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Greek Chicken Orzo Bowls - Fresh, Bright, and Satisfying

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  • For the Chicken: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1.5 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional, for warmth)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • For the Orzo and Veggies: 1.5 cups dry orzo
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for the pot)
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small English cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (optional but great)
  • For the Sauce: 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or whole milk)
  • 1 small clove garlic, finely grated
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill or mint
  • Pinch of salt and pepper
  • To Finish: Lemon wedges
  • Extra parsley or dill
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  • Marinate the chicken. In a bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon zest and juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add chicken, toss to coat, and marinate at least 20 minutes or up to 8 hours in the fridge.
  • Cook the orzo. In a medium pot, warm 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add orzo and toast 1–2 minutes, stirring. Pour in broth, bring to a boil, then simmer 8–10 minutes until al dente. Drain any excess liquid if needed. Fluff and set aside.
  • Make the sauce. Stir together yogurt, grated garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill or mint, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust lemon and salt to taste. Chill until serving.
  • Cook the chicken. Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add a light drizzle of oil. Shake off excess marinade and cook chicken 5–7 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through (165°F/74°C internal). Rest 5 minutes, then slice.
  • Prep the veggies. While chicken cooks, halve tomatoes, dice cucumber, slice onion, and chop herbs. Pat olives dry for less brine in the bowl.
  • Season the orzo. Toss warm orzo with a splash of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Fold in half the parsley and dill.
  • Assemble the bowls. Divide orzo among bowls. Top with sliced chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives. Add dollops of the yogurt sauce and sprinkle with feta and remaining herbs.
  • Finish and serve. Add lemon wedges on the side and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like heat. Taste and adjust salt, lemon, and olive oil right in the bowl for a bright finish.