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Close-up of crispy skin-on chicken thighs nested on ivory orzo with red and yellow peppers in a Mediterranean Chicken Casserole.
FL Recipes

Mediterranean Chicken Casserole with Crispy Skin and Golden Orzo

A stunning Mediterranean Chicken Casserole featuring deeply browned bone-in thighs nestled over ivory orzo in a golden herb sauce. Packed with bell peppers, red onions, and finished with salty feta and fresh parsley.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 540
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Casserole Components
  • 4 large bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs approx. 1.5 lbs / 680g
  • 1.5 cups (300g) orzo pasta uncovered/dry
  • 1 each red and yellow bell peppers diced into squares
  • 1 medium red onion sliced into thin slivers
  • 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth low sodium preferred
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil extra virgin
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tsp (5g) honey for golden color
  • 1 tsp (2g) dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp (1g) dried thyme
  • 1/2 cup (75g) feta cheese crumbled
  • 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley finely chopped

Equipment

  • 1 Heavy Skillet Cast iron or stainless steel for searing.
  • 1 White Ceramic Casserole Dish 9x13 inch size recommended.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat chicken dry and sear skin-side down in a hot skillet for 6-8 minutes until deeply browned and charred at the edges. Flip and sear 2 minutes, then remove.
  2. Sauté diced peppers and onion slivers in the chicken fat for 4 minutes until translucent and soft.
  3. In a white ceramic dish, combine orzo, broth, oil, lemon, honey, herbs, and the sautéed vegetables. Stir to coat the orzo.
  4. Nestle chicken thighs on top. Cover with foil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake 10-15 more minutes until liquid is absorbed.
  5. Garnish with crumbled feta and fresh chopped parsley before serving hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 540kcalProtein: 32gFat: 28gFiber: 3g

Notes

For the best skin, pat the chicken dry and salt it 30 minutes before cooking.
Ensure the orzo is fully submerged in liquid but the chicken skin remains above the line.
Keyword crispy chicken thighs,Mediterranean Chicken Casserole,Orzo Recipe

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