This Mary Berry Amalfi Chicken Orzo is a fresh, vibrant one-pan dish inspired by the flavors of Italy’s Amalfi Coast. Tender chicken thighs are cooked alongside orzo pasta in a zesty lemon-infused broth, enhanced with garlic, herbs, and vegetables. It’s an easy-to-make meal that brings brightness and comfort to the table in just under an hour—perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

What Is Mary Berry Amalfi Chicken Orzo?

Mary Berry’s Amalfi Chicken Orzo combines golden-seared chicken with soft, creamy orzo pasta cooked in the same pan. This dish is known for its lemony fragrance, subtle garlic undertones, and fresh herb finish, all cooked together for maximum flavor. It’s a Mediterranean-style dish that’s light yet satisfying, making it ideal for all seasons.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

One-pan convenience – Fewer dishes, all the flavor
Lemon-fresh and fragrant – Uplifting citrus flavor
Perfectly balanced – Creamy orzo meets savory chicken
Simple yet elegant – Great for everyday meals or special occasions
Nutritious and filling – Includes protein, carbs, and veg
Customizable – Easy to adapt with other vegetables or herbs

Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Amalfi Chicken Orzo

6 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs – For maximum flavor and tenderness
1 tbsp olive oil – For searing
1 small onion, finely chopped – Adds base flavor
2 garlic cloves, minced – Infuses aromatic depth
250g orzo pasta – Cooks in the broth and soaks up flavor
500ml chicken stock – Use good-quality stock for best taste
Zest and juice of 1 lemon – Brings a bright, Amalfi-style citrus lift
100g frozen peas or chopped spinach – Adds color and nutrition
Salt and black pepper, to taste – For seasoning
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional) – For garnish

Equipment Needed

Large oven-safe sauté pan or skillet with lid
Knife and chopping board
Citrus zester or grater
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring jug

Instructions to Make Mary Berry Amalfi Chicken Orzo

Step 1: Brown the chicken thighs

Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or 400°F.
Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat.
Sear chicken thighs skin-side down until golden and crisp (about 5–6 minutes), then flip and cook the other side for 2–3 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the flavor base

In the same pan, reduce heat slightly. Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft.
Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Add orzo and liquids

Pour in the orzo and stir to coat with the onion and garlic mixture.
Add chicken stock, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with a little more salt and pepper.

Step 4: Nestle chicken and bake

Return chicken thighs to the pan, skin-side up, over the orzo.
Cover with a lid or foil and bake in the oven for 20 minutes.

Step 5: Finish with veg and garnish

Remove the lid, stir in peas or spinach around the chicken.
Return to oven, uncovered, for another 5–10 minutes or until orzo is tender and chicken is cooked through.
Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

What Goes Well With Mary Berry Amalfi Chicken Orzo

Green salad with vinaigrette – Refreshing and simple side
Garlic bread or focaccia – Great for soaking up the lemony sauce
Grilled zucchini or asparagus – Adds more Mediterranean veg
White wine like Pinot Grigio – Complements the lemon and herbs
Steamed broccoli – Mild and pairs well with orzo
Tomato cucumber salad – Light and crisp contrast
Olive tapenade or bruschetta – For an Italian starter pairing

Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Amalfi Chicken Orzo

Use bone-in chicken – It adds more flavor to the dish
Don’t skip searing – Crisping the skin builds texture and taste
Zest before juicing the lemon – Easier and more efficient
Stir halfway through baking – Ensures even orzo cooking
Use hot stock – Helps the cooking process stay consistent
Test orzo doneness early – Prevent overcooking
Garnish generously – Fresh herbs brighten the final plate

Easy Variations of Mary Berry Amalfi Chicken Orzo

Use boneless chicken thighs – Speeds up cooking time
Swap lemon for orange zest – A sweeter citrus twist
Add cherry tomatoes – For a juicy burst of flavor
Stir in grated Parmesan – For added creaminess
Try orzo alternatives – Pearl couscous or small pasta shapes
Add chilli flakes – If you prefer a bit of heat

Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Amalfi Chicken Orzo

Let it cool completely first – To avoid condensation
Use an airtight container – Helps retain moisture
Store in the fridge up to 3 days – Best for freshness
Keep chicken and orzo together – Keeps flavors unified
Avoid freezing with spinach or peas – Can affect the texture

Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry Amalfi Chicken Orzo

Oven method: Bake at 180°C (350°F) covered for 15 minutes
Microwave method: Reheat on medium in intervals, stir halfway
Add a splash of water or stock – Prevents orzo from drying out
Use a lid or cover – Traps moisture during reheating
Avoid overheating – To keep the chicken from drying out

How Can I Make Mary Berry Amalfi Chicken Orzo Healthier?

Trim excess fat from chicken – Cuts down on calories
Use low-sodium chicken stock – Reduces salt
Add more vegetables – Bell peppers or mushrooms work well
Choose whole wheat orzo if available – Increases fiber
Skip the skin if preferred – Lowers saturated fat

Nutritional Value (per serving)

Calories: 410 kcal
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 490mg
Sugar: 2g

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken for Amalfi Chicken Orzo?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs or breasts can be used to reduce cooking time. However, bone-in chicken adds more flavor and keeps the meat moist during baking.

Do I need to cook orzo separately for this recipe?

No, the orzo is cooked directly in the same pan with the chicken and broth. This helps it absorb all the flavors from the lemon, garlic, and chicken.

How do I prevent orzo from becoming mushy in the oven?

Ensure you use the correct liquid ratio and do not overbake. Stir halfway through cooking and check orzo doneness a few minutes before the end.

Can I freeze Mary Berry Amalfi Chicken Orzo?

It’s best eaten fresh, but you can freeze it without the greens (like spinach or peas). Reheat gently with a splash of stock to restore the texture.

Final Words

Mary Berry Amalfi Chicken Orzo is the kind of dish that feels both comforting and refreshing. It brings the sunny taste of Southern Italy to your kitchen with very little effort.

Mary Berry Amalfi Chicken Orzo