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Easy Greek Chicken Orzo Bake with Feta and Kalamata Olives

Easy Greek Chicken Orzo Bake - featured image
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A quick and easy Mediterranean-inspired chicken and orzo bake with tangy feta and salty Kalamata olives, perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 ½ cups orzo pasta (270g)
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, preferably fire-roasted
  • 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1 medium lemon
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A handful fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and half the oregano.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes until golden brown on all sides but not fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and sauté chopped onion and garlic for about 3 minutes until onion is translucent and fragrant. Avoid burning the garlic.
  5. Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, lemon juice, remaining oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir and bring to a simmer.
  6. Stir in orzo pasta and return chicken to the skillet, spreading evenly. Ensure orzo is mostly submerged; add more broth or water if needed.
  7. Sprinkle Kalamata olives evenly over the top, then crumble feta cheese across the surface.
  8. Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until orzo is tender and chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

If feta browns too fast, tent with foil halfway through baking. Stirring halfway can prevent sticking but is optional if pan is well-oiled. Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor. For gluten-free, substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta or quinoa. For dairy-free, omit feta or use a vegan cheese alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek chicken, orzo bake, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, Mediterranean recipe, weeknight dinner, easy chicken bake

Find it online: https://shimmersnack.com/easy-greek-chicken-orzo-bake-with-feta-and-kalamata-olives-recipe-for-perfect-weeknight-dinner/