Greek Chicken and Orzo Skillet: Delicious Mediterranean One-Pan Meal

If you’re on the lookout for a wholesome, one-pan meal that bursts with Mediterranean flavors, you’ve got to try this Greek Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe. From tender chicken to tender orzo and all those vibrant veggies, it all comes together so effortlessly. I absolutely love how this turns out — it’s like a warm hug on a plate that’s both comforting and fresh. Whether you’re cooking for family or just yourself, you’re going to want this in regular rotation.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

All-in-One Skillet: No mess, no fuss — everything cooks in one pan for easy cleanup.
Loaded with Fresh Flavors: Bright lemon, savory herbs, and tangy feta make every bite sing.
Balanced and Filling: Chicken, orzo, chickpeas, and veggies combine for a meal that’s nourishing and satisfying.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this — it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

The dish is shown close-up in a white bowl, revealing a mix of layers with different colors and textures. The bottom layer has light beige orzo pasta mixed with small beige chickpeas. Over this are chunks of light brown cooked chicken and dark purple sliced olives. Scattered throughout are bright red cherry tomatoes and green pieces of zucchini. White crumbled cheese is sprinkled on top, along with small green herb leaves and dill adding a fresh touch. There is a silver spoon partially dipped into the bowl on the right side. The background surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Greek Chicken and Orzo Skillet, Greek chicken and orzo, Mediterranean chicken skillet, one-pan Greek chicken, easy Greek chicken dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Greek Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe, I like to use simple ingredients that come together beautifully, bringing that Mediterranean vibe right to your kitchen. Here’s what makes this recipe a winner:

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of uncooked orzo pasta, bite-size pieces of raw boneless skinless chicken breast, a whole medium zucchini diced, half a medium yellow onion diced, a small diced red bell pepper, three whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of mixed dried oregano, thyme, basil, smoked paprika, and dill herbs, a small white ceramic bowl of olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with low-sodium chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl of rinsed chickpeas, a small white ceramic bowl of halved grape tomatoes, quartered fresh artichoke hearts on a white plate, a small bunch of fresh baby spinach leaves, a small white ceramic bowl of sliced kalamata olives, a small white ceramic bowl of crumbled feta cheese, whole fresh lemon with lemon wedges on a white plate, a small bunch of fresh parsley sprigs, all arranged symmetrically and naturally, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Greek Chicken and Orzo Skillet, Greek chicken and orzo, Mediterranean chicken skillet, one-pan Greek chicken, easy Greek chicken dinner

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Bite-sized pieces cook evenly and stay juicy throughout.
Zucchini, yellow onion, and bell pepper: These provide color, crunch, and a subtle sweetness that balance the dish.
Garlic and dried herbs (oregano, thyme, basil, dill): Classic Greek seasonings that infuse incredible aroma and flavor.
Orzo pasta: Its small size cooks quickly and soaks up the broth perfectly.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the orzo tender while adding depth without overpowering.
Chickpeas: Adds protein and texture along with a lovely nutty flavor.
Grape tomatoes and artichoke hearts: A pop of sweetness meets savory tang for extra interest.
Baby spinach: Adds freshness and a bit of green goodness just before serving.
Lemon juice, kalamata olives, and feta cheese: They finish the dish with bright, salty, and creamy notes that bring it all together.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I often tweak this Greek Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe depending on what I have on hand or dietary needs, and it never disappoints. Feel free to make it your own!

Swap Chicken for Lamb or Turkey: I tried ground lamb once and loved the extra richness it added—plus, it’s still an easy one-pan meal.
Vegetarian Version: Leave out the chicken and add more chickpeas and extra vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant for a hearty twist.
Gluten-Free Orzo: Using gluten-free orzo works perfectly, and the flavor stays just as delicious.
Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes gives this dish a fun little heat that my friends always ask for.

How to Make Greek Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken to Juicy Perfection

Heat a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high. I spray it with cooking spray and swirl 2 teaspoons of olive oil around. Then, add the bite-size chicken pieces, seasoning them generously with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is almost cooked through but still juicy. This step is key—don’t rush it or overcrowd the pan, or the chicken won’t brown nicely. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.

Step 2: Sauté Your Veggies and Herbs

Lower the heat to medium, spray the skillet again, then add diced zucchini, onions, and bell peppers. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes until the onions get tender and translucent. Next, toss in minced garlic along with dried oregano, thyme, basil, smoked paprika, and dill. Keep stirring for about a minute so the garlic and spices release their amazing aromas—this is when your kitchen starts smelling like a Greek taverna!

Step 3: Add Orzo, Broth, and the Rest of the Goodies

Now stir in the orzo pasta, chicken broth, chickpeas, grape tomatoes, and artichoke hearts. Use your spoon to gently scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet—that’s flavor gold right there. Bring everything to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat. Then, cover the skillet with a lid and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 11-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure the orzo cooks evenly until tender.

Step 4: Finish with Chicken, Spinach & Bright Lemon

Once the orzo is perfectly tender, remove the lid and add the reserved chicken, fresh baby spinach, and lemon juice. Stir gently to combine. Put the lid back on for 1-2 minutes to let the spinach wilt without losing its vibrant color. The lemon juice really amps up the freshness here and brightens every bite.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Off the heat, sprinkle sliced kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh parsley over the skillet. Serve right from the pan with lemon wedges or tzatziki sauce alongside some warm pita bread. This last step brings all those Mediterranean flavors together in such a satisfying way.

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Pro Tips for Making Greek Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking the chicken in batches if necessary helps it brown beautifully instead of steaming.
Taste as You Go: Since orzo absorbs liquid, keep an eye on seasoning and adjust salt or lemon juice for perfect balance.
Use a Lid to Steam and Soften: Covering the pan traps steam to cook orzo evenly and wilt spinach gently.
Prevent Orzo from Sticking: Stirring occasionally, especially towards the end, avoids the pasta clumping or burning on the bottom.

How to Serve Greek Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe

A white plate filled with a mixed salad showing three main layers: the bottom layer has pale brown chickpeas and chopped light beige chicken pieces scattered all over; the middle layer contains halved dark purple olives, small bright red cherry tomatoes, and light green chopped spinach leaves; the top layer is sprinkled with crumbled white feta cheese and dotted with fresh green herb leaves mainly dill. On the left side of the plate are two lemon wedges with light yellow fruit and the plate sits on a white marbled surface with some scattered green herbs and a silver fork on the right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Greek Chicken and Orzo Skillet, Greek chicken and orzo, Mediterranean chicken skillet, one-pan Greek chicken, easy Greek chicken dinner

Garnishes

I’m all about topping this dish with sliced kalamata olives and plenty of salty crumbled feta cheese—those flavors are essential for the authentic taste I adore. Fresh parsley adds a bright herbaceous note, and I always serve lemon wedges on the side for anyone who likes an extra zesty kick.

Side Dishes

We tend to pair this skillet with simple sides like warm pita bread or a crisp Greek salad with cucumber and tomatoes. Sometimes I whip up tzatziki sauce for dipping—it’s a creamy, cooling contrast that makes this meal even better.

Creative Ways to Present

I once served this in individual shallow bowls for a casual dinner party and garnished each with edible flowers and fresh dill sprigs—my guests loved the rustic yet elegant presentation. For a weeknight, I keep it simple straight from the skillet; either way, it feels special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, but the spinach can get a little softer, so I prefer eating it fresh when possible.

Freezing

Freezing this skillet isn’t my personal favorite because the orzo changes texture after thawing, but if you want to freeze, scoop portions into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I warm them up on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen things up. This keeps the orzo tender and prevents the chicken from drying out. A quick microwave zap works too if you’re short on time, just cover loosely to trap steam.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo in this recipe?

Absolutely! While orzo is traditional and cooks quickly, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or couscous can work similarly. Just adjust cooking time to ensure the pasta is tender and doesn’t overcook.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Yes! It makes great leftovers and reheats well for lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just store in portioned containers and keep spinach fresh by adding it just before reheating if possible.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Definitely. Simply skip the feta or swap in a dairy-free cheese alternative. You can also omit olives if you prefer, but they add a delicious salty depth that’s worth including if you can.
What can I serve with Greek Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe for a complete meal?

Pair it with a fresh Greek salad, warm pita bread, or a side of tzatziki sauce. Roasted vegetables or a light cucumber salad round out the meal beautifully.

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Greek Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe a try soon because it’s one of those meals that feels both homey and special. I love how it comes together easily but delivers so much flavor and nourishment in every bite. Plus, the leftovers are a total win. Cooking this reminds me of sharing a meal with friends on a casual night, full of laughter and good conversation. You’re going to enjoy making it just as much as eating it — promise!

Greek Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Variations

How to Make Greek Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe