The quest for a weeknight dinner that’s both delicious and incredibly easy to clean up often leads to the coveted one-pot meal. This Chicken Risoni recipe delivers exactly that, combining tender chicken thighs with orzo pasta in a savory broth, all cooked together in a single skillet. It’s a taste of the Mediterranean with minimal effort. Perfect for busy evenings, this one-pot chicken risoni requires no complex techniques. The chicken marinates briefly while the oven preheats, and then everything comes together in one pan for a truly satisfying meal that’s ready in under an hour.

⏱ Time: 40 min
👥 Servings: 4
📊 Level: Easy
🥗 10 ingredients
One-Pot Greek Chicken Risoni: Unforgettable Flavor! Chicken Risoni: Make this easy one-pot Greek-inspired dish in under 40 minutes. Tender chicken and flavorful

One-Pot Greek Chicken Risoni: Unforgettable Flavor!

The quest for a weeknight dinner that’s both delicious and incredibly easy to clean up often leads to the coveted one-pot meal. This Chicken Risoni recipe delivers exactly that, combining tender chicken thighs with orzo pasta in a savory broth, all cooked together in a single skillet. It’s a taste of the Mediterranean with minimal effort. Perfect for busy evenings, this one-pot chicken risoni requires no complex techniques. The chicken marinates briefly while the oven preheats, and then everythi
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb / 500g chicken thighs (boneless skinless, or breast), cut into 2 cm / 1″ pieces
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Method
 

  1. Marinate chicken: Combine chicken thighs, 1 tbsp olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Let marinate for 20 minutes.
  2. Brown chicken: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet or pot over high heat. Add chicken and cook until lightly browned but still pink inside. Remove chicken from skillet.
  3. Sauté aromatics: Add 1 tbsp olive oil, minced garlic, and chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add zucchini and bell pepper (if using), cook for 2 minutes.
  4. Add liquids and orzo: Stir in the risoni (orzo), dried oregano, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and remaining salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Combine and bake: Return the chicken to the skillet. Scatter cherry tomatoes over the top. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven (uncovered). Bake for 15 minutes, or until the risoni is tender.
  6. Finish and serve: Remove from oven. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice. Garnish with feta cheese and fresh oregano leaves if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

– For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 20 minutes, or even overnight in the fridge.
– Ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
– If you don’t have risoni (orzo), other small pasta shapes like ditalini can work, but adjust cooking time as needed.
– This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.

Pro tips

  • For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 20 minutes, or even overnight in the fridge.
  • Ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  • If you don’t have risoni (orzo), other small pasta shapes like ditalini can work, but adjust cooking time as needed.
  • This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Enjoy this simple yet flavorful Chicken Risoni, a complete meal that proves delicious dinners don’t need to be complicated. Serve with a fresh side salad for a perfect touch.

Try this next: Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup – SO GOOD!

More from Chicken Pasta Recipes →

Frequently asked questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in One-Pot Greek Chicken Risoni?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great substitute and will add extra moisture and flavor. Trim any excess fat, cut them into bite-sized pieces, and brown them slightly before adding the liquid and risoni. They may require a few extra minutes of simmering to become tender.

How do I store leftover One-Pot Greek Chicken Risoni?

Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth, or in the microwave until heated through.

Can I make this One-Pot Greek Chicken Risoni ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare most of the dish ahead. Cook the risoni and chicken as directed, but undercook the risoni by about 2 minutes. Cool, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little extra liquid if needed, until the risoni is perfectly cooked.

What can I serve with One-Pot Greek Chicken Risoni?

This dish is quite complete on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple Greek salad, a dollop of tzatziki sauce, or some crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce. A side of steamed green beans or asparagus also complements the flavors well.

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