One Pot Mediterranean-Style Chicken Orzo
This hearty One Pot Mediterranean-Style Chicken Orzo is a great slimming friendly meal whether you're counting calories or following a diet plan like Weight Watchers.
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NutritionPer Serving
- Calories437
- Carbs53g
- Protein31g
- Fat9.9g
- Saturates2.3g
- Sugars5.6g
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For the full list of ingredients and comprehensive instructions, please see the recipe card at the end of this post. Before you scroll, there’s important stuff to know in the blurb!
If it’s a chilly day, then this recipe is one of those dishes that reminds you of summer! Our One Pot Mediterranean-Style Chicken Orzo is ridiculously easy to make and is packed full of vibrant, Mediterranean flavours.
If you’ve never had orzo before then don’t be fooled – it might look like rice, but orzo is actually pasta! We absolutely love it and it makes a really nice change to pastas like penne or fusilli.
This One Pot Mediterranean-Style Chicken Orzo takes about 10 minutes to prepare and you just need to pop everything into a pan and then throw it in the oven – easy!
What diets is this One Pot Mediterranean-Style Chicken Orzo suitable for?
This recipe is suitable if you’re gluten free as long as you swap out the following ingredients for gluten free versions;
- Orzo
- Stock cubes
You could also enjoy this One Pot Mediterranean-Style Chicken Orzo if you’re dairy free.
Please make sure to double or triple check all of your ingredients if you’re cooking for people with allergies.
Do you need any special ingredients to make this One Pot Mediterranean-Style Chicken Orzo?
First and foremost you need a sturdy casserole pot. We use ours at least once a week, and cook everything in it from stews to one pot dishes like this One Pot Mediterranean-Style Chicken Orzo.
Next you need allspice. Not mixed spice, ALLSPICE! It’s nothing like mixed spice and really shouldn’t be substituted as such!
If you don’t have any allspice, we urge you to get some. It’s amazing paired with rosemary and thyme.
You also need some orzo which you can find in the pasta aisle at the supermarket (looks like rice!).
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We used a Le Creuset shallow casserole for this, but a friend of ours swears by the VonShef cast irons ones. They’re pretty damn good.
A good quality frying pan is essential for browning onions and frying peppers. Investing in a good non-stick one should last you for years!
How many calories are in this One Pot Mediterranean-Style Chicken Orzo?
There are 437 calories in each portion of our slimming friendly One Pot Mediterranean-Style Chicken Orzo which means it falls into our Weekly Indulgence category.
This recipe is perfect if you’re following a calorie controlled diet, and fits well with any one of the major diet plans such as Weight Watchers.
As a guide, an average man needs around 2,500kcal (10,500kJ) a day to maintain a healthy body weight. For an average woman, that figure is around 2,000kcal (8,400kJ) a day. Obviously, if your goal is to lose weight then you might want to adjust these slightly! You can read more about these recommendations on the NHS website.
Step 1
Coat the chicken thighs in the paprika, ground allspice, turmeric and salt and leave for 10 mins. In the meantime chop the vegetables.
Step 2
Spray a large frying pan with some low calorie cooking spray and heat gently.
Step 3
Cook the chicken thighs until they start to brown. Turn them over and brown the other sides.
Step 4
Set the chicken aside.
Step 5
Add a few more sprays of low calorie cooking spray to the pan, then fry off the onion, carrot, celery, garlic and mushrooms until the onion is soft.
Step 6
Add the tomatoes, lemon juice and 100ml of the chicken stock. Return the chicken to the pan and place in the oven with a lid on (or covered with foil) for 30 mins at 180C.
Step 7
Carefully remove the pan from the oven, add the orzo, parsley and the rest of the stock, stir, and return to the oven for 20 mins with the lid off.
What should you should serve with One Pot Mediterranean-Style Chicken Orzo?
This dish is really substantial enough on its own without any extra accompaniments, but if you fancied something extra you could try any of the following:
Whatever accompaniment you choose, don’t forget to account for the extra calories and/or other nutritional values.
Can you cook One Pot Mediterranean-Style Chicken Orzo another way?
You could cook this dish in the slow cooker. Brown the chicken, add to the pot with all of the other ingredients, except the orzo and parsley. Cook on high for 2-3 hours. Add the orzo and some extra stock if required and cook for a further 35-40 minutes on high until the orzo is tender.
How do you know when this One Pot Mediterranean-Style Chicken Orzo is cooked?
You should cook this dish until the chicken is cooked through, the juices run clear and the orzo is tender.
This should take approx 50 minutes in the oven.
Standard advice here in the UK is to cook food until it has reached 70°C and stayed at that temperature for 2 minutes. This is to keep your family safe.
How long can you keep this One Pot Mediterranean-Style Chicken Orzo in the fridge?
Once you’ve served it, ideally you should eat it within 4 hours.
If you allow any left overs to cool, make sure to refrigerate in a container with a lid and chill. You can keep leftovers of One Pot Mediterranean-Style Chicken Orzo in the fridge for approximately 3 days or so.
Can I freeze this One Pot Mediterranean-Style Chicken Orzo?
Yes you can! This recipe can be frozen, but please remember to do the following;
- Freeze it as soon as it is cold enough.
- Use a container or bag that is suitable for freezing.
Don’t forget to add a label with what it is, and on what date you put it in the freezer!
How do I reheat this One Pot Mediterranean-Style Chicken Orzo?
From chilled: Place in a microwave proof container with loosely fitting lid and heat for 4-7 minutes until piping hot.
From frozen: Allow to defrost, and heat covered in the microwave for 3-5 minutes then stir. Cook for a further 5-7 minutes until piping hot.
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One Pot Mediterranean-Style Chicken Orzo
This hearty One Pot Mediterranean-Style Chicken Orzo is a great slimming friendly meal whether you’re counting calories or following a diet plan like Weight Watchers.
-
Prep Time
15 MINS
-
Cook Time
50 MINS
- KCals 437
- Carbs 53G
Instructions
- Coat the chicken thighs in the paprika, ground allspice, turmeric and salt and leave for 10 mins. In the meantime chop the vegetables.
- Spray a large pan with some low calorie cooking spray and heat gently.
- Cook the chicken thighs until they start to brown. Turn them over and brown the other sides.
- Set the chicken aside.
- Add a few more sprays of low calorie cooking spray to the pan, then fry off the onion, carrot, celery, garlic and mushrooms until the onion is soft.
- Add the tomatoes, lemon juice and 100ml of the chicken stock. Return the chicken back to the pan and place in the oven with a lid on (or covered with foil) for 30 mins at 180°C.
- Carefully remove the pan from the oven, add the orzo, parsley and the rest of the stock, stir, and return to the oven for 20 mins with the lid off
Looking for Slimming World Syns or Weight Watchers (WW) Points?
With ever-changing plans and point calculations, we have made the decision to remove WW Points from the website - referring to your individual plan or advice from your consultant is always going to give the most accurate results.
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204 comments
See what others have to say
LydiaWednesday 29th August 2018
Delicious dish really enjoyed making it and eating it.
ElaineSaturday 18th August 2018
Can I slow cook this?? Low, for 8 hours? If so , do I put the orzo in with everything else?
Thank you for the recipe!
LucyTuesday 14th August 2018
I’ve got a couple of fussy eaters so made this with carrot, sweet potato and butternut squash, and used tinned tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes – was delicious!
LaurenTuesday 15th May 2018
i don’t have a suitable dish to cook this in the oven.. could i cook it on the hob instead?
NikkiMonday 14th May 2018
Hiya
Wondered if this could be prepared / made earlier in the day and just put back in the oven for the last 20 mins, in the evening or would I need to add more water etc?
AshleighMonday 9th April 2018
Hi, I am making this for tea tonight and wondering if I can replace the orzo with risotto rice? If so how would I need to adjust cooking times? Thanks
SamTuesday 20th March 2018
Made this twice in 2 weeks, absolutely delicious! A big hit with all the family. We had a salad with it (cherry tomatoes, red onion, gherkin, beetroot and carrot) Thank you for the recipe – look forward to trying out some others from the site.
YasminFriday 9th March 2018
Made this tonight it’s a firm favourite in our house! Thanks for your fabulous recipes ????
Carol OwenFriday 9th March 2018
I couldnt find orzo in asda so bought vermicelli pasta should I use this or would I be better off substituing it with risotto rice/
Fiona WinningSunday 25th February 2018
Fantastic recipe and so easy. Highly recommend it.
SamSunday 18th February 2018
Hi. Can you use chopped pieces of chicken for this? I only have cubed chicken and wondered if it would work the same?
Joan HensonSaturday 17th February 2018
What a fantastic menu made a smaller portion pleased I did else I would have eaten more. Made two meals ideal for me being on my own. So tasty never had orzo before going to see if I can make a pudding with it scrummy.
KateThursday 15th February 2018
Do you put the orzo in raw or cooked?
MelMonday 12th February 2018
Hi, many thanks for the recipe. I was planning on making this tonight, but don’t have a casserole dish that can go in the oven. Can I use a pot initially and transfer into a Pyrex to cook in the oven do you think? Many thanks!
Jo HTuesday 6th February 2018
Hi, I’m going to make this for tea tonight, but for four people (2 adults and two older boys). I’m going to use four chicken breasts instead of the thighs, leave the other ingredients the same, but wondered if I’d need more orzo? (Then growing, skinny boys will be having French stick with theirs!). If I should add more orzo, any idea how much and if I need extra liquid please. Thank you. x
Jo HTuesday 6th February 2018
Oh my lordy lord! I didn’t know we could do that!! This website is amazing! Thank you!! xxx
JuliaSaturday 27th January 2018
Hi, just finding my way round for the first time….fab site. I’m not very good with this cooking malarky but looks easy enough even for me so going to try this recipe tomorrow, Would it be ok to cook in a pyrex dish?
MonicaWednesday 24th January 2018
Yet another ‘Pinch of Nom’ delight. We loved it, my first foray into Orzo and girls it will not be my last.
Thank you for your amazing recipes, my repertoire is expanding but my waistline is not,thanks to you!
Best regards
Mon x❤️
VicTuesday 23rd January 2018
Stunning recipe just amazing followed it to the letter and it turned out the most tasty meals I have ever made and I could not believe it was sun free. Thank,you
Loumac28Tuesday 23rd January 2018
Hi there, do u think you could substitute the Chicken Thighs for Breasts? Don’t really like thigh meat????????♀️
Thank u in advance
DebbieTuesday 23rd January 2018
Can this be done in pkp please
Susan SteeleMonday 22nd January 2018
Made this last night. I did enjoy it, but won’t make it again with the allspice as not keen on it. Will try again and experiment with other spices/flavourings more to my taste. A great all in one dish though!
Susan SteeleSunday 21st January 2018
Making this today. I think I have read somewhere about the oven temperatures that you use, but can’t remember where. Are your temp for fan ovens or standard ovens?
Thanks.
MichelleTuesday 16th January 2018
Another wonderful recipient from PON. I didn’t use as much all spice as recommended as I’m not keen but I added sweet and smoked paprika plus yellow peppers. The orzo was tender and had soaked up all the flavours. Really enjoyed it. Will post a pic on Twitter
Harriet JamesSunday 31st December 2017
What are the best stock cubes to use please?
AnnieCMonday 4th December 2017
Aw man, this is THE most delicious thing ever. A hit with the whole family, easy to make and full of flavour. Definitely a keeper!
Sandra O'NeillSunday 26th November 2017
Hi – can you suggest a gluten free alternative to Orzo that would work with the receipe? My daughter would love this but she’s coeliac. Thank you.
SheralynSaturday 25th November 2017
I made this last night and I have to say that it was absolutely delicious. Not too complicated to make and even my partner, who is the fussiest eater i have ever known liked it! Will definitely be making it again
susan martinThursday 23rd November 2017
can i do this in a PKP pressure cooker ? thanks
Fay ClarkendaleTuesday 6th February 2018
Hiya,
My husband made this dish for tea last night and we all loved it! Never even heard of Orzo before, it’s Gorgeous!
Thanks so much for another amazingly tasty and fab recipe!
Love this website so much! Thanks again 🙂
AbieWednesday 15th November 2017
Hey this looks really tasty! How many people does this serve? I would like to cook it for my family of 5?
MaxineTuesday 14th November 2017
What else would you serve with this as a side dish. Going to make this evening but I feel it needs something on the side. Thankyou
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