There are days when I just don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen. If I can make a delicious meal with minimal effort and little cleanup, I’m all in.
That’s why I’m so excited to share one of my favorite weeknight dinners: the One-Pan Chicken Feta Orzo recipe. It’s easy, it’s packed with flavor, and best of all, it only requires one pan. Trust me, this is a dish you’ll want to make again and again!
This recipe is the perfect example of what I love about cooking—simple ingredients, full of flavor, and the satisfaction of creating something amazing without it taking all day. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding the family, this one-pan dish will make your life a little easier and your taste buds a lot happier.
Why I Love This Recipe
Let me tell you, I was a little skeptical the first time I made this dish. Chicken, feta, orzo—all in one pan? It sounded too good to be true. But after that first bite, I was hooked. The chicken is tender, the feta is creamy, and the orzo absorbs all those delicious flavors in a way that’s just magical.
And did I mention the minimal cleanup?
I’m all about one-pan meals that deliver big on flavor but don’t leave me with a mountain of dishes to clean.
This recipe has become one of my go-to meals when I’m in a rush but still want something that feels special. It’s also great when I have guests over—people are always impressed with how it looks and tastes, but they don’t realize how easy it is to put together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the beauty of this recipe: it doesn’t require any special ingredients. It’s all about the basics, and you probably already have most of these things in your kitchen. This dish is all about the right balance of flavors, and the ingredients make it shine without being complicated.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (You can also use thighs if you prefer, but I find breasts work really well here)
- 1 cup orzo pasta (The tiny little pasta that soaks up all the sauce perfectly)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (For cooking the chicken)
- 1 cup chicken broth (Adds depth of flavor to the dish)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (The star of the dish! Creamy and tangy—what’s not to love?)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (A great herb for Mediterranean flavors)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (Garlic makes everything better, right?)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (For a burst of brightness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley (Optional, but it adds a nice touch of color and freshness)
The ingredients are simple, but when they all come together, they create a dish that feels like something you’d get at a fancy restaurant. And the best part? You don’t need to spend all day cooking it.
How to Make One-Pan Chicken Feta Orzo
Ready to get started? This recipe is so easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner. Here’s how you do it.
Step 1: Season the Chicken
The first thing you’ll want to do is season the chicken breasts. I use a simple blend of salt, pepper, and oregano. You don’t need to go overboard here—just a little sprinkle of each will do the trick. I like to rub the seasoning into the chicken a bit to make sure every inch gets coated. This is where the flavor starts to build.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Next, heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Let them cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. You’ll want to get a nice sear on the chicken to lock in the juices. When the chicken is done, remove it from the pan and set it aside for now. You’re going to use that same pan for the rest of the recipe—no need to dirty another one!
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same pan, add the minced garlic. Let it cook for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it—garlic cooks quickly, and once it’s browned, it can turn bitter. You want it golden and aromatic, which adds so much depth to the dish.
Step 4: Cook the Orzo
Now it’s time to add the orzo to the pan. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. The orzo will soak up all that delicious broth, which means it will be packed with flavor by the time it’s done. Stir occasionally to make sure it doesn’t stick to the pan. You’ll want to cook the orzo for about 10-12 minutes, or until it’s tender and the broth is mostly absorbed.
If you need to add a little more liquid, just pour in a splash of water or extra broth. You want the orzo to cook in that flavorful liquid, so don’t worry if you end up adding a little extra.
Step 5: Return the Chicken to the Pan
Once the orzo is almost done, slice the cooked chicken into thin strips and return it to the pan. Stir everything together so the chicken gets coated with that wonderful garlic broth. Then sprinkle in the crumbled feta cheese, letting it melt into the orzo. This is where the magic happens—when the feta cheese melts, it adds a creamy, tangy flavor that brings the whole dish together.
Squeeze in a bit of lemon juice for that fresh, zesty finish. I like to add just a little to balance the richness of the feta, but feel free to adjust it to your taste. You could also sprinkle in a little more oregano at this point if you want an extra herby kick.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once everything is combined, give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Then, plate the dish and garnish with some freshly chopped parsley. The green adds a pop of color and a little freshness that balances out the richness of the feta and chicken.
And that’s it! Dinner is served, and it looks and tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. I promise, this meal will make you feel like a total rockstar in the kitchen—and it’s so easy!
Tips for Making This Recipe Even Better
- Use bone-in chicken for more flavor: If you prefer, you can use bone-in chicken breasts or thighs for even more flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Bone-in chicken can take a little longer to cook, so make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Add veggies: This dish is great as-is, but if you want to sneak in more veggies, go ahead! You can add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or even zucchini to the pan while the orzo cooks. They’ll soak up the flavors and add a burst of freshness.
- Switch up the cheese: If feta isn’t your thing (though I can’t imagine why!), you can swap it out for goat cheese or even a little Parmesan. Each will give the dish a slightly different flavor, but it’ll still be just as delicious.
- Make it spicy: If you like a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the top before serving. It adds a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Why One-Pan Meals Are My Go-To
As much as I love cooking, I also love a clean kitchen. One-pan meals have become a lifesaver for me because they’re so easy to clean up. After a long day, the last thing I want to do is deal with a sink full of dishes. With this One-Pan Chicken Feta Orzo recipe, I only have to clean one pan—and that makes me a happy cook.
I also love that one-pan meals allow me to get creative without complicating things. I can adjust the recipe based on what I have on hand or what I’m in the mood for, and it always turns out delicious. Plus, with one-pan meals, there’s something about the way all the ingredients blend together that makes everything taste better.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a simple, flavorful dinner that doesn’t require a ton of time or effort, the One-Pan Chicken Feta Orzo recipe is definitely one you need to try. The tender chicken, creamy feta, and savory orzo all come together in a way that will make your taste buds do a happy dance. And the best part? It only takes one pan and a little bit of time.
This recipe has quickly become a favorite in my house, and I’m sure it will be in yours too. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend, this dish is sure to impress—without keeping you in the kitchen for hours. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
One-Pan Chicken Feta Orzo Recipe: A Simple, Flavorful Meal with Minimal Cleanup
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (You can also use thighs if you prefer, but I find breasts work really well here)
- 1 cup orzo pasta The tiny little pasta that soaks up all the sauce perfectly
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For cooking the chicken
- 1 cup chicken broth Adds depth of flavor to the dish
- ½ cup feta cheese crumbled (The star of the dish! Creamy and tangy—what’s not to love?)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano A great herb for Mediterranean flavors
- 2 cloves garlic minced (Garlic makes everything better, right?)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice For a burst of brightness
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley Optional, but it adds a nice touch of color and freshness
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
- The first thing you’ll want to do is season the chicken breasts. I use a simple blend of salt, pepper, and oregano. You don’t need to go overboard here—just a little sprinkle of each will do the trick. I like to rub the seasoning into the chicken a bit to make sure every inch gets coated. This is where the flavor starts to build.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Next, heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Let them cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. You’ll want to get a nice sear on the chicken to lock in the juices. When the chicken is done, remove it from the pan and set it aside for now. You’re going to use that same pan for the rest of the recipe—no need to dirty another one!
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
- In the same pan, add the minced garlic. Let it cook for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it—garlic cooks quickly, and once it’s browned, it can turn bitter. You want it golden and aromatic, which adds so much depth to the dish.
Step 4: Cook the Orzo
- Now it’s time to add the orzo to the pan. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. The orzo will soak up all that delicious broth, which means it will be packed with flavor by the time it’s done. Stir occasionally to make sure it doesn’t stick to the pan. You’ll want to cook the orzo for about 10-12 minutes, or until it’s tender and the broth is mostly absorbed.
- If you need to add a little more liquid, just pour in a splash of water or extra broth. You want the orzo to cook in that flavorful liquid, so don’t worry if you end up adding a little extra.
Step 5: Return the Chicken to the Pan
- Once the orzo is almost done, slice the cooked chicken into thin strips and return it to the pan. Stir everything together so the chicken gets coated with that wonderful garlic broth. Then sprinkle in the crumbled feta cheese, letting it melt into the orzo. This is where the magic happens—when the feta cheese melts, it adds a creamy, tangy flavor that brings the whole dish together.
- Squeeze in a bit of lemon juice for that fresh, zesty finish. I like to add just a little to balance the richness of the feta, but feel free to adjust it to your taste. You could also sprinkle in a little more oregano at this point if you want an extra herby kick.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Once everything is combined, give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Then, plate the dish and garnish with some freshly chopped parsley. The green adds a pop of color and a little freshness that balances out the richness of the feta and chicken.