Spoon Simple
Greek Lemon Chicken and Orzo Bake
Tender chicken pieces baked with orzo pasta, lemon, herbs, and feta cheese in a flavorful broth. This one-dish meal is packed with protein and Mediterranean flavors, perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Prep 20 min
Cook 35 min
Total 55 min
Serves 5
Ingredients
Step 1 — For the Bake
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups orzo pasta
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- 1
Preheat Oven and Sauté Aromatics
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned on all sides; remove chicken and set aside. Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- 2
Combine Ingredients
Stir the uncooked orzo pasta into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Add the chicken broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, dill, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- 3
Add Chicken and Bake
Return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them into the orzo mixture. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer on the stovetop. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or foil.
- 4
Bake until Orzo is Cooked
Transfer the covered skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Check occasionally to ensure it's not drying out; add a splash more broth if needed.
- 5
Finish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Stir in the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot.
Nutrition per serving: 550 cal · 45g protein · 40g carbs · 20g fat · 4g fiber
For informational purposes only. Not medical or dietary advice. Verify ingredients for allergens, cooking times, and safe internal temperatures before serving.
