Print

Easy Crispy Sheet Pan Greek Chicken Recipe with Feta Lemon Orzo

crispy sheet pan greek chicken - featured image

A flavorful and easy one-pan Greek chicken dinner featuring crispy skin, tender meat, tangy feta, and lemony orzo that soaks up all the bright flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to finish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken thighs in this mixture until well-coated. Let them marinate for 15-20 minutes if you have time.
  3. While the chicken marinates, bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add 1 cup orzo and 1 tablespoon olive oil, stir, and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain any excess liquid and fluff the orzo with a fork. Stir in lemon zest and chopped parsley.
  4. Place the marinated chicken thighs skin-side up on a rimmed baking sheet, spacing them out. Pour any leftover marinade over the chicken.
  5. Roast the chicken for about 25-30 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Halfway through, baste the chicken with pan juices.
  6. When the chicken is almost done, spread the cooked orzo around the chicken on the sheet pan and roast for an additional 5-7 minutes to soak up pan juices.
  7. Remove the sheet pan from the oven and sprinkle crumbled feta over the orzo and chicken. Let the residual heat soften the feta slightly.
  8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before marinating for crispier skin. Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for best texture and flavor. If skin isn’t crispy enough, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end. Let chicken rest before serving to keep it juicy. Orzo is cooked separately to avoid mushiness and added to the pan near the end to soak up juices. Marinate chicken up to 24 hours ahead for deeper flavor. For dairy-free, omit feta or use vegan cheese. For gluten-free, swap orzo with quinoa or gluten-free pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek chicken, sheet pan dinner, crispy chicken, feta cheese, lemon orzo, easy weeknight meal, Mediterranean flavors