This is one of those dishes that feels like home the moment it hits the table.In Greece, this is how we cook pasta with chicken, in one pan, slowly, letting the orzo absorb all the juices and become creamy without cream.

Simple ingredients, deep flavor, and that unmistakable Mediterranean balance of olive oil, lemon, and oregano.It is not a heavy butter pasta. It is light, fragrant, and comforting, exactly the way a Greek kitchen would prepare it for family lunch.

This is a dish that smells like Sunday.

Crockery & ingredients love using—find them all here: My Mediterranean Greek Pantry

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 teaspoon dried Greek oregano

1 pound orzo (kritharaki)

1 garlic clove, finely chopped

3 ½ cups hot chicken stock

Juice of 1 large lemon

Zest of ½ lemon

1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness, not required)

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, for finishing

Fresh parsley, finely chopped

Optional topping, grated kefalotyri or parmesan

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a wide heavy pan or shallow casserole over medium heat.

Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and oregano. Sear until deeply golden on both sides, about 3 to 4 minutes per side.

Remove to a plate.In the same pan, add the orzo. Stir well so it absorbs the pan juices.

Let it toast lightly for 2 to 3 minutes until glossy and slightly golden. Add the garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Pour in the hot chicken stock. Stir, then return the chicken to the pan, nestling it into the orzo.

Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to medium low. Cover and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the orzo is tender and creamy and the chicken is cooked through.

Finish with lemon juice, lemon zest, and olive oil. Add the butter only if you want a slightly richer texture.Taste and adjust salt and lemon.

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and a little grated cheese if desired.

Serve immediately with crusty bread and a simple Greek salad.