If you love fuss-free meals that deliver bold flavor, this Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Dump Recipe is about to become your new weeknight go-to. It’s a vibrant, creamy, cheesy one-pan dish that combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and feta with perfectly cooked orzo pasta all baked together in the oven.
The best part? No need for multiple pans or complicated steps. Just mix, bake, and enjoy. It’s everything you love about a Mediterranean-inspired meal colorful, fresh, and satisfying without the kitchen chaos.
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Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Dump Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Slice chicken breasts into thin strips. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian herbs. Toss to coat.
- Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for about 8 minutes, turning occasionally until golden on both sides. Set aside.
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine orzo, seared chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, minced garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, and salt. Stir gently to mix.
- Bake uncovered for 40 minutes, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in chopped spinach, feta, and parmesan. Bake again for 5–10 minutes, until cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy creamy, cheesy perfection with Mediterranean flair.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Orzo Recipe
- One Pan Wonder Everything cooks in one baking dish for easy cleanup.
- Mediterranean Flavors Feta, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs give it that signature coastal taste.
- Creamy but Light The mix of broth, cream, and cheese creates richness without heaviness.
- Family-Friendly Mild, comforting flavors that everyone will enjoy.
- Meal Prep Magic Stores well for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Equipment You’ll Need for Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Dump Recipe
- 9×13-inch baking dish For the dump-and-bake magic.
- Cutting board To prep the chicken and veggies.
- 12-inch skillet For searing the chicken before baking.
Ingredients For Mediterranean dinner
- 1½ lbs chicken breasts, cut into strips
- Olive oil
- 1 tsp each salt and paprika
- ½ tsp each garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian herb blend
- 2 cups orzo
- 5 oz sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (with a bit of oil)
- ⅓ cup green or black olives
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 handful baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 7 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
How to make creamy chicken orzo Step-by-Step
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). - Prepare the Chicken
Slice chicken breasts into thin strips. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian herb blend. Toss to coat. - Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 8 minutes, turning occasionally until golden on both sides. Set aside. - Combine Ingredients in the Baking Dish
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine orzo, seared chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, minced garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently to mix.
- Bake the Dish
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40 minutes, until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed. - Add the Greens and Cheese
Stir in the chopped spinach, feta, and parmesan. Bake again for about 5–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the top turns lightly golden. - Serve & Enjoy
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. The result? Creamy, cheesy perfection with the fresh, zesty flair of Mediterranean flavors.
Nutrition Benefits (Per Serving – Approx. 6 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount | Why It’s Good |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~420 kcal | Balanced, hearty meal portion |
| Protein | 38 g | Lean protein from chicken and cheese |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g | Energy from orzo and sun-dried tomatoes |
| Fat | 18 g | Healthy fats from olive oil and feta |
| Fiber | 3 g | Added by spinach and tomatoes |
| Calcium | High | From feta and parmesan |
Flavor Variations
- Make It Spicy: Add red chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
- Go Dairy-Free: Swap cream for coconut milk and use dairy-free feta.
- Add Veggies: Try adding roasted zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Use a Different Protein: Substitute shrimp, turkey, or tofu for chicken.
- Make It Lighter: Use half the cheese and more spinach for a fresher version.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp Greek salad.
- Pair with warm pita or garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon before serving for a bright, tangy finish.
- Enjoy with a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lime.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Add a splash of broth or milk to revive creaminess before reheating in the oven or microwave.
- Meal Prep Tip: Assemble the dish a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Just bake when ready to serve.
Pro Cook Tips
1. Toast the Orzo (Optional)
Sauté the orzo in olive oil for 1–2 minutes before baking to deepen the flavor and give it a slightly nutty taste.
2. Don’t Skip the Cream
Even a small amount of heavy cream adds luscious texture you can also use Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
3. Use Good Quality Feta
Authentic Greek feta melts beautifully and brings that salty, tangy contrast to balance the creamy orzo.
4. Check the Liquid Levels
If your orzo isn’t fully cooked after 40 minutes, add a few tablespoons of warm broth and bake another 5 minutes.
5. Let It Rest
After baking, let the dish sit for 5–10 minutes. This allows the orzo to absorb any remaining liquid for the perfect texture.
FAQs: sun-dried tomato orzo
Can I use rice instead of orzo?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid and cooking time since rice takes longer to cook.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Try half-and-half, Greek yogurt, or coconut cream for a lighter twist.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble it a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
How do I keep orzo from overcooking?
Bake just until tender and slightly al dente it will continue to absorb moisture as it rests.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes! The creamy texture and mild Mediterranean flavors make it a hit with both kids and adults.
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Dump Recipe is proof that healthy, flavorful meals don’t have to be complicated. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a wholesome dinner without a mountain of dishes.
Loaded with tender chicken, tangy feta, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy orzo, it’s a dish that delivers comfort and freshness in every bite.
For more one-pan inspiration, check out our Cheesy Chicken Veggie Sheet Pan Dinner or Easy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Salmon.
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