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Ultra close-up macro of one-pot Mediterranean lemon chicken and orzo in a cast iron skillet with spinach, feta, and kalamata olives

One-Pot Mediterranean Lemon Chicken and Orzo

Juicy golden-seared chicken cutlets simmered in a sun-drenched skillet of tender, risotto-like orzo pasta, baby spinach, briny kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled Greek feta. A vibrant 25-minute one-pan Mediterranean meal full of bright lemon-garlic pan sauce.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 460

Ingredients
  

Golden Seared Chicken:
  • 1.25 lbs (560g) boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) sliced into cutlets for quick, even searing
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil divided (1 tbsp for chicken, 1 tbsp for orzo)
  • 1 tsp dried Greek oregano
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp sweet paprika gives rich golden crust
  • 1 tsp fine sea salt to taste
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Lemony Orzo & Skillet Greens:
  • 1 cup (200g) dry orzo pasta rice-shaped durum wheat semolina pasta
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken bone broth 100% alcohol-free
  • 1 large lemon, juiced and zested approx. 3 tbsp fresh juice + 1 tsp zest
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and sliced adds rich umami sweetness
  • 1/3 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 3 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach leaves wilts gently into hot orzo
  • 1/2 cup (75g) authentic Greek feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill and flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped for vibrant herbal finish
  • 4 slices lemon wheels for searing and skillet garnish

Method
 

One-Pan Skillet Steps:
  1. Season the Chicken: Pat chicken cutlets dry with a paper towel. Season generously on both sides with dried oregano, garlic powder, sweet paprika, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, and black pepper.
  2. Sear the Chicken & Lemon Wheels: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a wide 12-inch deep cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken cutlets and lemon wheels. Sear undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes until deeply golden brown on the underside. Flip and sear for another 2 to 3 minutes until nearly cooked through. Transfer chicken and lemon slices to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
  3. Toast the Orzo: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add dry orzo and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the orzo grains turn lightly toasted and aromatic.
  4. Simmer in Broth & Lemon: Pour in the chicken bone broth, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, sun-dried tomatoes, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir well, scraping up any delicious browned caramelized bits from the bottom of the skillet.
  5. Cook Orzo to Creamy Tenderness: Bring liquid to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover skillet and simmer for 8 to 9 minutes, stirring once or twice to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the broth into a creamy, risotto-like consistency.
  6. Fold in Greens & Nest Chicken: Remove lid, stir in fresh baby spinach and kalamata olives until spinach gently wilts into the hot orzo (about 60 seconds). Nest the seared chicken cutlets and seared lemon wheels back into the warm orzo. Cover for 2 minutes to warm through.
  7. Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle generously with crumbled Greek feta, chopped fresh dill, and fresh parsley. Serve hot straight from the skillet with crusty sourdough bread!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 460kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 42gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 4.8gCholesterol: 98mgSodium: 690mgPotassium: 680mgFiber: 3.8gSugar: 3.5gVitamin A: 2100IUVitamin C: 22mgCalcium: 180mgIron: 3.8mg

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