broth & Lemon

Pour in the chicken stock, add the lemon zest and bring the liquid to a simmer. Then stir well to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (this is called ‘fond’ and is a huge flavor booster). Now, nestle the partially cooked chicken back into the orzo and liquid. After this, cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F (74°C)).

Step 4 – Finish with Feta, Olives & Herbs

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the lemon juice and cherry tomatoes. And top the dish with the crumbled feta cheese and Kalamata olives. Then cover the pan for 2-3 minutes to allow the feta to soften slightly. After that, garnish generously with fresh parsley before serving. The resulting dish should have a loose and risotto-like texture, creamy from the orzo starch, but not heavy.

Chicken and Orzo Recipe Variations: Lemon, Creamy & Baked

One of the great opportunities of this recipe is its flexibility. Here’s what I can make with chicken and orzo using this core recipe:

Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo

If you prefer an indulgent, comfort-food angle, make this creamy chicken orzo. In Step 4, just before adding the feta and olives, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or for a lighter but equally creamy version, 1/3 cup of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream. You can also add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra savory and cheesy depth.

Chicken and Orzo Bake (The Dump & Bake)

Can you bake chicken and orzo? Absolutely! This tray-bake version is perfect for a truly hands-off meal.

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a 9-inch wide × 13-inch long baking dish, combine all the uncooked ingredients: seasoned chicken, dry orzo, all aromatics, tomatoes, olive oil and stock.
3. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
4. Remove foil, stir, top with feta and olives, and bake uncovered for another 5-10 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the chicken is cooked.

Chicken Thighs & Orzo

As mentioned, using chicken thighs and orzo is a simple swap. You can use the same cook times. Because thighs have more fat, they will stay moist even if you accidentally overcook them slightly, making them a very beginner-friendly option.

Mediterranean Veggie Boost

Add extra fiber and nutrition by incorporating vegetables. Then sauté 1/2 cup of diced zucchini or bell peppers along with the onion and garlic in Step 2. Alternatively, stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach or 1/2 cup of chopped artichoke hearts or Tabbouleh Recipe along with the lemon juice in Step 4.

Make Mediterranean Diet–Friendly Chicken and Orzo

This recipe naturally aligns with the Mediterranean Diet principles, but here are specific tips for maximizing the health benefits:

• Prioritize Olive Oil: Use high-quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) as your main source of fat. It’s rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.
• Load Up on Veggies: This is the easiest way to make any meal more Mediterranean. Serve the orzo alongside a large side salad, like a fresh Fattoush Recipe or mix in extra chopped zucchini, peppers or sun-dried tomatoes.
• Choose Whole Grains: Opt for whole-wheat orzo for higher fiber content, or consider serving it with a side of wholesome legumes like chickpeas. For other whole-grain ideas, check out our guide on Bulgur Wheat 101: How to Choose the Right One for Tabbouleh.
• Balance Cheese: Feta is a wonderful Mediterranean cheese. Use a moderate amount to get the flavor, but don’t overdo it. The key to the diet is moderation, not elimination.

Storage, Freezing & Meal Prep Tips for Chicken and Orzo

This recipe is fantastic for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy a healthy meal even on the busiest days.

• How to Store Chicken and Orzo: Cool the leftovers completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Can you freeze it? While safe, freezing is not recommended for orzo pasta dishes, as the pasta’s texture can become overly mushy and absorb all the liquid upon thawing.
• How to Reheat without Drying: The chicken and orzo may absorb most of the liquid as it cools, making it dry upon reheating. To combat this, place a serving in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash or two of chicken broth or water before heating. Then stir halfway through. This will restore the creamy texture and moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I make with chicken and orzo?

Beyond this main dish, chicken and orzo are excellent together in Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, cold pasta salads (perfect for meal prep), or even a skillet with a tomato-based sauce like a quick Shakshuka Recipe with chicken.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Yes, absolutely! Chicken thighs and orzo result in a more tender and flavorful dish due to the higher fat content. Follow the same recipe instructions, though thighs may need an extra 2-3 minutes of simmering time.

Do I need to rinse orzo before cooking?

No, unlike rice, rinsing orzo is not necessary. In fact, we want the starch on the orzo – it’s what thickens the cooking liquid, giving the dish its desirable, loose and risotto-like creamy texture.

Can I make Chicken and Orzo ahead for meal prep?

Yes, the complete meal keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Cook it completely, store it in single-serving containers and reheat with a splash of broth (see “How to Reheat without Drying” above).

Is chicken orzo healthy?

When made the Mediterranean way (like this recipe), yes, Mediterranean chicken orzo is healthy. It provides lean protein (chicken), fiber and complex carbohydrates (orzo/whole-wheat orzo), and healthy fats and antioxidants (olive oil, olives and fresh herbs).

How to make Chicken and Orzo gluten-free?

Substitute the wheat-based orzo with a gluten-free alternative like arborio rice, cannavina rice or quinoa. You may need to adjust the liquid ratio slightly for rice/quinoa.