Marissa's MediterraneanA zesty, one-pan dinner featuring succulent chicken thighs, toasted orzo, and a creamy lemon-feta sauce that the whole family will love.
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and half of the dried oregano.
Dry skin means crispier skin!
Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Place chicken skin-side down and sear until golden and crisp. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes, then remove chicken from the pan and set aside (it won't be fully cooked yet).
Don't crowd the pan; work in batches if needed.
In the same pan with the chicken drippings, add the minced garlic and orzo. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes until the orzo is lightly toasted and fragrant.
Toasting the orzo adds a wonderful nutty depth.
Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and the remaining oregano. Stir to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Nestle the chicken thighs back into the orzo mixture. Cover the pan, reduce heat to low, and simmer until the orzo has absorbed the liquid and the chicken is cooked through.
Remove the lid. Stir in the baby spinach and crumbled feta until the spinach is wilted and the sauce is creamy. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Add a splash more broth if you prefer a saucer consistency.
This is the ultimate one-pan wonder for busy weeknights. The trick to that vibrant flavor is letting the chicken thighs sear undisturbed to get that crispy skin before nestling them into the orzo. If you have picky eaters, you can chop the spinach extra fine—it melts right into the creamy sauce! From my kitchen to yours, this is wholesome comfort in a bowl.
Nutrition data is estimated and may not be fully accurate. This is not medical advice — consult a registered dietitian or healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
Prices shown reflect the estimated cost of the portion used in this recipe, not the full item price. Actual costs may vary by store and location.
Marissa's Mediterranean
@simplymediterranean
For moms that like Mediterranean. Simple and healthy
More from this chefMarissa's Mediterranean
@simplymediterranean
For moms that like Mediterranean. Simple and healthy
More from this chef