Mediterranean Chicken Orzo

Mediterranean chicken orzo is a one-pot dinner that brings bold, sun-soaked flavors to a busy weeknight table. Tender chicken, hearty orzo, and bright Mediterranean ingredients all cook together in one pan for a meal that feels special without being complicated. It is simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor the whole family will love.

I still remember standing at my stove on a hectic Tuesday, throwing together whatever I had – kalamata olives, a can of tomatoes, some orzo, and chicken. The smell of garlic and oregano hitting that hot pan was enough to make me stop and just breathe it in. This Mediterranean chicken orzo has been in heavy rotation ever since. It is the kind of meal that feels comforting and a little impressive at the same time, and it all comes together in one pot with minimal cleanup. That is a win any night of the week.

What You Will Need to Make This Mediterranean Chicken Orzo

I always use quality feta and good kalamata olives here because those two ingredients carry so much of the flavor in this dish. Pro tip: oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes add extra richness, but the dry-packed variety works fine too. You can swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer a juicier result.

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium works great; keep a little extra on hand)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh spinach

How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Step by Step

I recommend doing all your prep before you start cooking since this recipe moves quickly once the heat is on. Having everything chopped and measured ahead of time makes the whole process feel easy and stress-free.

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it shimmers.

Step 2: Add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on the outside and cooked through to 165 degrees F. You want a nice golden crust on the outside. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.

Step 3: In the same pot, add the diced onion. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent. The browned bits left from the chicken will add incredible depth here – do not skip scraping them up.

Step 4: Add the minced garlic and stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant. Watch it carefully because garlic burns fast and turns bitter.

Step 5: Add the dry orzo and stir to coat it in the oil. Let it toast for about 30 seconds. You will notice a slightly nutty aroma – that is what you want.

Step 6: Pour in the chicken broth and the entire can of diced tomatoes including all the juices. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.

Step 7: Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir once or twice to prevent sticking. The orzo is ready when it is just tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Do not overcook – orzo continues to absorb liquid after you pull it from the heat, so stop just before it looks completely done.

Step 8: Stir in the cooked chicken, kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning at this point.

Step 9: Add the fresh spinach and stir gently for 1 to 2 minutes until just wilted.

Step 10: Remove from heat and fold in the crumbled feta and fresh parsley. Serve warm with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if you like.

Best Ways to Serve This One-Pot Mediterranean Dinner

This dish is filling on its own, but the right sides turn it into a full Mediterranean spread. Here are some great pairings for Mediterranean chicken orzo that add texture, freshness, and complementary flavors.

Greek Salad: Crisp cucumbers, tomatoes, and tangy dressing cut through the richness of the feta and olives. It is a natural match and adds freshness to every bite.

Warm Pita Bread: Soft, warm pita is perfect for scooping up the saucy orzo at the bottom of the bowl. It adds satisfying texture and keeps the meal casual and fun.

Tzatziki Sauce: A cool spoonful of tzatziki alongside each serving adds a creamy, herby element that balances the bold Mediterranean flavors.

Roasted Vegetables: A simple tray of roasted zucchini or bell peppers with lemon juice complements the oregano and sun-dried tomatoes in this dish and adds extra vegetables to the plate.

More One-Pot Dinners You Will Love

If this Mediterranean chicken orzo has you hooked on one-pot meals, there are plenty more comforting dinners worth exploring. The Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo delivers a cozy, creamy twist on orzo that feels like a hug in a bowl, while the Tuscan Chicken Meatballs and Orzo brings Italian-inspired flavors to a similarly satisfying one-pan format.

For more bold, protein-packed dinners the whole family will request again, try the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta for a rich and creamy weeknight favorite, or the One-Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta when you want something hearty and equally fuss-free.

How to Store and Reheat Mediterranean Chicken Orzo

This Mediterranean chicken orzo is a great candidate for meal prep. Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To reheat, warm it in a saucepan over medium heat and add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up since orzo absorbs liquid as it sits. It also reheats well in the microwave – cover loosely and stir halfway through to heat evenly.

I recommend adding a fresh squeeze of lemon juice when serving leftovers to brighten everything back up. Pro tip: this dish genuinely tastes better the next day once the flavors have had extra time to meld together, making it one of the best recipes to make ahead for the week.

Your Questions About Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Answered

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