I am a foodie turned full-time Recipe Developer. Food is the center of my world, and I believe it one of the most important things in bringing people together.
We love a one-skillet dish. For this one though, when I say “one-skillet”, I mean it all comes together in one skillet. There are a couple side dishes to this dish that makes it a little more than one skillet, but trust me, making the side parts at home is much more delicious. This Greek chicken and orzo skillet is packed with so much flavor. It is a great weeknight meal or something to meal prep to have for the week ahead.
If I had to choose one cuisine to eat for the rest of my life I think it’d be Mediterranean food. I love how light and healthy it feels with fresh herbs, vegetables, and lean proteins. It’s brightly colored, uses loves of olive oil and delicious salty cheeses. It has my FULL heart.
LET’S CHAT THROUGH THIS GREEK CHICKEN AND ORZO SKILLET
– CHICKEN MARINADE / FLAVOR
This marinade will give your dish a lot of its flavor. It not only is what the chicken marinates in, it is a lot of the flavoring that you will eventually cook your orzo in later on. It’s herby, tangy, sweet, and so delicious.
– TOMATO & SHALLOT SALAD
This is my personal favorite part. It adds a punch of freshness from the herbs and the fresh tomatoes and shallot. Not to mention a beautiful pop of color which is very important for me when creating recipes.
– HOMEMADE TZATZIKI
One of my personal favorite dips. So creamy, so fresh, and we all know how I feel about dill <3. I know I’ve mentioned you can buy this pre-made in store. While yes, that’s true, nothing will top homemade tzatziki. Once you make it at home once, you’ll have a hard time going back to the store bought stuff! But for all means, to save time and purchasing more ingredients, store bought is a great option!
ARE YOU MAKING THIS DISH AHEAD OF TIME?
If you’re not planning on eating the entire dish in one sitting (let’s saying you’re cooking for just 1-2 people and are planning on having leftovers) – hold off on adding your tomato & shallot salad, and your tzatziki on top. Add both of those individually after you serve in your bowl or plate. Store the tzatziki and tomato salad separately in Tupperwares in the fridge.
As always, let me know if you make this! xoxo
Greek Chicken and Orzo Skillet
megan sheley
This Greek Chicken and Orzo Skillet is incredibly delicious and packed with so much flavor. Topped with a tomato and shallot salad, homemade tzatziki, feta, and fresh herbs. This is a great weeknight dinner recipe or something to prep ahead of time to have for the week ahead.
2clovesof garliccan sub for garlic powder instead if easier! 1/2 tsp powder = 1 clove
2cupsorzo
3cupschicken broth
feta cheesecrumbled (about 3/4 cup)
3/4cupkalamata olives
TZATZIKI (OR YOU CAN BUY PRE-MADE)
1 cupGreek yogurt
1English cucumber
1/2lemonjuiced
1/4chopped fresh dill
Instructions
Make your chicken marinade by adding the following ingredients to a bowl: 1/3 cup olive oil, 1.5 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tbsp dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 3 tbsp fresh finely chopped parsley, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp paprika, and 1.5 tbsp honey. Whisk together and set aside.
In a large bowl, add in your chicken thighs, pour over your marinade and mix will with rubber gloves or tongs. Make sure your chicken is well coated all over with the marinade. Cover and set in the fridge to marinate.
Make your homemade tzatziki (Skip this part if your are using store-bought). In a bowl, combine 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 juiced lemon, 1 minced garlic clove (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder), 1/4 cup fresh chopped dill, 1 tsp salt, and 1/3 cup grated cucumber (this will be about half of your English cucumber). I grate on a cheese grater, and squeeze out as much of the liquid as I can. Add the shreds to your yogurt mixture. Mix well, taste test, add more salt or garlic to your liking, and place in fridge.
Make your tomato and shallot salad by combining 8-10oz of halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup thinly sliced shallot, 1 minced garlic clove (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder), 1/2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp red wine vinegar, 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley, 1/2 tsp salt. Mix well and set in the fridge.
Heat a large cast iron skillet on the stove, add your chicken thighs WHEN THE SKILLET IS HOT. You want to hear it sizzle. Let the thighs cook on one side for 4 minutes until browned and caramelized, flip and cook for another 4-ish minutes. Remove chicken thighs from skillet and set aside.
Lower heat to low-medium and add in 3 cups of chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add in 2.5 cups of orzo. Stir frequently to avoid sticking and cook for 10 minutes (no lid), taste test to make sure orzo is done. If it is still chewy, add in 1/2c of broth and cook for a few more minutes. Add in 1/2 tsp of salt.
Once pasta is done, remove from heat and add in 3/4 cup whole kalamata olives and 1/3 cup of crumbled feta cheese. Add chicken back into the skillet and nestle into the orzo. Add in a little splash broth to heat the chicken back up (heat on low). Cook for about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
Add crumbled feta on top, your tomato and shallot salad, and fresh parsley. Once you’ve served in a bowl, top with tzatziki. ENJOY!