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Overhead handheld shot of a cast iron skillet with golden chicken chunks, orzo pasta, spinach, and bright red tomatoes. (Mediterranean Chicken Orzo)

Mediterranean Chicken Orzo: The Ultimate One-Pan Skillet Dinner

This Mediterranean Chicken Orzo features seared chicken, toasted orzo, and blistered tomatoes in a shimmering herb sauce. A vibrant one-pan dinner finished with feta and fresh herbs for an authentic, rustic Mediterranean experience.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Recipe Ingredients
  • 1.5 lbs Chicken Breast Cut into large chunks (680g)
  • 1.5 cups Orzo Pasta Dry, uncooked (300g)
  • 3 tbsp Light Olive Oil Divided (45ml)
  • 3 cups Chicken Broth Low sodium (710ml)
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Whole (150g)
  • 2 cups Fresh Baby Spinach Packed (60g)
  • 0.5 cup Kalamata Olives Sliced (75g)
  • 0.5 cup Feta Cheese Crumbled (75g)
  • 2 tsp Dried Oregano Divided (4g)
  • 0.25 cup Fresh Parsley Finely chopped (15g)

Equipment

  • 1 12-inch Cast Iron Skillet Essential for searing and heat retention.
  • 1 Wooden Spatula Used for deglazing the pan.

Method
 

Preparation and Searing
  1. Season chicken chunks with salt, pepper, and 1 tsp dried oregano. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in the skillet and sear chicken until golden-brown edges form (approx. 5-6 mins). Remove chicken.
  2. Add remaining oil and dry orzo to the skillet. Stir for 2-3 minutes until the pasta is golden and toasted.
Simmering
  1. Add garlic, remaining oregano, and chicken broth. Return chicken to the pan. Cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes until orzo is tender.
Finishing Touches
  1. Fold in cherry tomatoes and olives. Cook for 3 minutes until tomatoes blister. Stir in spinach until wilted.
  2. Top with crumbled feta, fresh parsley, and extra oregano. Serve immediately.

Notes

To achieve a darker sear, do not move the chicken for the first 3 minutes of cooking.
If the orzo absorbs the liquid too quickly, add 1/4 cup of extra broth.