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One Pot Chicken Risoni


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  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4–5 servings
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

A flavorful one pot chicken risoni that combines lemon-garlic marinated chicken, tender risoni, and Mediterranean vegetables in a rich tomato-herb sauce, finished with a sprinkle of feta for a creamy, tangy touch.


Ingredients

500 g chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into 2 cm pieces

2 garlic cloves, finely minced

1 tbsp dried oregano

1 tbsp olive oil

1/2 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp lemon zest

1/2 tsp each salt and pepper

Risoni:

2 tbsp olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 medium zucchini, cut into 1 cm cubes

1 red capsicum, cut into 1 cm cubes

1 tbsp dried oregano

2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken stock

400 g canned crushed tomatoes

1 tbsp tomato paste

1 1/2 cups orzo/risoni

1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

Garnish:

2 tbsp lemon juice

1/2 cup Greek feta cheese, crumbled

Fresh oregano leaves (optional)


Instructions

  1. Combine chicken with garlic, oregano, olive oil, lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper. Marinate for 20 minutes (or skip if short on time).
  2. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over high heat. Add chicken and sear until lightly browned on both sides but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, heat remaining oil. Add garlic and onion, sauté for 1 minute, then add zucchini and capsicum. Cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
  4. Add risoni, oregano, chicken stock, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, then scatter chicken and cherry tomatoes on top (do not stir).
  5. Bring to a simmer, then transfer uncovered to the oven. Bake for 15 minutes, or until risoni is tender but slightly firm. Some liquid is fine — it will absorb as it rests.
  6. Drizzle with lemon juice, sprinkle with feta and oregano, and serve hot straight from the pan.

Notes

Substitute chicken with prawns, chickpeas, or roasted vegetables for variations.

Add spinach or kale for extra greens near the end of baking.

Use rice instead of risoni, but increase stock and cooking time.

For creaminess, stir in a splash of cream or Greek yogurt before serving.

Store leftovers for up to 3 days in the fridge. Add a splash of water when reheating.

Not ideal for freezing as risoni softens after thawing.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: One Pot / Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 460
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg