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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208 comments
See what others have to say
CraftingHeartsUKMonday 17th January 2022
Oh My God Ladies , This has to be one our (Hubby and I) favourite dinner. This is soooooooo tasty and the smell when cooking it oh wowsers you must try this receipe. I just wish it didnt take me so long to prepare this or else it would be on regular food planners but just now has to be once a month or longer btw its me that takes ages not the recipe x
HollyTuesday 18th January 2022
Hey Cheryl, we are so glad to hear you and your family enjoyed this recipe!
BritThursday 11th November 2021
Hi, are the calories for this based on the cooked weight or raw weight of the orzo? As when I scan the packet to log it myself it’s comes out closer to 530 calories when using the raw weight calories on the orzo packet
HollyMonday 6th December 2021
Hey Brit, the nutritional information is based on the uncooked ingredients. You might find THIS article helpful which talks you through how we work out the nutritional information for our recipes. Hope that helps!
Fiona HyslopTuesday 6th July 2021
Hi I have all the ingredients apart from mushrooms , what can I use instead? Or will it be ok without them or will I put more orzo or tomatoes, carrots in ? Help
LisaThursday 8th July 2021
Hi Fiona
It’ll be fine if you leave the mushrooms out, but you could also replace them with any other veg you like. I often put a handful of sweetcorn in with mine. Hope you enjoy it.
PaulineFriday 11th June 2021
This recipe is a firm favourite in my house, loved by all. The only changes I make is to leave out the allspice and to add the tomatoes ten minutes before the end of cooking. Absolutely delicious ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
HollyMonday 14th June 2021
Hi Pauline, thanks so much for your message we are so glad to hear you enjoyed this recipe!
CharlieTuesday 6th April 2021
Another favorite of ours from PON. I do add extra of the herbs and spices into the stock for the orzo to cook in but it is amazing! So easy to make!
HollyWednesday 7th April 2021
Hey Charlie, thanks so much for your message we are so pleased to hear this is one of your favourites!
MillyWednesday 17th March 2021
Lovely fast dish yum 😋. All the family loved it. Also very little washing up…..bonus 👍
HollyThursday 18th March 2021
Hi Milly, thanks so much for your message so glad to hear you enjoyed this recipe!
AngSaturday 6th March 2021
Oh my days this was absolutely BANGING… I put in extra spices and stock, as I used extra chicken and used the breasts instead of Thighs….. yummy hearty meal !!!
HollyMonday 8th March 2021
Hey Ang, thanks so much for your message we are so glad to hear you enjoyed this recipe!
Daryl HughesFriday 12th February 2021
This is my ultimate favourite dinner to make!!! Its so fresh, the lemon and all-spice flavour is so different. It does take quite a long time to prepare and make, but 100% worth it!
HollyMonday 15th February 2021
Hey Daryl, so glad to hear you enjoyed the One Pot Mediterranean Chicken Orzo!
ColinSaturday 30th January 2021
This has become a family staple for us, really filling and full of flavor
HollySunday 31st January 2021
Hi Colin, so glad you enjoyed the One Pot Mediterranean Chicken Orzo!
StephMonday 7th December 2020
I think this is one of my favourite things I’ve ever cooked! Really great recipe, and reheats really well too.
HollyTuesday 8th December 2020
Hey Steph, so glad you enjoyed this recipe!
Sam EvansThursday 12th November 2020
Made this for tea tonight…absolutely delicious!! Will most certainly be adding this to my list of PON favourites!
SharonFriday 13th November 2020
Hi Sam,
It’s great to hear you liked this recipe so much! It’s certainly a popular one. Thanks for taking the time to let us know.
Alison WilliamsWednesday 21st October 2020
Oh wow that was amazing! I wasn’t too sure I was going to like the flavour but wow that has got to be my favourite recipe so far. Thanks PON!
HollyThursday 22nd October 2020
Hey Alison, so glad you enjoyed the One Pot Mediterranean Chicken Orzo!
EmmaTuesday 20th October 2020
What would be a good mushrooms substitute please?
Thanks!
HollyTuesday 20th October 2020
Hi Emma, you could leave out the mushrooms or you could try to experiment with some diced peppers or courgette!
Mike DuffySunday 20th September 2020
Just made this it looks awesome
HollyMonday 21st September 2020
Hi Mike, Hope you enjoyed the One Pot Mediterranean Chicken
Nicole LoftusMonday 14th September 2020
Hi, can this be made in a slow cooker?
HollyTuesday 15th September 2020
Hi Nicole, Yes you can cook 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. Hope that helps!
Anita GregoryMonday 31st August 2020
This was absolutely amazing and so full of flavor. Another great dinner . Thank you for your recipes 😘😘
HollyTuesday 1st September 2020
Hi Anita, so glad you enjoyed this!
NicolaThursday 13th August 2020
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?
HollyWednesday 26th August 2020
Hi Nicola, I would suggest cooking this completely and allow to cool and pop it in the fridge. When you are ready pop it back in the oven covered with foil and reheat until piping hot. If it looks a little dried out you could add a tbsp of water but it should be okay. Hope that helps!
HollyThursday 30th July 2020
Hi, what would you suggest if I wanted to recreate this dish as best I can now that I’ve gone vegetarian? I would love to cook it again, but not sure if I should just leave the chicken out, or if you have any suggestions for what to replace it with?
SharonFriday 31st July 2020
Hi Holly, you could try using Quorn chicken fillets which are a meat free alternative to chicken. Let us know how it goes and hope you enjoy your veggie alternative.
VictoriaTuesday 23rd June 2020
Could this be made with white, basmati or risotto rice as no orzo in the shop near me?
SharonTuesday 23rd June 2020
Hi Victoria, yes, you could use rice instead of orzo, but it will take longer to cook than orzo. Keep an eye on it and add a little more stock if it looks like it needs it.
JenFriday 19th June 2020
Very tasty and easy to make. Definitely going to be a regular in this house. Thank you!
Holly LevellSaturday 20th June 2020
Hi Jen, so glad you enjoyed the One Pot Mediterranean Chicken Orzo it’s one of our favourites too!
DebraFriday 12th June 2020
I really enjoy this as a simple, tasty one pot meal. I love a bit of extra bite, so slice a lemon over the top for those last 20mins without the lid – it has more zing and it gives it more visual wow factor in the pot too! Always an easy win, and one of the most dog-eared recipes on my book. Thank you both ?
SharonFriday 12th June 2020
Hi Debra, thanks for sharing your tip about the lemon, it sounds like a great addition. Many thanks for letting us know how much you enjoy this recipe!
Carys MccarthyThursday 11th June 2020
When making this dish, do i use 500ml chicken stock pot and 500ml of water and stock cube or just the 1? Thanks
LisaThursday 11th June 2020
Hi Carys. It is one chicken stock cube, made up with 500ml of boiling water. Hope that helps.
Claire HobsonWednesday 10th June 2020
Could I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
SharonWednesday 10th June 2020
Hi Claire, yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Just make sure they are thoroughly cooked through. Thanks for getting in touch.
RuthieSaturday 6th June 2020
Do you have to leave garlic whole? I’ve only got the frozen chopped garlic!
LisaSaturday 6th June 2020
Hi Ruthie. You could use the frozen garlic if you want. Leaving the cloves whole gives a more subtle flavour throughout the dish, so go easy with it! Hope this helps.
VickySaturday 16th May 2020
Will ordinary paprika work?
Holly LevellMonday 18th May 2020
Hi Vicky, this recipe uses 1.5 tsp of regular paprika hope that helps!
TaniaThursday 14th May 2020
Can you substitute orzo for anything else. I live abroad so can’t get it?
Sharon FitzpatrickWednesday 20th May 2020
Hi Tania, you could try using rice, but it will take longer to cook than orzo. Just keep an eye on it an add a little more stock if it looks like it needs it.Thanks for your question and hope you enjoy this recipe.
TRICIA LEATuesday 5th May 2020
Can you use chx breast instead of thighs?
LisaWednesday 6th May 2020
Hi Tricia. This is one of our most popular recipes and many people swap chicken thighs for breast. Just make sure they are thoroughly cooked through before serving. Hope you enjoy it!
Tracey CharlesMonday 27th April 2020
During these “shopping nightmare” times, can you use dry parsley? If so, what measurement is best? Thank you
LisaWednesday 6th May 2020
Hi Tracey, yes you can use dried parsley. 1 tsp should be enough. For best results, add it to the pan with the tomatoes so it can cook out. Enjoy!
BeverlySaturday 18th April 2020
Do you use 250g od dried orzo for this Mediterranean chicken orzo
Sharon FitzpatrickWednesday 6th May 2020
Hi Beverly, thanks for getting in touch with your query. Yes, the recipe requires 250g dried orzo. Hope you enjoy making this dish!
JoSaturday 11th April 2020
What’s a good orzo substitute? as the shop are out of stock!
JoSunday 12th April 2020
Made with wild rice still exactly as the recipe was.
Was perfect 🙂
Steve CowderoyFriday 15th May 2020
Hi Jo, thanks for getting in touch with your great idea. Glad you enjoyed it, keep up the good work.
Steve CowderoyTuesday 19th May 2020
Hi Jo, thanks for getting in touch with us. If you cannot get hold of Orzo try Arborio rice instead. Hope this helps.
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