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One Skillet Chicken Tzatziki and Orzo, the perfect weeknight dinner. Quick, easy, colorful, and delicious! Pan-seared lemon paprika chicken, cooked together with orzo pasta for an all-in-one dinner. Serve drizzled with Tzatziki sauce and fresh, buttery naan. A dinner that everyone at the table will love.
For a dinner that is so simple to throw together, this really has so much flavor! I think we all know by now that a skillet chicken and orzo dinner is a staple around here. Most of the time I’ll just use lemon and herbs, the classic recipe really. But then I’ll come up with a new variation that I swear I love even more than the last!
This was probably Creighton’s favorite dish of the week. It hits all the flavors he really loves most. Smoky paprika, a little bit of spice, lots of garlic, lemon, and then we can’t forget to mention the Tzatziki sauce.
Creighton has declared that Tzatziki might be his favorite sauce of all time. I have to agree, it’s pretty delicious. It also happens to be the easiest to make, we all love it.
Throwing everything into the same skillet just makes sense. For one, you’re saving dishes by avoiding using multiple pans. But even more importantly, you’re creating a dish that’s full of flavor. When you cook everything together, the flavors are able to blend, making every element of the recipe delicious.
Of course, with this recipe, I created one extra step by adding the Tzatziki sauce, but you can totally use a store-bought sauce too. Do what works for you!
Details
As mentioned above, this was one of my family’s favorites. Mainly because I used spices that we all enjoy, paprika mixed with garlic and lemon. The chicken definitely has a Mediterranean vibe to it.
Season the chicken first. I toss a mix of chicken thighs and breasts with tomato paste, and paprika (I use smoked paprika, but regular is great too). Then add lots of chopped garlic, lemon zest, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Oh, and a good amount of olive oil too.
Now sear the chicken in an oven-safe skillet, then pull it out of the skillet to make room for the orzo. Just set the chicken aside on a plate to hang out.
Add the butter, orzo, and thyme to the same skillet. I love to let the orzo toast in the butter. Add in a good amount of sun-dried tomatoes, then pour in the chicken broth.
Now add the chicken back to the skillet. I usually like to add a handful of fresh herbs here too. Basil and thyme are what we love.
Put the entire skillet in the oven, and let it all cook together for 10-15 minutes, just until the chicken is fully cooked.
While the chicken is baking, I always make a homemade tzatziki sauce. It’s plain Greek yogurt mixed with grated cucumber, olive oil, garlic, lemon, fresh dill, salt, and pepper.
Occasionally I’ll make it spicy with a jalapeño. Sometimes I’ll mix in feta cheese too. Both are delicious additions!
When the skillet comes out of the oven. Scoop it up with the orzo and serve topped with a very generous amount of tzatziki sauce. Add some basil and dill too!
I usually serve this with warm naan, pitas, or tortillas – all three are great for scooping everything up!
Such a fun and bright dinner for any night of the week. And I love that the leftovers are perfect for enjoying the next day for lunch!
Looking for other easy dinners? Here are some favorites:
Easy Greek Sheet Pan Chicken and Potatoes
30 Minute Spicy Indian Butter Chicken
Sheet Pan Chicken Gyros with Feta Tzatziki
One Skillet Street Corn Chicken Enchilada Bake
Lastly, if you make this One Skillet Chicken Tzatziki and Orzo, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
One Skillet Tzatziki Chicken and Orzo
Servings: 6
Calories Per Serving: 519 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 6 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest and 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 pinch chili flakes use to taste
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs or breast
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
- 1 1/2 cups dry orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup oil packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup mixed herbs, such as basil and thyme
- 1-2 cups Tzakiki sauce
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 400° F.2. In a bowl, toss together the chicken, 2 tablespoons olive oil, tomato paste, paprika, garlic, lemon zest, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. 3. Add the chicken to a large oven-safe skillet set over high heat. Sear on both sides until golden, 3-5 minutes. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the butter, then remove the chicken from the skillet. Add the orzo and thyme. Cook until toasted, about 1 minute. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, broth, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the fresh herbs. Slide the chicken and any juices left on the plate back into the skillet. 4. Bake, uncovered for 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.5. Serve the chicken and orzo topped with Tzakiki sauce and basil. Enjoy!
The amount of orzo pasta and pesto dishes on this blog would be hilarious if it wasn’t so mundane. We know you’re not a chef, but come on. Get some inspiration somewhere.
The whole fam loved it! Super flavorful and filling
Love to hear this Jillian!! Thanks so much for trying this dish and your comment! Have a great week! xT
Five stars yet again! I’ve found I absolutely can’t go wrong with any of Tieghan’s recipes. Made it gluten free by using Banza “rice” instead of orzo and it turned out perfectly. I’d add, though, that my chicken breasts were really thick so they took about twice as long to cook in the oven, but it was worth the wait! Thanks again for the fabulous recipes!
Thanks so much Wendy!! I am so glad this dish turned out well for you and I appreciate you making it! Happy Monday! xT
One of the best dishes I’ve ever made from HBH! The chicken was SO flavorful and delicious. Grocery stores have been out of orzo so I used regular pasta and it turned out so well. Definitely a make again, wow.
Hi Allie,
Happy Monday!! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe turned out well for you and I appreciate you making it! xT
Phenomenal! Used b/s chicken breast and regular paprika. We enjoyed this with toasted pita bread and a glass of wine. Came together beautifully. Will definitely make again.
Thanks so much Stacy!! I love to hear that this dish turned out well for you and I appreciate you making it! xT
I have made several of your dishes…. Hands down we LOVE this dish…served with the sauce & bread
Wow good
Hi Paula,
Happy Sunday!!🍍🥥 Thank you so much for trying this recipe and your feedback, so glad to hear it was enjoyed! xT
I had to cook mine 3x the time as there was way too much liquid
Hi Lizzie,
Thanks for trying this dish and sharing your feedback! Sorry to hear you had so much liquid, was there anything you may have adjusted? Did you use orzo? Please let me know how I can help! xT
Made the skillet Tzakziki Chicken and Orzo recipe tonight for husband and myself and we loved it. Will make again and again. Used thighs and the ingredients worked so well together. Didn’t alter recipe amounts except I only had about 1.5 pound of thighs but it fed 2 of us and have enough for lunch tomorrow.
Hi Marie,
Wonderful!! So glad to hear both you and your husband enjoyed this recipe, thanks so much for making it! xT
One of my favorites!!!! Had 2 huge helpings. Couldn’t stop eating it 😂
Lol love to hear this Beth!! Thanks so much for making this dish! xT
Made it for my son, daughter in law and 18 month old grandson and everyone loved it. The flavors are so good together! I used store bought Tatziki due to time and we threw a little feta on top! And a little hummus on the side. Delicious meal! Thank you!
Hi Vandana,
Love to hear this!! Thanks so much for trying this dish and sharing your feedback, so glad it was a hit! xT
Bursting with flavours! Officially in the rotation! I topped it with your lemon garlic yogurt dip and was *chefs kiss*!
Hi Brooke,
Happy Wednesday!! 🌸🌤️ I appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your review, so glad it turned out well for you! xT
This was delicious. The lemon flavor, the yummy orzo … very satisfying! We had garlic naan with it also.
Hi Betsy,
Awesome!! I love to hear that this recipe was a hit and appreciate you making it! Thanks for your comment! xT
This looks delicious. Can you sub rice for orzo to make it gluten free?
Nicole! I am wondering the same thing. I might try it with rice. I’ve used gluten-free orzo and while it works well and is good it is not easy to source! It also has a bit of an earthy taste which I am not crazy about.
Hi Cari,
The rice should work, you may just need to adjust the cook time:)
Thanks so much Nicole!! Arborio rice is going to be your best option as it’s going to cook the most similar to the orzo. Your local grocery store might also carry GF orzo. Please let me know if you give this one a try! xT
Hi, I thought it time I leave a review. I dont think I’ve tried a recipe of yours I don’t like and I’ve tried quite a few, this is my 3rd this week Just made this one for the first time and like the others, a definite keeper. I think what I like most in general is that they’re always so full of complimentary flavours, never dull, bland or too “subtle”.
Hey Sarah,
Thank you so much for your kind message and trying so many recipes! I am so glad to hear that this one was also enjoyed! Have a great Tuesday! xT
Did you use boneless and skinless chicken?
Hi Cindy,
Sure did!! The recipe calls for for 2 pounds of boneless chicken thighs or breasts, skin on or off is totally up to you! I hope you love this dish! xT
This is a very appealing recipe. I will prepare it this week. Unfortunately my oven is not working so how long should I cook it on the stovetop once all the other steps are done? Also, Do you have a recipe for the Tzatziki sauce? I did not see one posted with this recipe. Thank you.
Hi Cori,
Thanks so much! I personally have never finished this on the stove top, so I am not sure on exact timing but I would do at least 15-20 minutes. Here is one of my tzatziki recipes, but store bought is just as great!
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/chicken-gyros-with-feta-tzatziki/
Let me know if you give this recipe a try! xT
Tieghan I just prepared this dish and I love it! So many layers of flavor and I did finish it on the stovetop for the additional 15 minutes with no problem. I like the recipe you shared for the Tzaziki. I haven’t made it yet, but will tomorrow night when I serve this dish for dinner with my sister. Thank you again so much.
Hi Cori,
Happy Friday!!😎 I love to hear that this recipe was a hit, thanks for making it and your comment! xx