Easy Greek Chicken Skillet Orzo: 1 Pan Gem

Name: Easy Greek Chicken Skillet Orzo: 1 Pan Gem
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 cup orzo pasta; 2 cups chicken broth; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 4 ounces fresh spinach; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1 lemon, juiced

by Manar Jota

October 3, 2025

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Greek Chicken Skillet Orzo has become my absolute go-to for a weeknight dinner that feels both special and incredibly easy. If you’re looking for a meal that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors, comes together in one pan, and is surprisingly healthy, you’ve found it! I love how this dish combines tender chicken, comforting orzo, salty feta, and fresh spinach for a truly satisfying experience. Forget complicated recipes and endless dishes; this one-pan wonder simplifies dinner without sacrificing taste. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious Greek chicken skillet orzo!

Why You’ll Love This Greek Chicken Skillet Orzo

This dish is a weeknight dream come true for so many reasons:

Incredibly Quick: With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of 25 minutes, this one-pan Greek chicken orzo comes together faster than you can say “opa!”
Flavor Explosion: The combination of savory chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, salty feta, and bright lemon creates a truly irresistible Mediterranean taste.
Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with lean protein and fresh ingredients, it’s a satisfying meal that nourishes your body.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will devour this comforting pasta dish.
Super Versatile: Easily adaptable to your favorite veggies or protein swaps.
Minimal Cleanup: Since it’s a one-pan Greek chicken orzo, you’ll spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your meal.
The Perfect Easy Greek chicken and orzo: It’s simple enough for beginners but impressive enough for guests.
Your New Favorite Quick Greek chicken orzo dinner: Say goodbye to dinner dilemmas with this go-to recipe.

Ingredients for Authentic Greek Chicken Orzo Skillet

Gather these simple ingredients for a truly flavorful Greek chicken skillet orzo experience. You’ll find that each component plays a key role in creating that authentic Mediterranean taste. The orzo pasta is perfect for soaking up all those delicious pan juices, while the feta cheese adds a wonderful salty tang that complements the other flavors beautifully.

1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing the chicken
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces – thighs stay incredibly moist
1 teaspoon dried oregano – classic Greek herb
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – for that essential savory note
Salt and black pepper to taste – season generously
1 cup orzo pasta – the heart of this dish
2 cups chicken broth – adds depth of flavor and cooks the orzo
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped – for a sweet and tangy punch
4 ounces fresh spinach – wilts down beautifully
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese – the salty, creamy star
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley – for a burst of freshness
1 lemon, juiced – brings everything together with brightness

Easy Greek Chicken Skillet Orzo: 1 Pan Gem - Greek Chicken Skillet Orzo - additional detail

How to Make Greek Chicken Skillet Orzo

Let’s get cooking! This recipe is designed to be straightforward, ensuring you can whip up a delicious Greek chicken orzo skillet recipe even on a busy weeknight. Follow these simple steps for a fantastic meal.

Step 1: Start by heating 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the pan nice and hot to get a good sear on the chicken.
Step 2: Add your 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces to the hot skillet. Sprinkle them generously with 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and black pepper to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Now, stir in 1 cup orzo pasta directly into the skillet with the chicken. Toast the orzo for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. This step really helps to deepen the pasta’s nutty flavor and gives it a better texture.
Step 4: Pour in 2 cups chicken broth and add the 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes. You’re looking for the orzo to be perfectly al dente and for most of the liquid to be absorbed, creating a lovely sauce for your skillet Greek chicken orzo pasta.
Step 5: Uncover the skillet and stir in the 4 ounces fresh spinach. The residual heat will wilt the spinach down beautifully in just a minute or two.
Step 6: Remove the skillet from the heat. Gently stir in the 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, and the juice from 1 lemon. The feta will soften slightly, and the lemon juice adds a wonderful brightness that ties all the flavors together.
Step 7: Serve your incredible Greek chicken skillet orzo immediately. It’s a complete meal in one pan!

Pro Tips for the Best Greek Chicken Orzo Skillet

Want to take your Greek chicken orzo skillet recipe from good to absolutely amazing? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make all the difference in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Always use chicken thighs for max flavor and moisture; they’re more forgiving than breasts.
Don’t skip toasting the orzo – it adds a lovely depth and prevents it from getting mushy.
Ensure your lemon juice is fresh; bottled just doesn’t have the same vibrant kick.
Taste and adjust seasoning before serving; feta is salty, so you might need less added salt.

What’s the secret to perfect Greek chicken orzo skillet?

The real magic lies in a few key techniques. First, don’t overcook the chicken. Toasting the orzo briefly before adding liquid develops its nutty flavor and improves texture. Finally, let the spinach wilt naturally from the residual heat, and always finish with fresh lemon juice for brightness.

Can I make Greek chicken orzo skillet ahead of time?

You can definitely prep the ingredients ahead of time, like chopping the chicken and vegetables. However, for the best texture, I recommend cooking the dish just before serving. Leftovers can be stored and reheated, but the orzo will likely absorb more liquid. For more recipe ideas, check out our recipes section.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Greek chicken orzo skillet?

A couple of pitfalls to watch out for: using too much liquid can make the orzo mushy. Make sure to brown the chicken well for deep flavor. Also, add the feta cheese at the very end; adding it too early can cause it to melt completely instead of staying in delightful crumbles.

Easy Greek Chicken Skillet Orzo: 1 Pan Gem - Greek Chicken Skillet Orzo - additional detail

Best Ways to Serve Greek Chicken Orzo Skillet

This vibrant Mediterranean chicken orzo skillet is a complete meal on its own, but a few simple additions can elevate it even further! For a refreshing contrast, I love serving it alongside a crisp cucumber and tomato salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The coolness of the salad perfectly balances the warm, savory flavors of the skillet. If you’re craving something to sop up any extra delicious sauce, a warm piece of crusty crusty bread or some pita bread is ideal. For an extra touch of creamy coolness, a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or tzatziki on top is absolutely divine and ties everything together beautifully. If you enjoy Mediterranean flavors, you might also like our Mediterranean Chicken Gyros.

Nutrition Facts for Greek Chicken Orzo Skillet

This recipe offers a balanced nutritional profile, making it a wonderful choice for a healthy meal. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutrition per serving for this delicious Greek chicken orzo skillet:

Calories: 450
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 500mg
Cholesterol: 90mg

Nutritional values are estimates for this healthy Greek chicken orzo skillet and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. For more healthy options, consider our Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole.

How to Store and Reheat Greek Chicken Orzo Skillet

Properly storing and reheating your Greek chicken orzo skillet will help maintain its delicious flavor and texture. Once this wonderful meal has cooled completely, transfer any leftovers into airtight containers. You can store these containers in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, freezing is also an option for longer storage. Just be aware that the orzo’s texture might change slightly after thawing, as pasta tends to absorb more liquid when frozen and reheated. For the best results when reheating, I recommend using your stovetop. Place the leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a small splash of chicken broth or water to help loosen things up and prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave it, stirring halfway through for even heating. This ensures your meal is just as satisfying the second time around! If you’re interested in the science behind food preservation, you can explore resources on food safety regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Greek Chicken Orzo Skillet

What kind of chicken is best for this Greek chicken orzo skillet?

For this recipe, I highly recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They stay incredibly moist and tender throughout the cooking process, ensuring a delicious result every time you make this Greek chicken orzo skillet recipe. Chicken breasts can also be used, but be careful not to overcook them to prevent them from drying out. For other chicken dishes, see our Indian Butter Chicken Recipe.

Can I make this Greek chicken orzo skillet vegetarian?

Absolutely! To make this a vegetarian delight, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra vegetables like chickpeas, zucchini, or bell peppers for added protein and texture. This is a great way to adapt how to make Greek chicken skillet orzo for different dietary needs.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes for my Greek chicken skillet orzo?

No sun-dried tomatoes? No problem! Chopped roasted red peppers make a fantastic substitute, offering a similar sweet and slightly tangy flavor profile. You could also use a tablespoon or two of tomato paste stirred in with the broth for a concentrated tomato taste. This keeps your skillet Greek chicken orzo pasta delicious!

How can I add more vegetables to my Greek chicken orzo skillet?

This dish is wonderfully versatile for adding more veggies! Some great additions include diced zucchini, chopped bell peppers (any color!), peas, or even chopped broccoli florets. Add heartier vegetables like zucchini or peppers along with the orzo in Step 4, and softer vegetables like peas or corn towards the end of cooking.

Variations of Greek Chicken Orzo Skillet

This Greek chicken orzo skillet recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to get creative! For a gluten-free twist, simply swap out the regular orzo for your favorite gluten-free orzo pasta. If you’re aiming for a plant-based meal, omit the chicken and chicken broth, using vegetable broth instead, and consider adding hearty vegetables like chickpeas or lentils. You could even try a baked version by transferring the cooked mixture to a baking dish and topping with extra feta before baking until golden. For a flavor boost, toss in some Kalamata olives or capers along with the sun-dried tomatoes, or experiment with different herbs like fresh dill or mint. For another chicken dish, try our Coconut Chicken Meatballs.