Main Course · Lunch · Dinner · Mediterranean ·

Roasted Greek Lemon Chicken with Orzo

Name: Roasted Greek Lemon Chicken with Orzo
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 105 min
Total time: 140 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs, skin-on, bone-in; 3 tbsp olive oil; 1 lemon, juiced and zested; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried oregano; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup orzo; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped; 1 lemon, sliced into rounds; Fresh rosemary, sprigs for garnish; Olive oil spray; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp red wine vinegar; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; Salt and pepper, to taste

A succulent roasted chicken dish infused with citrusy lemon and earthy herbs, perfectly complemented by a savory orzo base.

4.4(814 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·July 3, 2025

Roasted Greek Lemon Chicken with Orzo — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

35 min

Cook

1 h 45 min

Difficulty

Easy

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Chicken Marinade

For the Orzo

For the Roasting

For the Dressing

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 495 kcal
Protein: 23.1 g
Carbs: 16 g
Fat: 38.6 g
Fiber: 2.2 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 1978 kcal
Protein: 92.4 g
Carbs: 64 g
Fat: 154.2 g
Fiber: 8.8 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
4 chicken thighs skin-on, bone-in	800	80	0	56	0
3 tbsp olive oil	360	0	0	40.5	0
1 lemon juiced and zested	12	0	4	0	2
3 cloves garlic minced	13	0.6	3	0	0.2
1 tsp dried oregano	5	0.2	1.4	0.1	0.7
Salt and pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0
1 cup orzo	210	5.5	42	1	2
2 tbsp olive oil	240	0	0	27	0
1 small onion finely chopped	30	0.9	7	0.1	1.2
2 cups chicken broth	30	4	2	1	0
1 cup baby spinach roughly chopped	7	0.9	1	0.1	0.7
1 lemon sliced into rounds	12	0	4	0	2
Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish	1	0	0.2	0	0
Olive oil spray	10	0	0	1.1	0
2 tbsp olive oil	240	0	0	27	0
1 tbsp red wine vinegar	3	0	0.1	0	0
1 tsp Dijon mustard	5	0.3	0.3	0.4	0
Salt and pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Chicken

1
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2
Coat Chicken
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they’re fully coated.
3
Refrigerate
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.

Preparing the Orzo

1
Heat Oil
In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2
Sauté Onion
Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
3
Toast Orzo
Stir in the orzo and toast slightly before adding chicken broth.

How to Make Roasted Greek Lemon Chicken with Orzo

Total time: 2 h 20 min · Yields 4 servings

1
Roast Chicken
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange marinated chicken in a roasting pan, top with lemon slices and rosemary. Roast for 35-40 minutes.
2
Cook Orzo
Once the broth is absorbed, stir in the chopped spinach until wilted. Keep warm.
3
Prepare Dressing
Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.