Description
A flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired chicken and orzo dish seasoned with shawarma spices and served with cooling Greek yogurt.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 onion, diced
- Shawarma spice blend (quantities to taste)
- Cayenne pepper (to taste)
- Greek yogurt for serving
- Chicken broth (amount as needed)
- Optional: jalapeño for extra heat
- Oil for cooking
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season chicken with shawarma spice blend.
- Sear chicken thighs for 4-5 minutes (or 2-3 minutes for breast).
- Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté diced onions in the same pan.
- Add orzo and toast lightly.
- Return chicken to the pan.
- Add broth and simmer until orzo is cooked.
- Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Notes
- For vegetarian version, substitute chicken with 2 cups chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
- Dairy-free alternatives: use coconut yogurt, cashew cream, or tahini sauce.
- Orzo substitutes: stelline, acini di pepe, broken vermicelli, pearl couscous, or bulgur wheat.
- The shawarma spice blend can be made ahead and stored.
- Prep vegetables and chicken up to 24 hours in advance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
Keywords: chicken shawarma, orzo, Middle Eastern chicken, one-pot meal, spiced chicken
