One-Pan Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Bake for Effortless Weeknight Dinners

When dinner time sneaks up on you and the last thing you want is a complicated meal, this Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Bake comes to the rescue. It’s a simple, one-pan dish that combines juicy chicken thighs, roasted vegetables, and tender orzo pasta, all baked together for a cozy, flavorful meal. This recipe requires minimal prep and cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome without the fuss.

Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Bake fresh from the oven

Why This One-Pan Bake Works So Well

This dish is a winner because it balances convenience with great taste. Roasting the vegetables first brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth to the dish. The orzo cooks in the flavorful chicken broth, soaking up all the juices from the roasted veggies and chicken. Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs keeps the meat juicy and tender, while the smoked paprika and Italian seasoning add a subtle smoky and herbal note.

The best part is that everything cooks in one pan, so you don’t have to juggle multiple pots and pans. This saves time and makes cleanup a breeze. Plus, the colorful mix of tomatoes, zucchini, bell pepper, and eggplant makes the meal visually appealing and packed with nutrients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients to gather before you start:

For the Roasted Vegetables

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes

• 1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons

• 1 bell pepper, chopped

• ½ small eggplant, diced (optional but adds richness)

• 4 cloves garlic, smashed

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

  
  

For the Orzo Bake

• 1 ½ cups uncooked orzo

• 1 ¾ cups chicken broth (or half broth, half water if broth is salty)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• Juice of ½ lemon

  
  

For the Chicken

• 2 to 3 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

  
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Roast the Vegetables

Preheat your oven to 400°F. On a large sheet pan, toss the cherry tomatoes, zucchini, bell pepper, eggplant, and smashed garlic with olive oil, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Spread them out evenly and roast for about 25 minutes until the vegetables are caramelized and soft.

2. Prepare the Orzo Mixture

In a 9x13-inch baking dish, combine the roasted vegetables with the uncooked orzo, chicken broth, olive oil or butter, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Stir everything together so the orzo is evenly distributed.

3. Season and Add the Chicken

Rub the chicken thighs or breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Nestle the chicken pieces on top of the orzo and vegetable mixture in the baking dish.

4. Bake Covered

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. This allows the orzo to absorb the broth and the chicken to cook through.

5. Finish Baking Uncovered

Remove the foil and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes. This step crisps up the chicken and finishes cooking the orzo. If you want extra crispy chicken skin, broil for a few minutes at the end. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for Success

• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier meat. Breasts work too but can dry out faster.

• Don’t skip roasting the vegetables first. It adds a rich, caramelized flavor that makes the dish special.

• Adjust the liquid if your chicken broth is very salty by using half broth and half water.

• Add crushed red pepper flakes if you want a subtle kick.

• Let the dish rest after baking so the flavors meld and the orzo finishes absorbing the liquid.

  
  

Why This Recipe Fits Busy Weeknights

This Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Bake is designed for ease without sacrificing flavor. It’s a complete meal in one pan, which means less time cooking and cleaning. The ingredients are simple and easy to find, and the recipe is flexible enough to swap in your favorite vegetables or protein.

The combination of roasted veggies, tender orzo, and flavorful chicken makes it a family-friendly dish that satisfies both adults and kids. It’s also great for meal prep since leftovers reheat well and taste even better the next day.