
A cozy, one-pot dinner blending tender chicken with the warm, aromatic spices of the Horn of Africa and the bright, fresh finishes of the Mediterranean.
Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and finely chop the red onion and garlic. Measure out your dry spices into a small bowl so they are ready to go.
In a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides until golden. They don't need to be cooked through yet.
Don't crowd the pan! If your skillet is small, brown the chicken in two batches to get a nice sear.
Add the diced onion to the pan with the chicken. Sauté until the onion is translucent and soft. Stir in the garlic, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, and smoked paprika, toasting the spices for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Toasting the spices in the oil unlocks a much deeper flavor than just boiling them.
Pour in the dry orzo and stir to coat it in the spiced oil. Add the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer. Stir occasionally to ensure the orzo doesn't stick to the bottom. Cook until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
If the liquid evaporates before the orzo is soft, add a splash more broth or water.
Remove from heat. Serve in shallow bowls with a generous dollop of Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon to brighten all those warm spices.
This dish is a fantastic way to introduce bold, warm spices to the dinner table without any heat. If you can't find whole wheat orzo, regular orzo works perfectly. For a creamier finish, stir in an extra dollop of Greek yogurt just before serving. Leftovers stay delicious for up to 3 days in the fridge!
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