
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.
A quick and easy one‑pan Greek‑inspired dinner featuring juicy roasted chicken thighs, garlicky lemony orzo, baby spinach, Parmesan, and optional feta. No stirring, no boiling pasta—just roast, bake, and finish for a flavorful family meal.
Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist
Everything you need to know about this recipe
Chicken with lemon, garlic, and oregano is a classic Greek preparation known as "Kotopoulo me Lemon". Orzo, called "Ronei" in Greek, is a staple pasta that often appears in soups and baked dishes, reflecting the Mediterranean love of simple, flavor‑rich meals.
In the islands, the dish may include olives and capers, while mainland versions often add tomatoes or a splash of red wine. Some regions serve it with a side of tzatziki, highlighting local dairy traditions.
It is typically served hot from the oven, garnished with fresh parsley or dill, and accompanied by crusty bread or a simple Greek salad. A squeeze of fresh lemon at the table is customary.
The dish is popular for family gatherings, weekend meals, and informal celebrations because it can be prepared in one pan, making cleanup easy for larger groups.
Serve it alongside a classic Greek salad, roasted lemon potatoes, or a side of tzatziki. A glass of crisp white wine such as Assyrtiko complements the lemony flavors.
It combines the traditional flavors of lemon‑garlic chicken with the comforting texture of baked orzo, all in a single dish that eliminates the need for separate stovetop cooking, streamlining a classic Greek meal.
Common errors include not drying the chicken skin, using too little stock for the orzo, and over‑baking which can dry out the chicken. Follow the critical steps to ensure a crispy skin and perfectly cooked orzo.
Orzo absorbs the lemon‑garlic broth quickly and provides a slightly chewy texture that mimics rice while still staying true to Greek culinary tradition where "Ronei" is a beloved pasta.
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the final spinach step, then refrigerate. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth, adding fresh spinach at the end to retain its bright color.
The YouTube channel Simple Home Edit focuses on straightforward, time‑saving home cooking tutorials that use minimal equipment and emphasize clean‑up-friendly, family‑friendly meals.
Simple Home Edit streamlines classic Greek recipes into one‑pan or quick‑prep formats, avoiding complex steps and heavy sauces, whereas many traditional Greek channels may include multiple pots, longer marinating times, and elaborate side dishes.
Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

A classic Greek Tzatziki sauce made with grated English cucumber, creamy Greek yogurt, fresh dill, lemon juice, and garlic. Perfect as a dip, spread, or accompaniment to grilled meats and vegetables.

A no‑bake Greek yogurt cheesecake that can be customized into five tasty variations – classic Biscoff, raspberry, lemon‑ginger, Oreo, and banoffee. The creamy, tangy yogurt base pairs with softened biscuits for a dessert that feels like cheesecake without the heaviness. Perfect for a quick, protein‑packed treat.

A quick, one‑pan Greek‑inspired dinner featuring browned chicken thighs, aromatic tomato‑herb sauce, and tender orzo. Finished under the broiler with a cheesy crust, this comforting meal is ready in under an hour.

A sweet‑salty, cheesy appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Halloumi slices are marinated in a honey‑lemon‑thyme glaze, then quickly fried to golden perfection and finished with a burst of extra glaze.

A flavorful Greek-style white leek gratin, topped with a white wine, lemon, feta and crunchy walnut bolognese sauce. Quick to prepare, ideal for a winter or autumn dinner for two.

Crispy toasted kataifi combined with a smooth pistachio‑white chocolate filling, rolled in a light marshmallow‑cocoa coating. These bite‑size treats blend nutty, buttery, and bittersweet flavors for a show‑stopping dessert.