Mediterranean Braised Chicken with Orzo, Artichokes & Olives
This Mediterranean-inspired braised chicken is a one-pan wonder that delivers deep flavor, stunning presentation, and wholesome ingredients. Juicy bone-in chicken thighs are seared to golden perfection, then gently simmered with orzo pasta, artichoke hearts, green olives, and fresh herbs in a garlic-white wine broth.
This dish blends the comfort of slow cooking with the brightness of Mediterranean flavors, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 55–60 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
Chicken:
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter (for searing)
Aromatics & Base:
1 small onion, finely diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 green bell pepper, chopped
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Simmering Base:
¾ cup uncooked orzo
1½ cups chicken broth (low sodium)
½ cup dry white wine (or extra broth)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp dried oregano or thyme
1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary or thyme
Salt & pepper, to taste
Mediterranean Add-ins:
1 cup canned or jarred artichoke hearts, halved or quartered
½ cup green olives or Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
1 tbsp capers (optional)
Lemon zest, for finishing
Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt and pepper.
In a large oven-safe skillet or deep sauté pan, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
Sear chicken thighs skin-side down for 5–6 minutes until golden. Flip and cook another 3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the same pan, reduce heat to medium.
Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper, cooking for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Stir in red pepper flakes, if using.
Step 3: Add Orzo & Liquid
Stir in the orzo, toasting it slightly for 1–2 minutes.
Pour in white wine and deglaze the pan (scraping brown bits).
Add chicken broth, lemon juice, oregano, rosemary, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Stir in artichokes, olives, and optional capers.
Step 4: Simmer and Cook
Nestle the chicken thighs (skin side up) back into the pan over the orzo.
Cover and cook on low for 20–25 minutes, or until orzo is tender and chicken is fully cooked (internal temp 74°C/165°F).
Uncover and let simmer for 3–5 minutes to thicken slightly.
Finish with lemon zest and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs.
Tips for Success
Crispy skin: If you want crispier chicken skin, broil uncovered for 2–3 minutes at the end.
No wine? Use extra broth with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for acidity.
Don’t overcook the orzo. It should be tender but not mushy—check after 20 minutes.
Use quality artichokes (canned in water or oil-packed), and drain well before using.
Variations
Creamy version: Stir in 2–3 tbsp cream or a spoonful of Greek yogurt before serving.
Vegetarian option: Replace chicken with roasted chickpeas or mushrooms; use vegetable broth.
Spicy: Add harissa paste or extra chili flakes to the sauté base.
With cheese: Sprinkle crumbled feta or grated Parmesan before serving for a salty finish.
FAQs
Q: Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, boneless thighs or breasts can be used—reduce cooking time by 5–10 minutes.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Make the entire dish and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth. It tastes even better the next day.
Q: Can I bake this dish?
Absolutely. After Step 4, transfer the skillet to a 180°C (350°F) oven and bake covered for 25–30 minutes.
Q: What can I serve with this?
Serve with a side salad, crusty bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete Mediterranean meal.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Calories: ~470
Protein: 30g
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 540mg
Calcium: 60mg
(Estimates may vary based on exact ingredients.)
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Braised Chicken with Orzo, Artichokes & Olives is a cozy, flavor-packed dish perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. It offers tender chicken, fragrant herbs, briny olives, and the richness of orzo pasta all cooked in one skillet—minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
Whether you’re craving comfort or entertaining guests, this dish blends the heartiness of home cooking with the vibrant flair of the Mediterranean.