Greek Chicken and Orzo Kota Manestra

Infused with Mediterranean flavors, Greek Chicken and Orzo Kota Manestra is a comforting one-pot meal that brings tradition straight to your table. Juicy, golden-browned chicken thighs are simmered with aromatic herbs, cinnamon, and a rich tomato-broth base before being paired with tender orzo pasta for a hearty, satisfying dish. This recipe highlights the essence of Greek cuisine with its simple yet vibrant ingredients, like extra-virgin olive oil, garlic, and a hint of Kefalotyri cheese as an optional garnish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining, this 45-minute meal is both flavorful and easy to prepare. Serve it warm, topped with fresh parsley, for a taste of the Mediterranean in every bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 14 ounces diced tomatoes (canned)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1.5 cups dry orzo pasta
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 piece bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan or Kefalotyri cheese (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Season the chicken thighs with half of the salt and pepper, then sear them in the hot oil for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3

Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Sauté the chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until softened and slightly translucent.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, dried oregano, thyme, cinnamon, remaining salt, and pepper. Add the bay leaf and return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet.

Step 6

Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 25 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the flavors to meld.

Step 7

After 25 minutes, remove the lid, discard the bay leaf, and stir in the orzo pasta. Let the dish simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent sticking.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 9

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and sprinkle with grated Parmesan or Kefalotyri cheese, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2582.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3647.2

Total Fat 181.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 57.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 581.2mg	0%
Sodium 7626.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 286.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.2g	0%
Total Sugars 26.6g
Protein 207.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1653.9mg	0%
Iron 15.0mg	0%
Potassium 3622.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.2%

Protein: 23.0%

Carbs: 31.8%