There is something truly comforting and vibrant about the Greek Chicken Skillet Orzo Recipe that brings a Mediterranean breeze right to your dinner table. This one-pan wonder combines tender, golden-browned chicken with perfectly cooked orzo, nestled alongside sweet bell peppers, savory Kalamata olives, and bright bursts of lemon and feta. You get a hearty, wholesome dish with a colorful presentation and a wonderful mix of textures and flavors that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re sharing a weeknight meal or impressing friends, this Greek Chicken Skillet Orzo Recipe is sure to become one of your favorite go-to dishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Greek Chicken Skillet Orzo Recipe come alive, you don’t need a long list of complicated ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish sing. From the juicy chicken breasts to the salty olives and tangy feta, every ingredient is essential and easy to find.
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The hearty protein base that cooks up juicy and golden brown for perfect bites in every forkful.
- 1 medium yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the savory skillet foundation when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic, pungent flavor that’s essential in Greek cooking.
- 1 red bell pepper: Provides a colorful sweetness and crunch to balance the textures.
- 1 yellow bell pepper: Adds bright color and complementary mild flavor alongside the red pepper.
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes: Brings juicy acidity and richness that blend beautifully with the chicken and veggies.
- 10 oz package frozen chopped spinach: A nutritious green addition that softens perfectly into the orzo base.
- 1 cup orzo pasta: The star grain that cooks tender and absorbs all the delicious flavors of the skillet sauce.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Adds savory moisture and helps cook the orzo to perfection.
- ½ cup Kalamata olives: Offers salty, briny pops that brighten the dish and enhance the Mediterranean vibe.
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese: The tangy, creamy finish that melts slightly when served and rounds out the flavors.
- Juice of 2 tbsp lemon: Brings a fresh, zesty lift that elevates the entire skillet experience.
How to Make Greek Chicken Skillet Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry. This helps you achieve that beautiful golden-brown sear. Season each piece generously with salt and pepper, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor from the start.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side until they develop a gorgeous golden crust and are nearly cooked through. Then remove the chicken and set it aside. This searing step locks in juices and forms the flavorful base for the entire dish.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics and Peppers
In the same skillet, toss in the chopped yellow onion. Let it soften and become translucent—this usually takes around 5 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and chopped red and yellow bell peppers. Cooking these until they’re tender-crisp takes about 5 more minutes, filling your kitchen with a tantalizing aroma and adding a sweet crunch to your dish.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Spinach
Stir in the canned diced tomatoes along with the frozen chopped spinach. The tomatoes add juiciness and acidity, while the spinach blends in seamlessly, providing wholesome greens that make your skillet both healthy and vibrant.
Step 5: Cook the Orzo
This is the magic moment! Add the orzo pasta, chicken broth, and your favorite Greek herbs like oregano and basil directly to the skillet. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes while the orzo cooks tender, soaking up all those lovely flavors.
Step 6: Finish with Chicken, Olives, and Lemon
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the briny Kalamata olives and fresh lemon juice. Warm everything together for a couple of minutes so the flavors meld, and the chicken is reheated perfectly.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the skillet and, if desired, some fresh parsley. The cheese melts slightly into the warm mixture for a creamy, salty finish that ties all the flavors together in perfect harmony.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Skillet Orzo Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing brightens up the Greek Chicken Skillet Orzo Recipe like a handful of freshly chopped parsley or a few extra feta crumbles. You can also add a drizzle of good quality olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving to enhance the freshness.
Side Dishes
This skillet is so flavorful and filling that it shines on its own, but if you want to add a little variety, a simple Greek salad or some warm pita bread would pair beautifully. Consider roasted vegetables or a chilled tzatziki dip to round out the meal with classic Mediterranean sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the orzo and chicken straight from the skillet for a cozy family-style dinner, or plate it individually for a more elegant touch. Garnishing with edible flowers or layering on extra feta cheese wedges adds a fun, festive feel that’s perfect for entertaining guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool leftover Greek Chicken Skillet Orzo Recipe to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. This makes it a fantastic option for easy packed lunches or quick dinners after a busy day.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of the dish in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. To keep texture intact, consider freezing the orzo and chicken separately if possible, then combine when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the orzo moist. Stir occasionally so the chicken stays tender and everything heats evenly without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option and tend to be even juicier and more flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through but still tender.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. For protein, toss in chickpeas or your favorite plant-based meat substitute.
What if I don’t have orzo pasta?
You can substitute with other small pasta shapes like acini di pepe, ditalini, or even couscous. Adjust cooking times accordingly since different grains absorb liquid at different rates.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Fresh spinach works well, too! Just add a bit more since it wilts down significantly, and cook it until just wilted before mixing everything together.
How spicy is this dish?
This Greek Chicken Skillet Orzo Recipe is not spicy by default, but you can easily add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne if you prefer some heat.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Greek Chicken Skillet Orzo Recipe feels like passing along a little taste of sunshine and comfort combined. It’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough for guests, with ingredients and steps that create a gorgeous medley of flavors and textures. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it brings warmth and joy to your table time and time again.
Print
Greek Chicken Skillet Orzo Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Description
This Greek Chicken Skillet Orzo is a vibrant, one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts sautéed with colorful bell peppers, garlic, and onions, simmered with orzo pasta, spinach, diced tomatoes, and Kalamata olives. Finished with tangy lemon juice and crumbled feta cheese, it’s a comforting and flavorful dish inspired by Mediterranean flavors, perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
- 10 oz package frozen chopped spinach
Pasta and Broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
Additional Ingredients
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- Juice of 2 tbsp lemon (about 1 lemon)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry using paper towels, then season them with salt and black pepper evenly on all sides.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until they develop a golden brown crust, about 5–7 minutes per side. Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics and vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped yellow onion and cook until softened, approximately 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and chopped red and yellow bell peppers, cooking until the peppers are tender-crisp, about another 5 minutes.
- Add tomatoes and spinach: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes along with their juices and the frozen chopped spinach. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook orzo: Add 1 cup of orzo pasta, 2 cups of chicken broth, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon dried basil to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover with a lid and let it simmer for about 15–20 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and fully cooked.
- Combine chicken and finish: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the orzo mixture. Add the halved Kalamata olives and squeeze 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice over everything. Heat through for a couple of minutes until the chicken is warmed and flavors meld.
- Serve: Garnish the dish with crumbled feta cheese and freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your Greek-inspired skillet meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs before cooking.
- You can substitute fresh spinach for frozen if preferred; use about 4 cups fresh raw spinach.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta or quinoa.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If the orzo absorbs too much liquid before cooking through, add a splash more chicken broth or water as needed.
