Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Skillet

What I Love About This Recipe

Much like our always-popular Mexican Lasagna Skillet or Greek Chicken and Orzo Skillet, this meal is equally delicious and easy to make! The chicken is incredibly flavored, and when simmered with the orzo, it’s a feast worth repeating!

For me, I’m always looking for broccoli dishes, like our 15 Minute Chicken and Broccoli recipe, and sweet potato recipes like our Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole. When you can combine these two favorites, it’s a little bit of heaven!

Mediterranean Chicken Ingredients

Ingredient measurements are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post, but here is a quick list of what you need to make this simple one-pot dinner!

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs or thin sliced chicken breasts
• Sweet potato, peeled and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
• Carrots, peeled and chopped
• Red onion, chopped
• Broccoli florets or cauliflower florets (or a mix of both)
• Dry orzo pasta (you can also use whole-grain orzo)
• Seasoning: dried oregano, paprika, crushed red pepper flakes (optional but delicious) and salt and pepper
• Half and Half for the creamy sauce
• Toppings: halved cherry tomatoes, feta, and fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or rosemary

How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Orzo

Here’s how to make this simple one-skillet dinner that’s ready in about 40 minutes.

Begin by preheating the oven to 400℉. You will need a large (12-inch) oven-safe skillet (like a cast iron skillet).

Step 1: Season and saute the chicken

Rub the chicken with 1 tablespoon olive oil, oregano, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Then, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a 12-inch skillet. When the oil is shimmering, add the chicken and cook for about 3-5 minutes per side, then remove to a nearby plate.

Step 2: Add the veggies & orzo

Add the garlic to the skillet and saute for 1 minute. Add sweet potato, carrots, and onion; cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

In the skillet, add the dry orzo and saute for 1-2 minutes or until lightly golden. Add 1 1/2 cups water, bring to a boil, and cook for 3-5 minutes. Then stir in the half-and-half and broccoli or cauliflower. Slide the chicken and any juices into the skillet.

Step 3: Finish in the oven

Transfer to the oven and cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes. To serve, top with cherry tomatoes, feta, and fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or fresh rosemary if desired.

Chicken Orzo Variations

This simple chicken and orzo recipe is easy to adapt to the season or your preferences. Here are some vegetable substitutions I particularly like to add or substitute:

• Vegetables: chopped zucchini, sweet onion, green onions, or corn are delicious options.
• Half and Half: to make it dairy free, coconut milk could be substituted.