Marissa's MediterraneanA vibrant, all-in-one pan dinner featuring juicy chicken thighs, tender orzo, and those classic Mediterranean flavors we love. Healthy made easy and cleanup is a breeze!
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, and half of the dried oregano.
Drying the skin is the secret to getting it extra crispy!
Heat the 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 crispy.
Don't move the chicken too much; let that crust form!
Flip the chicken and cook for another 4 minutes, then remove from the pan and set aside on a plate. The chicken won't be fully cooked yet.
In the same pan, add the diced onion and sauté until softened. Stir in the garlic and the remaining oregano, cooking until fragrant.
Add the dry orzo to the pan and toast it for a minute, stirring constantly to coat it in those delicious chicken juices.
Toasting the orzo adds a lovely nutty depth to the dish.
Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping 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 and reduce heat to low, simmering until the orzo is tender and chicken is cooked through.
Remove from heat. Stir in the fresh spinach (it will wilt in the residual heat), olives, and lemon zest. Sprinkle with crumbled feta before serving.
A final drizzle of high-quality olive oil makes this feel like a restaurant meal!
This is a total family winner! The key is to let the chicken skin get nice and crispy before adding the orzo. If you have picky eaters, you can swap the olives for extra sun-dried tomatoes. Don't forget that final squeeze of fresh lemon—it wakes up all those savory notes!
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