One Skillet Chicken Tzatziki and Orzo.

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.

Ingredients

• Extra virgin olive oil 
• Tomato paste 
• Smoked paprika 
• Garlic 
• Lemon zest 
• Lemon juice 
• Chili flakes 
• Kosher salt and black pepper 
• Boneless chicken thighs or breast 
• Salted butter 
• Fresh thyme 
• Dry orzo pasta 
• Oil packed sun-dried tomatoes 
• Low sodium chicken broth 
• Mixed herbs 
• 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!

@halfbakedharvest

A new skillet chicken and orzo. The tzatziki is the secret. Yumm #oneskillet #chicken #tzatziki #orzo #foodtok #halfbakedharvest #summerrecipes

♬ Ooh La La – Faces