Giouvetsi (Orzo Chicken Greek Style)

Giouvetsi (Orzo Chicken Greek Style)

5 servings
This version of the very delicious traditional Greek giouvetsi comes in the form of a chicken and orzo pasta baked in oregano and spice-infused tomato sauce and sprinkled with cheese. A simple Greek-style midweek meal... and with potentially only one (or two) pan(s) to wash!

Ingredients

  • olive oil

    for cooking

    2 tbsp
  • boneless skinless chicken thighs
    1 lb
  • onion

    chopped

    1
  • garlic cloves

    finely chopped

    3
  • dried oregano
    1 ½ tsp
  • dried cinnamon
    1 tsp
  • orzo

    rice-shaped pasta, sometimes called risoni or kritharaki in greece

    1 c
  • paprika
    1 tsp
  • allspice
    1 tsp
  • salt
    ¾ tsp
  • pepper
    ¼ tsp
  • passata)

    sieved tomatoes (use canned chopped tomatoes as a substitute

    1 ½ c
  • chicken stock)

    (us: chicken broth

    1 ½ c
  • chopped parsley and cheese

    for sprinkling, use greek kefalotiri if you can find it but if not use pecorino, parmesan or feta.

  • salad and bread
  • greek yogurt

Directions

  1. 1

    Pre-heat the oven to 180C/350F.

  2. 2

    Heat the olive oil in a dutch oven/cast iron pan or big heavy-based saucepan. Brown the chicken for about 2 minutes on each side. Remove the chicken from the pot onto a plate and set aside.

  3. 3

    Add the onion to the pot and stir for a few minutes until it softens. Add the garlic and stir for a minute or so longer. Then add the oregano and cinnamon.

  4. 4

    Add the orzo and stir again for a minute or so until the orzo is coated with the juices/oil.

  5. 5

    Put the chicken and any juices back into the pot. Then sprinkle with the paprika, allspice, salt and pepper. Finally, pour over the passata and stock and give the pot a good stir.

  6. 6

    Bake uncovered for 30 minutes. Check and stir the pot a couple of times during cooking to stop the orzo from sticking too much. If at any time the dish looks too dry, just add an extra splash of water.

  7. 7

    Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and plenty of cheese to serve. Serve with the salad, bread and a splodge of Greek yogurt (if you like).

Giouvetsi (Orzo Chicken Greek Style)

Giouvetsi (Orzo Chicken Greek Style)

5.0(9)45 min5 servings339 cal

Similar Recipes

Greek-Style Garlic Chicken Breasts

Greek-Style Garlic Chicken Breasts

Make Greek-style chicken with this family-favorite recipe! An easy lemon and garlic marinade adds nice flavor to the juicy, grilled chicken breasts.

8.3 hours4 servings644 kcal
Greek Chicken Gyros

Greek Chicken Gyros

6 servings
Yogurt-Marinated Chicken

Yogurt-Marinated Chicken

Easy Yogurt-Marinated Chicken made with grilled chicken thighs (or chicken breasts) made in a Greek yogurt marinade for the most tender chicken.

85 minutes4 servings
Greek Chicken and Potatoes

Greek Chicken and Potatoes

This Greek chicken and potatoes is a one pan meal with marinated garlic and herb chicken and tender potatoes, all roasted to golden brown perfection. A super easy dinner for a busy weeknight.

55 minutes6 servings
Mediterranean Chicken

Mediterranean Chicken

Enjoy bold Greek-inspired flavors in this easy Mediterranean chicken recipe! It's a 30-minute meal that feels a little fancy and is bursting with fresh flavor.

30 minutes4 servings
Air Fryer Greek Chicken

Air Fryer Greek Chicken

This easy Air Fryer Greek Chicken recipe is packed with flavor, featuring juicy chicken, tender chickpeas, zucchini, and creamy feta. A high-protein, one-pot dinner you can make in minutes!

25 minutes2 servings414 kcal
Greek Yogurt Chicken

Greek Yogurt Chicken

This Greek yogurt chicken marinade will knock your socks off! Tangy, juicy, and bursting with fresh flavor, they're seriously easy to throw together with minimal work for you and can easily be prepped ahead. Just pop it in the oven or onto the grill for a killer dinner!

60 minutes363 kcal
GREEK-ISH CROCKPOT CHICKEN

GREEK-ISH CROCKPOT CHICKEN

This chicken is easy peasy to make and is perfect by itself or on a salad, grain bowl, wrap, or quesadilla.

Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Exceptional

Based on 9 ratings

scrummylane.com
5.0(9 reviews)
View original recipe

Rating Breakdown

About this Recipe

Looking for a comforting, flavorful meal that comes together without a fuss? This Giouvetsi recipe, featuring tender chicken and orzo in a rich tomato sauce, is your answer for a delicious mid-week dinner.

What sets this Greek-style dish apart is its incredible simplicity, often cooking in just one or two pans, making cleanup a breeze. The combination of dried oregano, cinnamon, paprika, and allspice creates a deeply aromatic, complex sauce that infuses every bite of succulent chicken and rice-shaped pasta.

You can expect a wonderfully hearty and savory dish, brimming with Mediterranean flavors. The orzo cooks directly in the seasoned tomato and chicken stock, absorbing all the delicious spices and resulting in a tender, satisfying texture, beautifully complemented by the moist chicken thighs. Each serving is crowned with a generous sprinkle of salty cheese and fresh parsley, offering a delightful contrast to the rich, warm sauce.

While traditional Greek kefalotiri cheese is ideal for topping, you can easily use pecorino, parmesan, or even crumbled feta for a delicious finish. If passata isn't available, canned chopped tomatoes make an excellent substitute, keeping the robust tomato flavor intact. You'll find this dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad and crusty bread to soak up every last bit of the flavorful sauce.

This Giouvetsi (Orzo Chicken Greek Style) is perfectly suited for a cozy family dinner or a simple yet impressive meal when you crave something warm and satisfying without a lot of fuss. A dollop of Greek yogurt on the side can add a cooling, creamy counterpoint.

Frequently Asked Questions