Name: One-Pan Tzatziki Chicken and Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 6 cloves garlic, chopped; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 pinch chili flakes; kosher salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs or breast; 2 tablespoons salted butter; 1 1/2 cups dry orzo pasta; 1/2 cup oil packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 3 cups low sodium chicken broth; 2 tablespoons fresh thyme; 1/2 cup mixed herbs, such as basil and thyme; 1-2 cups tzatziki sauce

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 25 reviews

If you’re looking for a weeknight wonder that’s packed with Greek flavors and comes together in just one pan, you’re gonna love this One-Pan Tzatziki Chicken and Orzo Recipe. Imagine juicy, paprika-spiced chicken sitting atop a bed of tender orzo, all kissed by sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs — then drizzled with creamy, tangy tzatziki. Trust me, this dish is fan-freaking-tastic and perfect for any night you want something comforting but effortless.

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Why This Recipe Works

One-pan simplicity: Everything cooks together, so less mess and easy cleanup – yes, please!
Bold Mediterranean flavors: Smoked paprika, lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs give the chicken and orzo a bright, savory punch.
Creamy tzatziki finish: Adds a cool, refreshing contrast that balances the warm spices perfectly.
Versatile and hearty: Loaded with protein and carbs, it’s a full meal that impresses without the fuss.

One-Pan Tzatziki Chicken and Orzo, Greek-inspired chicken and orzo, Easy Mediterranean chicken dinner, One-pan chicken recipes, Tzatziki chicken pasta - A close-up top view of a black cast iron pan filled with three layers: the bottom layer is golden brown rice with some grains scattered unevenly; the middle layer consists of several pieces of browned grilled chicken with a slightly crispy texture; the top layer shows bright green fresh basil leaves and small dill sprigs scattered across, along with dollops of white creamy sauce unevenly spread. A thin lemon slice is tucked among the rice and chicken near the bottom right. A silver fork partially rests on the chicken in the upper right area. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface with a soft beige and yellow striped cloth visible on the bottom right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This One-Pan Tzatziki Chicken and Orzo Recipe blends ingredients that complement each other in both texture and taste. From the hearty chicken thighs to the tender orzo that soaks up all those delicious pan juices, every element has its purpose. Pro tip: Use fresh herbs for that extra pop of flavor and try to pick quality chicken broth — it makes all the difference in your orzo.

Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps sear the chicken beautifully while infusing flavor.
Tomato paste: Concentrates a deep umami punch and balances with acidity.
Smoked paprika: Gives that warm, smoky depth without overpowering the chicken.
Garlic: Essential aromatic that brings savory notes.
Lemon zest and juice: Brightens the whole dish, cutting through the richness.
Chili flakes: Just a pinch adds a gentle heat to elevate the flavors.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Basic but crucial for seasoning.
Chicken thighs (or breast): Thighs bring juiciness, but breasts work if you prefer leaner meat.
Salted butter: Enhances the skillet’s flavor and helps toast the orzo.
Fresh thyme: Offers an earthy, herbal note that pairs perfectly with chicken.
Dry orzo pasta: Soaks up the flavorful broth and cooks right in the skillet.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Add a sweet, tangy burst that contrasts with creamy tzatziki.
Low sodium chicken broth: Keeps salt levels manageable and provides liquid to cook the orzo.
Mixed herbs (basil, thyme): Freshness to finish and brighten the finished dish.
Tzatziki sauce: The star cooling sauce that ties everything together with creamy cucumber-yogurt goodness.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this One-Pan Tzatziki Chicken and Orzo Recipe is just how adaptable it is. Whether you’re feeding a crew or just craving something cozy, I encourage you to put your spin on it. I’ve tried swapping herbs or adding different veggies — the results are always delicious!

Variation: I sometimes swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts when I’m craving something lighter, but keep in mind the cooking time might be slightly less. Both work great!
Veggie boost: I like tossing in chopped spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of baking for some greens.
Spice it up: If you like heat, double those chili flakes or add a dash of cayenne.
Dairy-free twist: Use a dairy-free tzatziki or a cucumber-avocado sauce to keep it creamy without the dairy.

Step-by-Step: How I Make One-Pan Tzatziki Chicken and Orzo Recipe

Step 1: Marinate and Sear the Chicken

First, toss the chicken with olive oil, tomato paste, smoked paprika, garlic, lemon zest, chili flakes, salt, and pepper — this marinade really infuses the meat with amazing flavor. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over high heat, and add the chicken. Sear for about 3-5 minutes per side until you get that gorgeous golden crust. During the last 2 minutes, toss in the butter — it gives the chicken an incredible richness. Once seared, remove the chicken but keep those pan juices!

Step 2: Toast and Cook the Orzo

Next, add the orzo and fresh thyme to the pan, stirring them around to toast the pasta for about 1 minute. This step adds subtle nuttiness to the orzo and sets up perfect texture. Then stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Slide the seared chicken — plus all those juices from the plate — back into the skillet, nestling it right on top.

Step 3: Bake Until Perfect

Pop the skillet into a 400°F oven and bake, uncovered, for about 15 minutes. This allows the orzo to absorb all that flavorful broth as the chicken finishes cooking through. You’re aiming for juicy chicken with tender, perfectly cooked orzo — no soggy pasta here!

Step 4: Serve with Tzatziki and Herbs

Right before serving, dollop on a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce and sprinkle with fresh basil or extra herbs. The cool creaminess of the tzatziki is a total game-changer against those warm, spiced flavors. Grab your fork and dig in!

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t rush the sear: Getting that golden crust on your chicken locks in juices and flavors—take your time here.
Toast the orzo: It might seem extra, but lightly toasting the orzo before adding broth makes a huge difference in the nutty flavor.
Use an oven-safe skillet: It saves you from dirtying extra pans and lets you go straight from stove to oven.
Rest before serving: Letting the dish sit for a few minutes after baking helps flavors meld and keeps the chicken wonderfully juicy.

How to Serve One-Pan Tzatziki Chicken and Orzo Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with fresh basil and extra tzatziki for creamy brightness. Sometimes, a sprinkle of chopped fresh dill or a few lemon wedges on the side adds a nice zesty finish. The dollop of tzatziki not only looks pretty but cools down the warm spices perfectly.

Side Dishes

Although this recipe stands alone beautifully, I often serve it with a crisp Greek salad or grilled veggies like zucchini and bell peppers. A warm pita bread on the side never hurts either — great for scooping up extra tzatziki.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like plating this dish in shallow bowls with a drizzle of extra olive oil and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or crumbled feta. It instantly dresses it up and makes it feel like a restaurant-worthy meal you cooked at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The orzo can thicken a bit, so I add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen it up and keep it creamy.

Freezing

This One-Pan Tzatziki Chicken and Orzo freezes well! Just cool it completely, then portion it out into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

To reheat, I like tossing everything into a skillet with a little broth or olive oil over medium heat, stirring until warmed through. This helps the orzo regain its texture without drying out the chicken. Always add fresh tzatziki after reheating to keep that creamy texture alive.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for the One-Pan Tzatziki Chicken and Orzo Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just fine if you prefer leaner meat. Just keep in mind they cook a bit faster, so check for doneness around 12-13 minutes in the oven instead of 15 to avoid drying out. Adjust seasoning as needed because breasts might be less forgiving in flavor absorption.
Is it okay to use store-bought tzatziki for this recipe?

Yes! Store-bought tzatziki is a convenient option that saves time while still adding that authentic creamy, cucumber-yogurt flavor. If you have extra time, homemade tzatziki can elevate the dish even more, but both choices work beautifully.
Can I prepare this dish fully on the stovetop instead of baking?

You can, but baking helps the orzo cook evenly and the chicken finish perfectly without drying out. If you want to do it on the stovetop, cover and simmer gently after adding the broth, and check the orzo often—just watch the liquid so it doesn’t dry out or stick.
What can I substitute if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

If you’re out of sun-dried tomatoes, diced roasted red peppers or even chopped olives can bring a similar tangy, savory burst. Just throw them in when you add the broth, and adjust salt to taste.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Tzatziki Chicken and Orzo Recipe is more than just dinner — it’s a little celebration of bold Mediterranean flavors that’s both easy and satisfying. Every time I make it, I love how the kitchen fills with aromatic herbs and spices, and how the creamy tzatziki brings everything together so effortlessly. So, give it a try—not only will your taste buds thank you, but you’ll also enjoy how simple and rewarding it is to make. Consider this your new go-to for meals that feel special without the fuss!