One-Pot Paprika Chicken and Orzo
🍲 One-Pot Paprika Chicken and Orzo – Comforting, Flavorful & Mediterranean-Inspired
This One-Pot Paprika Chicken and Orzo is the ultimate Mediterranean comfort dish — rich, smoky, and deeply satisfying. Tender chicken, creamy gluten-free orzo, and vibrant vegetables simmer together in a tomato base infused with paprika and roasted red peppers.
It’s a wholesome, family-friendly meal full of color, flavor, and balanced nutrition — and best of all, it all comes together in one pot for easy cooking and minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy evenings, meal prep, or cozy weekends, this recipe brings the heart of the Mediterranean kitchen straight to your table.
Let’s look at the benefits of each nourishing ingredient:
🧅 Yellow Onion
Onions form the savory base of countless Mediterranean dishes. They’re rich in antioxidants like quercetin and sulfur compounds that support detoxification, immunity, and heart health. Gently sautéed, they add natural sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
🧄 Garlic
Garlic is a classic Mediterranean superfood — full of allicin, a compound known for its antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory benefits. It supports heart health, improves circulation, and enhances the body’s natural defenses while adding bold aroma and flavor.
🍗 Chicken Thigh Fillets
Chicken thighs are juicy, tender, and full of flavor. They provide high-quality protein, iron, and B vitamins that support energy and muscle repair. Their healthy fats and rich taste make them ideal for slow-simmered, one-pot meals.
🌶️ Smoked Paprika
Smoked paprika brings warmth and a subtle smoky aroma, adding authentic Mediterranean depth. It’s rich in antioxidants and carotenoids, especially vitamin A, which supports eye and skin health. Its natural anti-inflammatory properties also promote circulation and vitality.
🍅 Canned Diced Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet — rich in lycopene, vitamin C, and potassium. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells and supports heart health. Simmering tomatoes enhances their lycopene content, making them even more beneficial.
🍗 Chicken Stock
A nourishing, flavorful base that provides minerals like calcium, magnesium, and collagen (if homemade). Chicken stock enhances flavor and adds depth while keeping the orzo creamy and rich. It also supports joint and gut health when prepared from real bones.
🌶️ Roasted Red Peppers
Roasted red peppers add sweetness, color, and a silky texture. They’re rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene, supporting immunity and skin health. Their natural smokiness pairs perfectly with paprika and chicken for that classic Mediterranean warmth.
🫒 Black Kalamata Olives
Kalamata olives are a signature Mediterranean ingredient packed with healthy monounsaturated fats and polyphenolsthat support heart health and reduce inflammation. They add briny richness and depth, perfectly balancing the sweetness of peppers and tomatoes.
🌿 Fresh Parsley
Parsley isn’t just a garnish — it’s rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, and antioxidants that support detoxification, bone strength, and immune function. It adds freshness and color, brightening the dish both visually and nutritionally.
🍝 Gluten-Free Orzo
Orzo brings comfort and texture to this one-pot meal. A gluten-free version (made from rice, corn, or legumes) keeps the dish light and celiac-safe while still offering that satisfying, creamy consistency. It’s a great source of complex carbs for steady energy.
This One-Pot Paprika Chicken and Orzo captures the heart of Mediterranean cooking — vibrant, balanced, and deeply nourishing. Each spoonful offers a blend of smoky spice, tender chicken, and hearty gluten-free orzo, bringing warmth and comfort to your table.
It’s naturally gluten-free, protein-rich, and family-approved, making it a perfect all-in-one meal for any day of the week. Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, or a squeeze of lemon for an extra Mediterranean touch.