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Home » Greek » One pot baked Greek chicken orzo

One pot baked Greek chicken orzo

23 Jan 15

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Baked Greek chicken orzo in a red cast iron pot

This baked Greek chicken orzo ticks a lot of boxes. It’s simple and comforting, full of classic yummy Greek flavours, and made in one pot. And it’s on the table in just 45 minutes!

Baked Greek chicken orzo

What’s Greek chicken orzo, anyway?

You might find that orzo is sometimes called risoni, but basically it’s pasta shaped like large grains of rice.

It’s really good at soaking up liquid, just like rice does when you make risotto. So it’s perfect for making a one pot pasta dish. Speaking of risotto, if you happen to be a fan you’ll also love this one pot creamy chicken, bacon and mushroom orzo.

A version of this Greek baked chicken orzo is a pretty commonly made every day type meal over in Greece. It’s called ‘yiouvetsi’ – meaning any kind of meat baked with tomato, spices and orzo.

There are good reasons that it’s so popular because this is perfect super easy, tasty and family friendly winter comfort food.

If you’re a fan of tomato-y, cheesy pastas, risotto-like dishes and baked chicken one-pot meals, then this is definitely one for you to try out soon!

How to make this one pot pasta meal

As I’ve already told you, this Greek orzo is super easy to make:

Step 1: Brown chicken thighs for a couple of minutes on each side, remove them from the pan and soften a chopped onion in the left-over fat and juices.

Step 2: Add a stick of cinnamon and the dry orzo. Stir that around on the heat for a short while until the orzo gets coated with the juices and oil, then add the chicken back into the pot.

Step 3: Sprinkle over paprika, oregano and a bit of allspice. Throw a whole load of tomato sauce mixed with some chicken stock over the top. Give it all a quick mix around and then bake the dish for about half an hour until the chicken is cooked and the orzo has absorbed some of the sauce and is cooked through.

Step 4: Then simply serve with a sprinkling of fresh parsley and plenty of cheese (I used to use ‘kefalotiri’ cheese in Greece, but any sharp white salty cheese is fine – actually, feta would be great, as well!)

Baked Greek chicken orzo

What’s the best cooking pot to use?

If you’re looking for ways to use your Le Creuset cast iron cooking pot, or any big pot that can go from the stove top to the oven, this Greek chicken orzo is the perfect recipe.

The great thing is that there are many many cheaper copies of Le Creuset cast iron pots available. There’s this one, for example, or I’ve seen them going for a song in TK Maxx on occasion or even in the cook-shop sections of larger supermarkets.

As long as they have a lid handle that can withstand the heat of your oven then you’re good to go!

My Le Creuset pot is relatively easy to clean. I just fill it with some hot water and the mess cleans off easily a short while later.

What if you don’t have a stove top to oven pot? No worries! Just use a saucepan and then tip the ingredients into an ordinary medium-sized baking pot or deep dish for the oven-baking part.

Baked Greek chicken orzo

Pro tip: keep an eye on your dish while it’s cooking in the oven, giving it a brisk stir a couple of times so that the orzo doesn’t stick too much. The pot will be pretty messy when the meal is ready with some sticky bits of tomato-y pasta on the bottom, but don’t worry, that’s how it’s supposed to be.

OK, so how does it taste?

This one pot orzo ends up sort of like a cross between a risotto, a pasta dish and a tomato-y, spiced casserole. I would be delighted if you’d figuratively journey to Greece with us and give it a go some time soon!

More delicious orzo recipes

  • One pot creamy chicken, bacon and mushroom orzo (you HAVE to try this one!)
  • You can make cold pasta salads with orzo too! Try this spinach, pesto and parmesan orzo salad. It’s great served as a salad side with grilled meat or fish.
  • Orzo salad with feta, asparagus and chickpeas
  • Did you know orzo’s also great in a soup? You have to try this creamy lemon chicken orzo soup. It’s incredible – and ready in 30 minutes!

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One pot baked Greek chicken orzo

Chicken and orzo pasta baked in oregano and spice-infused tomato sauce and sprinkled with cheese. A simple mid-week meal … and with only one pan to wash up!
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Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 35 mins
Cuisine Greek
Servings (click to change) 4 with sides e.g. salad and bread
Author Helen

Equipment (affiliate links)

  • cast iron pot

Ingredients (UK/Australia? Click below for grams/ml)

cups/ounces – grams/ml

For the baked chicken orzo

  • a little olive oil for cooking
  • 17.5 ounces boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 cup orzo rice-shaped pasta
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon allspice
  • salt/pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups passata sieved tomatoes mixed with 1 cup chicken stock.

To serve

  • chopped parsley and hard white cheese use Greek kefalotiri if you can find it but if not use any hard white cheese – I used English Cheshire! Feta is great, too!
  • salad and fresh crusty bread
  • Greek yoghurt
Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions
 

  • Pre-heat the oven to 180C/350F.
  • Heat a little (about 2 tablespoons) olive oil in a heavy-bottomed oven-proof pot (see notes), then brown the chicken for about 2 minutes on each side. Remove the chicken from the pot onto a plate and set aside.
  • Add the onion to the pot and stir for a few minutes until it softens. Add the garlic and stir for a minute or so longer, then add the oregano, cinnamon and orzo and stir again for a minute or so until the orzo is coated with the juices/oil.
  • Take the pot off the heat and then put the chicken back into the pot, then quickly sprinkle with the paprika, allspice, salt and pepper. Finally, pour over the passata and stock and give the pot a good stir.
  • Bake uncovered for 30 minutes. Check and stir the pot a couple of times during cooking to stop the orzo from sticking too much. If at any time the dish looks too dry, just add an extra splash of water.
  • Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and plenty of cheese to serve. Serve with the salad, bread and a splodge of Greek yoghurt (if you like).

Notes

What pot to use

A cast iron oven-proof pot/dutch oven is great for this dish, but if you don’t have one simply use a saucepan to brown the chicken/soften the onion etc., then tip everything into a deep medium-sized baking dish before sprinkling over the spices and pouring over the tomato sauce and baking.

While cooking

Don’t forget to stir the dish a couple of times while baking to stop the orzo from sticking too much to the pot. Add a splash or two of hot water towards the end of cooking if you think the dish is starting to look too dry.

Nutrition

Calories: 342kcalCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 31gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 118mgSodium: 141mgPotassium: 851mgFiber: 4gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 754IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 65mgIron: 4mg
Tried this recipe?Let me know if you liked it!

By Helen all recipes, Baby & kid friendly, chicken, Greek, main meals, meat dishes, Mediterranean, mid-week, one-pot, pasta

Comments

  1. Catherine says

    01 Apr 15 at 2:52 am

    How absolutely marvelous! I love meals like this. Pinned for later. xo, Catherine

    Reply
    • Helen says

      01 Apr 15 at 3:17 pm

      Hi Catherine … and thanks so much for pinning!

      Reply
  2. Melissa @ Bits of Umami says

    20 Feb 15 at 5:01 am

    This looks absolutely amazing. Making my mouth water!

    Reply
    • Helen says

      21 Feb 15 at 5:00 pm

      Thanks, Melissa! And thanks for passing by, too … really nice to ‘meet’ you!

      Reply
  3. Lori @ TheHealthMinded.com says

    29 Jan 15 at 3:23 pm

    Green with envy! Greek food is so delicious! Hope you had a grand time. And, YES, those one pot dishes are the best! Thanks for giving us a new one.

    Reply
    • Helen says

      29 Jan 15 at 6:53 pm

      Hi, Lori … thanks so much for the good wishes. We are still here in Greece stuffing our faces with Greek salads … and eggplant dips!!

      Reply
  4. Bintu @ Recipes From A Pantry says

    28 Jan 15 at 7:23 pm

    I am such a huge fan of one pot meals. I just need the orzo.

    Reply
    • Helen says

      28 Jan 15 at 7:45 pm

      Glad you like this, Bintu … you can get orzo from Tesco’s 🙂

      Reply
  5. Joanne says

    27 Jan 15 at 1:57 pm

    I got some Le Creusets when we got married and I LOVE them. SO perfect for cooking hearty comfort meals like this!

    Reply
    • Helen says

      28 Jan 15 at 7:46 pm

      They make such a fabulous wedding gift! We got ours for Christmas. Mr. Scrummy wasn’t so impressed until I cooked this delicious meal in it!

      Reply
  6. [email protected] Eats says

    26 Jan 15 at 8:37 pm

    Helen, this is AWESOME!! Gaaaah!! You ROCK! I love love LOVE creative one pot meals and this is bang on! OMG, I could totally do a face plant in that. 🙂 Yum yum yum!!

    Reply
    • Helen says

      28 Jan 15 at 7:47 pm

      Hahaha … thanks, Nagi … if I rock then you double rock!! 🙂

      Reply
  7. Shashi at RunninSrilankan says

    26 Jan 15 at 8:19 pm

    I’ve never tried orzo – Helen – but you are inspiring me to change my ways – I love the sound of this chicken stewing up in all that tomatoey herby goodness! I actually won a Le Cruset recently and have yet to use it…maybe this should be my break-in the new pan recipe ? 🙂

    Reply
    • Helen says

      28 Jan 15 at 7:48 pm

      Oh, Shashi, you’ve got to got to try orzo. I’m sure you could think of something super creative to make with it! You won a Le Creuset?? What a fabulous prize – oh, you’ve got to use it very soon! Can’t wait to see what you cook up in it!

      Reply
  8. Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says

    26 Jan 15 at 1:57 pm

    I love my Le Crueset pots. I can’t believe I went so long without them.
    Have an amazing time in Greece – I am not the slightest bit jealous (I am – I wish I was going).
    Oh, I would have to put feta on this.

    Reply
    • Helen says

      26 Jan 15 at 5:28 pm

      Hi, Dannii! Sorry to tease you with my trip to Greece! I can’t resist making it a bit worse either by telling you that it was a beautiful warm sunny day and we ate a Greek salad on the balcony for lunch!
      Glad you like this – I’m going to put feta on it next time, too!

      Reply
  9. Laura says

    25 Jan 15 at 11:08 pm

    Have a lovely time in Greece! This chicken dish looks exactly what I’d love to order off the menu at a restaurant….but never get. Definitely restaurant quality food for sure. I’m new to using orzo but really like it. And cooking in the Dutch Oven is the best! I actually put away my crock pot since I discovered it =)

    Reply
    • Helen says

      26 Jan 15 at 5:30 pm

      You’re right that a dutch oven is a bit like a crockpot, Laura … I don’t know if there’s something I’m doing fundamentally wrong but I just can’t seem to get used to my crockpot!
      So happy you like this – it’s so easy to make – go on, give it a go!

      Reply
  10. Ashley says

    25 Jan 15 at 9:50 pm

    Enjoy your time in Greece!!! And this dish looks absolutely delicious – I love using orzo!

    And that pot is gorgeous – love the color!

    Reply
    • Helen says

      26 Jan 15 at 5:33 pm

      It is a great colour, isn’t it? We have gone a bit crazy with the red pots and appliances in our flat!

      Reply
  11. Amy Alt says

    25 Jan 15 at 6:30 pm

    Love this recipe! Never thought to put pasta in my casserole dishes before. My mum has so much le creuset (jealous) but i just got a smaller (and cheaper) casserole dish for xmas and i have been using it so much. You are right, its so quick and simple to shove from stove to oven 🙂

    Reply
    • Helen says

      26 Jan 15 at 5:34 pm

      Hi, Amy! Thanks so much for passing by and taking the time to comment! This baked pasta dish works really well – it soaks up all the juices of the dish and ends up a bit like a risotto. I really hope you give it a try some time!

      Reply
  12. Maggie says

    25 Jan 15 at 5:08 pm

    You got the Le Creuset! That’s my dream pot! I never used them before, but I can imagine how good it is by looking at these delicious pictures! I love the fact that you can cook the dish in one pot and have a nutrition balanced meal, and the sauce just looks so flavorful. Thanks so much for introducing these wonderful Greek food again ! 🙂

    Reply
    • Helen says

      26 Jan 15 at 5:35 pm

      Hi, Maggie! Sorry to have made you a bit jealous with my brand new ‘super pot’. Glad that you enjoyed reading about some Greek food, too. I really love reading about your Chinese food, too!

      Reply
  13. Alyssa @ My Sequined Life says

    25 Jan 15 at 3:33 am

    Helen I could eat this for dinner every night – love orzo! I really ought to find myself a big pot like that. I bet it would take up a third or so of my kitchen storage in my teeny tiny apartment but it sounds like it would be so worth it! Good idea on checking discounted stores. Here in the US we have a TJ Maxx (same thing as TK, I think) where I’ve spotted nice kitchen gear before. I think a trip is in order! I hope you and Mr. Scrummy have a WONDERFUL little trip back to Greece!!

    Reply
    • Helen says

      26 Jan 15 at 5:37 pm

      Hello, Alyssa! Thanks so much for the good wishes for our trip – we are here in Greece now and enjoying the sunshine!
      I really hope you can find a pot a bit like this. I’m loving using it and there are sooo many dishes you can cook in it – and yes, do try TJ Maxx … they usually have similar (but cheaper!) pots. 🙂

      Reply
  14. Denise | Sweet Peas & Saffron says

    25 Jan 15 at 3:05 am

    I hope you have a wonderful trip, Helen! I am just a little bit jealous that you are heading somewhere warm and sunny 😉 This dish looks amazing! I somehow got a couple of Cuisinart pots like this for like 80% off, they aren’t Le Creuset but they do a great job! Looks like such a comforting and delicious meal.

    Reply
    • Helen says

      26 Jan 15 at 5:51 pm

      Thanks so much, Denise! It has been warm(ish) and sunny today, but we need the heating at night! (it’s still winter, after all!) I know I’m very lucky to have that Le Creuset pot. It was a gift from from parents, but I definitely would have got some cheaper ones otherwise. Glad you like the dish!

      Reply
  15. cheri says

    24 Jan 15 at 10:24 pm

    This my kind of dish Helen, love one pot meals. I have a Dutch pot myself and just love it. Have fun in Greece!

    Reply
    • Helen says

      26 Jan 15 at 5:52 pm

      Hi, Cheri … so glad you like the dish, and thanks so much for the good wishes. We are both still working, but it’s nice to visit Greece again!

      Reply
  16. Rachel (Rachel's Kitchen NZ) says

    24 Jan 15 at 6:50 pm

    Love you Xmas present and this recipe looks fab in it.

    Reply
    • Helen says

      26 Jan 15 at 5:52 pm

      Thanks so much, Rachel! 🙂

      Reply
  17. Culinary Ginger says

    24 Jan 15 at 3:24 pm

    I’m always looking for a new one pot meal and this is it. I also have a new shiny red dutch oven t so I’ll be making this soon. Orzo is my favorite.

    Reply
    • Helen says

      26 Jan 15 at 6:04 pm

      Ooh, very excited to hear that you’ll give this a go! Do let me know what you think if/when you do, Janette!

      Reply
  18. whatjessicabakednext says

    24 Jan 15 at 1:33 pm

    Looks delicious! Have a lovely time in Greece, Helen! I can’t wait to try this soon!

    Reply
    • Helen says

      26 Jan 15 at 6:06 pm

      Thanks, Jess! 🙂

      Reply
  19. miss b says

    24 Jan 15 at 10:52 am

    You mentioned the very reason I love my Le Creuset pots. They brown then bake! I can imagine how wonderful the house must smell as this is cooking. Thanks for the recipe and enjoy Greece!

    http://missbbobochic.blogspot.co.uk

    Reply
    • Helen says

      26 Jan 15 at 6:07 pm

      Hi! Thanks so much for passing by and taking the time to comment. So happy you like the recipe, too, and thanks for the good wishes for my trip! Already eating plenty of Greek salads and sitting in the sun! 🙂

      Reply
  20. Mary Frances says

    24 Jan 15 at 6:36 pm

    That sounds like such a fun trip! This looks good enough to take me there figuratively though – I LOVE orzo. It’s one of my all time favorites. Mmmm you really let the Greek flavors shine here and it looks so good! Happy weekend Helen!

    Reply
    • Helen says

      26 Jan 15 at 5:55 pm

      Hi, Mary Frances! I’m so happy to have ‘figuratively’ taken you to Greece with me! So glad you like the dish! 🙂

      Reply
  21. Kathleen | HapaNom says

    24 Jan 15 at 4:34 pm

    I wish I had a big plate of this right now – it sounds absolutely delicious! I hope you have a wonderful trip to Greece – what a wonderful place for culinary inspiration!

    Reply
    • Helen says

      26 Jan 15 at 5:56 pm

      Hi, Kathleen! You’re right – I’ve had one Greek meal at a taverna since I’ve been here and am already feeling newly inspired! Happy the dish made you hungry, too! 🙂

      Reply
  22. Marissa | Pinch and Swirl says

    24 Jan 15 at 5:40 am

    I love everything about this recipe, Helen! Pure delicious.

    Reply
    • Helen says

      24 Jan 15 at 8:57 am

      Thanks so much, Marissa … it’s classic Greek comfort food!

      Reply
  23. Isadora says

    24 Jan 15 at 3:29 am

    This looks like the perfect one pot filling meal! And I do love that pot 🙂 I would love to come visit Greece and stuff myself silly with you! Those are some of my favorite flavors!

    Reply
    • Helen says

      24 Jan 15 at 8:59 am

      Well, I wish you could!! Maybe one day you’ll get the chance to go … it’s so worth making the trip, especially in the summer!

      Reply
  24. Eva says

    24 Jan 15 at 9:56 am

    Je crois que ce le plat idéal pour faire dans ma cocotte Staub ! J’ai la concurrence de Le Creuset !! Mais le principe c’est le même! J’aime beaucoup ces types des cocottes. On peut faire de la slow food dedans et au même temps on peut le présenté à table parce qu’elles sont jolies ! C’est un beau cadeau !
    Ton poulet à l’air délicieux, parfait pour un repas en famille ! Have a nice weekend 😉

    Reply
    • Helen says

      26 Jan 15 at 6:09 pm

      Tu as raison que cette cocotte est jolie a la table, Eva! Surtout en rouge 😉
      Hope you have a nice week, too! 🙂

      Reply
  25. Chrissy says

    24 Jan 15 at 1:30 am

    I love everything about this. I am totally making it when I need a break from South America. Happy travels!

    Reply
    • Helen says

      24 Jan 15 at 8:59 am

      Hey, thanks so much, Chrissy … Greece would a great little Mediterranean detour from South America!

      Reply
  26. Lynn | The Road to Honey says

    23 Jan 15 at 11:05 pm

    Have a great time in Greece. I’m jealous. I have a Le Creuset pot but I hardly ever put it to good use. You’ve convinced me to dream up some recipes and start breaking it in.

    Reply
    • Helen says

      24 Jan 15 at 9:03 am

      Hello, Lynn! Thanks – really looking forward to that first souvlaki and Greek salad!
      Do break out the Le Creuset … this was my first time using it, too, but now I want to think of more recipes to make in it!

      Reply
  27. Mira says

    23 Jan 15 at 9:26 pm

    This chicken dish looks flavorful and delicious Helen!Very easy to make, too! Need to try it soon 🙂

    Reply
    • Helen says

      23 Jan 15 at 10:48 pm

      Thanks, Mira! Glad you like it!

      Reply
  28. Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says

    23 Jan 15 at 8:14 pm

    This dish looks fantastic, Helen! I love the addition of orzo. And the flavors sound so perfect. Definitely a true comfort food meal in my book!

    Reply
    • Helen says

      23 Jan 15 at 10:49 pm

      Yes, it’s a good winter comfort food meal, that’s for sure … especially if you dump plenty of cheese on top! 🙂

      Reply
  29. Annie @ ciaochowbambina says

    23 Jan 15 at 5:03 pm

    Oh my! I can imagine how tender and flavorful this dish is! Love it!!

    Reply
    • Helen says

      23 Jan 15 at 6:02 pm

      Hello, Annie! Thank you so much – very happy you like it!

      Reply
  30. Ilona @ Ilona's Passion says

    23 Jan 15 at 5:01 pm

    Looks so good. I don’t have a cast iron but I think I should get it. I love your Greek Chicken. Pinned it!

    Reply
    • Helen says

      23 Jan 15 at 5:02 pm

      Hello, Ilona! So happy you like this – do try it, even without the cast iron pot – it’s delicious!

      Reply
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