Description
Greek Chicken Orzo Bake is a comforting and hearty Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring tender chicken thighs, creamy orzo pasta, tangy cherry tomatoes, and briny Kalamata olives, infused with fresh oregano and dill. This one-pan bake combines vibrant flavors with effortless preparation, perfect for family meals or busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1 cup grape juice (natural)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 1/4 cup plant-based feta-style cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken and marinade: In a bowl, combine lemon juice (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), minced garlic, oregano, and dill. Toss the chicken thighs in this marinade and let them sit for at least 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Sauté aromatics and toast the orzo: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic and cook until fragrant and translucent. Add dry orzo and stir frequently, toasting it lightly until it develops a nutty aroma.
- Combine and layer ingredients: Place the marinated chicken thighs in the skillet. Scatter cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives around the chicken. Pour in grape juice (natural) and vegetable broth. Sprinkle the natural gelling agent over the mixture and stir gently to distribute.
- Bake in the oven: Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the orzo absorbs most of the liquid. In the last 10 minutes of baking, crumble plant-based feta-style cheese on top to melt slightly.
- Garnish and serve: Let the bake rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or oregano and drizzle with extra lemon juice (natural). Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for juicier and more flavorful results.
- Toasting the orzo adds a subtle nuttiness essential to the dish’s flavor.
- Fresh herbs dramatically enhance the Mediterranean aroma and taste.
- Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- If the orzo looks dry during baking, cover loosely with foil to retain moisture.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Greek chicken bake, orzo pasta recipe, Mediterranean chicken, one-pan dinner, plant-based cheese, family meal, gluten-free dinner
