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Close up view of seared skin-on chicken thighs with charred herb edges sitting on a bed of Mediterranean Chicken Casserole.

Mediterranean Chicken Casserole with Creamy Orzo and Seared Thighs

This Mediterranean Chicken Casserole features deeply golden-brown seared chicken thighs over a bed of creamy orzo pasta with softened bell peppers, translucent red onions, and bubbly melted white cheese for a perfect one-pan dinner.
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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 Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 large chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on
  • 1.5 cups (300g) orzo pasta dry
  • 1 each red and green bell peppers diced
  • 1 medium red onion sliced into translucent strips
  • 3 cups (710ml) chicken broth low sodium preferred
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream for creaminess
  • 1 cup (115g) white cheese shredded (Mozzarella or Jack)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tablespoon dried Mediterranean herb flakes oregano, thyme, rosemary

Equipment

  • 1 Shallow round white ceramic baking dish Oven-safe skillet can also be used
  • 1 Meat Thermometer To ensure chicken reaches 165°F

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat oil in the ceramic dish. Season chicken and sear skin-side down for 7 minutes until deeply golden-brown. Flip and sear for 2 minutes. Remove chicken.
  2. In the same pan, sauté red and green peppers and red onion until softened and translucent. Add garlic for 1 minute.
  3. Stir in dry orzo and toast for 2 minutes. Add broth and cream, bringing to a simmer while scraping the pan bottom.
  4. Place chicken back in pan. Top pasta with white cheese. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until chicken is 165°F.
  5. Finish with a heavy layer of fresh parsley and dried herb flakes for charred herb edges.

Notes

For the crispiest skin, pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning.
If the orzo is too thick after baking, stir in a tablespoon of warm broth before serving.