Greek Chicken Orzo with Artichokes & Fresh Vegetables Recipe

Introduction

Greek Chicken Orzo with Artichokes & Fresh Vegetables is a vibrant, hearty dish that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean right to your table. Featuring tender chicken, tangy feta, and a mix of fresh vegetables, this one-pot meal is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or casual entertaining.

The image shows a close-up of a white bowl filled with a layered dish. The bottom layer is light brown rice with a grainy texture. On top of the rice, there are pieces of grilled chicken, browned and slightly charred, adding a crispy texture. Next to the chicken, there is a creamy green sauce with chunks of green vegetables and some white crumbled cheese. To the side, there is a portion of chunky red tomato salsa with visible seeds. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 4 large chicken breasts, cut into 1½–2-inch pieces
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 medium red onions, diced
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 medium zucchini, chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped artichoke hearts, rinsed and drained
  • 1 large tomato, chopped
  • 18 ounces dried orzo
  • 5 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup sliced olives
  • 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • Extra olives, for garnish
  • A spoonful of leftover marinade

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Whisk together 1/3 cup olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or longer if time allows.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces until cooked through, then transfer them to a plate and set aside.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet, sauté the diced onions and minced garlic until softened and fragrant. Add the chopped zucchini, artichoke hearts, and tomato, cooking until the vegetables are tender.
  5. Step 5: Stir in the dry orzo, mixing well to combine with the vegetables and coat it with oil.
  6. Step 6: Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring occasionally. Cook the orzo until tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed, about 10-12 minutes. Add water if the mixture gets too thick.
  7. Step 7: Fold the cooked chicken back into the skillet and season everything with additional dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
  8. Step 8: Serve the dish topped with crumbled feta cheese, sliced olives, and a drizzle of the leftover marinade. Garnish with extra olives if desired.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or Israeli couscous if preferred.
  • Add fresh herbs like parsley or dill at the end for a bright, fresh note.
  • Keep feta and olives separate when storing leftovers to maintain their texture and flavor.
  • You can use artichoke hearts packed in water or brine, but be sure to rinse and drain them well before adding.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the orzo has thickened. Keep feta and olives separate to maintain their texture and add them fresh when serving.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a kebab plate with several layers. At the bottom is a bed of light yellow rice with a soft texture. On top, there are pieces of grilled chicken with a golden-brown char and spices giving a slightly rough surface. To the side, there is a creamy, pale green cucumber and dill salad with small green chunks, and next to it, a bright red tomato salad with finely chopped pieces mixed with white crumbly feta cheese. All of this is arranged on a white plate with a white marbled surface under it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe and offer a juicier texture. Adjust cooking time slightly to ensure thorough cooking.

Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?

Absolutely! Omit the chicken and increase the amount of vegetables and artichokes. You can add chickpeas or white beans for added protein.

Print

Greek Chicken Orzo with Artichokes & Fresh Vegetables Recipe

A vibrant and flavorful Greek-inspired dinner featuring tender chicken breasts marinated and browned, combined with sautéed fresh vegetables, artichoke hearts, and orzo pasta all simmered in savory chicken broth and finished with salty olives and creamy feta cheese.

  • Author: Elena
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Greek-inspired

Ingredients

Scale

For the Marinade and Chicken

  • 4 large chicken breasts, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning chicken and sautéing vegetables)

For the Vegetables and Orzo

  • 2 medium red onions, diced
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 medium zucchini, chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped artichoke hearts, rinsed and drained
  • 1 large tomato, chopped
  • 18 ounces dried orzo pasta
  • 5 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For Garnish

  • 1/2 cup sliced olives
  • 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • Extra olives for serving
  • A spoonful of leftover marinade for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade. Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon-style mustard, honey, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a bowl to create the marinade.
  2. Marinate the chicken. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes, or longer if time permits, to absorb the flavors.
  3. Brown the chicken. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and brown them on all sides until golden. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
  4. Sauté the vegetables. In the same skillet, add the diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant and translucent. Add chopped zucchini, artichoke hearts, and chopped tomato. Cook until the vegetables are just tender, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Add the orzo. Stir in the dried orzo pasta with the sautéed vegetables, coating the pasta well with the oil and juices in the pan.
  6. Pour in the broth and season. Gradually add the chicken broth along with 1 teaspoon dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 12-15 minutes.
  7. Return the chicken. Fold the browned chicken pieces back into the skillet with the orzo and vegetables. Cook together for a few minutes until the chicken is cooked through and everything is heated evenly. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  8. Serve and garnish. Serve the Greek chicken orzo hot, garnished with crumbled feta cheese, sliced olives, and a drizzle of the leftover marinade for extra flavor.

Notes

  • If the orzo thickens too much or the mixture dries out, add a little water or extra chicken broth while cooking to maintain a creamy texture.
  • Store feta cheese and olives separately when refrigerating leftovers to prevent sogginess and preserve their texture.
  • Marinate chicken for longer than 30 minutes if possible, up to several hours, for enhanced flavor and tenderness.
  • Use good quality chicken broth for richer taste.

Keywords: Greek chicken recipe, chicken orzo, artichoke hearts, feta cheese, Mediterranean dinner, one-pot meal, easy stovetop recipe

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