There are some nights when the last thing you want to figure out is a complicated dinner with a mountain of dishes. You just want something that feels special, comes together in one pan, and tastes incredible. This skillet dinner is my answer for those nights.
It’s where juicy, lemon-herb chicken and tender orzo cook together, soaking up all the flavor from blistered tomatoes and savory olives. This is the Mediterranean chicken recipe I turn to more than any other, because it delivers a complete, soul-satisfying meal with the least possible fuss.
Why This Will Become Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner
I have a feeling that once you make this, it’s going to jump to the top of your weekly rotation. It’s just that good!
- An Explosion of Fresh Flavor: We’re talking juicy chicken infused with lemon and herbs, sweet blistered tomatoes, and savory olives. Every single bite is bright and satisfying.
- One-Skillet Simplicity: Who has time for a mountain of dishes? This entire meal cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup an absolute breeze. It’s the perfect one skillet chicken dinner.
- Genuinely Healthy & Heart-Smart: This dish is a powerhouse of Mediterranean staples. We’re using lean protein, whole-wheat grains for fiber, tons of vegetables, and heart-healthy olive oil.
- A Family-Approved Meal: This isn’t one of those “healthy meals” you have to eat alone. It’s a total crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults love.
The Fresh Flavors That Make This Dish Shine
The magic of Mediterranean cooking is all about using simple, high-quality ingredients to their full potential. There are two key players in this recipe that truly make it sing.
Liquid Gold: Extra Virgin Olive Oil
First up is good quality extra virgin olive oil. It’s the cornerstone of Mediterranean cooking for a reason! It’s not just a cooking medium; it’s an ingredient that adds a distinct, delicious flavor and is packed with healthy monounsaturated fats. We use it here to get a perfect golden-brown sear on our chicken and to build the foundation of our sauce.
The Power Duo: Fresh Lemons & Herbs
If you want to know how to make food taste incredible without tons of salt, this is the secret. The combination of fresh lemon (both zest and juice!) and herbs like rosemary and oregano makes this Mediterranean lemon herb chicken so bright and aromatic. It’s a simple trick that elevates the entire dish and makes it taste like sunshine.
A Few Simple Secrets for Skillet Success
Over the years, I’ve learned a few things that take a one-pan meal from good to great. Here are my top tips for this recipe:
- Don’t Crowd the Pan. When you’re searing the chicken, make sure each piece has a little space. This helps the chicken get beautifully browned and crispy instead of just steaming. Work in two batches if you need to—it’s worth the extra two minutes!
- Toast Your Orzo. Before you add the broth, stir the dry orzo in the hot pan for about a minute. This simple step gives the pasta a wonderful nutty flavor that adds so much depth to the final dish.
- Finish with the Broiler. Don’t skip this final step! Just a couple of minutes under the broiler helps crisp up the chicken and gives the top of the orzo a lovely texture. Just be sure to watch it closely so it doesn’t burn.
Your Questions About This Healthy Chicken and Orzo Recipe
I get a lot of questions about cooking this way, so I wanted to answer a few common ones right here!
Can I use different vegetables?
Absolutely! This is a great recipe for cleaning out the fridge. While I love the tomatoes and zucchini, you could easily make this a one pan Mediterranean chicken and vegetables dish by swapping in chopped bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or a few handfuls of fresh spinach stirred in at the end.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes! It holds up beautifully. I often make a full batch on Sunday and portion it out for lunches for the next 2-3 days. The flavors actually get even better as they sit. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What makes this a healthy chicken and orzo recipe?
It comes down to the ingredients we choose! We’re using lean boneless, skinless chicken thighs, whole-wheat orzo which is high in fiber, and packing it with vegetables. Plus, our primary source of fat is heart-healthy olive oil instead of butter or other fats.
Alright, enough talk—let’s get cooking! I know you’re going to love this taste of the Mediterranean.
Mediterranean Orzo Skillet with Lemon-Herb Chicken
Ingredients
For the Lemon-Herb Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch chunks
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 0.25 tsp sea salt
- 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper
For the Orzo Skillet
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large red onion thinly sliced
- 1 medium zucchini finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1.5 pints cherry or grape tomatoes
- 1.5 cups uncooked whole-wheat orzo
- 0.5 cup pitted Kalamata olives halved
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
For Finishing & Garnish
- 0.25 cup fresh lemon juice
- 0.25 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- Fresh oregano leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken chunks, half of the minced garlic, rosemary, oregano, lemon zest, red pepper flakes (if using), 2 tablespoons of olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, 12-inch oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until deeply golden brown. Transfer the seared chicken to a clean plate. The chicken will not be fully cooked.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced red onion to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, until softened. Add the finely diced zucchini and the remaining minced garlic, and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Blister and Toast: Add the cherry tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, until they begin to blister and burst. Add the whole-wheat orzo and stir constantly for 1 minute to lightly toast the grains.
- Simmer the Orzo: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the halved Kalamata olives and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook Together: Nestle the seared chicken pieces and any accumulated juices back into the orzo mixture. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the orzo is tender, most of the liquid is absorbed, and the chicken is cooked through (165∘F or 74∘C).
- Broil and Rest: Position an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the broiler. Uncover the skillet and broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully, until the tops of the chicken are lightly browned. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the fresh lemon juice. Garnish generously with fresh parsley and oregano before serving.
Notes
- Toasting the Orzo: Don't skip the step of toasting the orzo in the pan before adding liquid. It enhances its nutty flavor and helps it maintain a pleasant texture.
- Ingredient Prep: Having all your vegetables chopped and ingredients measured before you start cooking will make the process smooth and seamless, as the steps move quickly.
- Pan Selection: A cast-iron skillet is ideal as it retains heat evenly for a great sear and can go directly from the stovetop to under the broiler.
Nutrition Information
(per serving, approximately)- Calories: 554 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Total Carbohydrate: 40 g
- Dietary Fiber: 8 g
- Total Sugars: 4 g (0 g Added Sugar)
- Total Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Sodium: 395 mg
Concluding Thoughts
See? A healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be about restriction. It can be about beautiful, easy meals bursting with flavor that you can’t wait to cook and share with the people you love. This dish is everything I adore about this way of eating, all in one simple skillet.
Give this Mediterranean chicken recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments below! I can’t wait to hear how it goes.
