Let me tell you about my absolute favorite dish—*Lemon Feta Chicken Orzo*! It’s a delightful blend of flavors that just screams freshness and vibrancy. I mean, who wouldn’t fall in love with tender chicken, perfectly cooked orzo, and that tangy burst of lemon paired with creamy feta? It’s like a sunny Mediterranean vacation on a plate! I love making this dish on busy weeknights because it comes together so quickly, yet it feels like a special treat. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be craving it again and again. Perfect for family dinners or even a casual gathering! You won’t regret it!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups orzo pasta – this little pasta shape absorbs all the delicious flavors!
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced – tender chicken is the star of the show here.
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled – it adds that creamy, tangy goodness that pairs perfectly with lemon.
- 2 lemons, juiced and zested – the zest gives an extra punch, while the juice brightens the dish.
- 4 cups chicken broth – for cooking the orzo and adding depth of flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – this is what you’ll use to sauté the chicken, giving it a lovely golden color.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – because a little garlic always makes everything better!
- Salt and pepper to taste – essential for enhancing all those wonderful flavors.
- Fresh parsley for garnish – it adds a pop of color and freshness just before serving.
How to Prepare *Lemon Feta Chicken Orzo*
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! First things first, grab a large pot and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in your 1 lb of diced chicken breast. Season it with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Cook that chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s no longer pink inside—yum!
Now, here comes the fun part! Add in 2 cups of orzo pasta along with 4 cups of chicken broth. Give it a good stir, and bring everything to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and stir occasionally so the orzo doesn’t stick. You want the pasta to be tender and fully cooked, soaking up all that broth flavor!
When your orzo is perfectly al dente, it’s time for the pièce de résistance! Remove the pot from the heat, and stir in the juice and zest of 2 lemons along with 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese. The heat from the dish will melt the feta just a bit, creating a creamy, dreamy texture. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow all those flavors to mingle together.
Finally, serve it up with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for that gorgeous pop of color. And just like that, you’ve got a stunning *Lemon Feta Chicken Orzo* that’s ready to impress! Enjoy every bite of this refreshing dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Refreshing flavors of lemon and feta bring a bright twist to your dinner.
- Healthy and satisfying, packed with lean protein from the chicken.
- Orzo pasta adds a fun texture that complements the dish beautifully.
- Can easily be customized with your favorite veggies or herbs.
- Leftovers are just as delicious, making it great for meal prep!
- Gluten-free option—just swap out the orzo for a suitable alternative!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your *Lemon Feta Chicken Orzo* turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips to keep in mind:
- Season to taste: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking. A little extra salt can really elevate those flavors.
- For creaminess: If you want to make this dish even creamier, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt when you mix in the feta. It takes it to the next level!
- Vegetable boost: Feel free to toss in some sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even asparagus for added nutrition and flavor. They’ll blend beautifully with the lemon and feta.
- Let it rest: Giving the dish a few minutes to sit after cooking allows the flavors to meld together. Plus, it’ll be easier to serve!
- Serve warm: This dish is best enjoyed warm, but if you have leftovers, don’t worry! Just reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to bring it back to life.
- Garnish generously: Always finish with fresh parsley or even a sprinkle of extra feta before serving. It adds that beautiful touch and fresh flavor!
With these tips, you’ll have a stunning meal that everyone will love! Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of *Lemon Feta Chicken Orzo* is packed with flavor and nutrition! You can expect approximately 450 calories, 15g of fat, 30g of protein, and 45g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on the ingredients used, so they might vary a bit depending on your specific choices. It’s a deliciously healthy option that’s sure to satisfy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another type of pasta instead of orzo? Absolutely! While orzo is perfect for this dish, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even quinoa for a gluten-free option. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
How should I store leftovers of *Lemon Feta Chicken Orzo*? To keep your leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to revive those flavors!
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the chicken and orzo ahead of time and then add the lemon and feta just before serving. This way, you’ll have a quick, ready-to-go meal that feels fresh and vibrant!
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Definitely! *Lemon Feta Chicken Orzo* is a fantastic meal prep option. Just divide it into individual servings and store them in the fridge for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week!
What if I don’t like feta cheese? No worries! If feta isn’t your thing, you can swap it out for another cheese like goat cheese or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for a different flavor profile. It’ll still be delicious!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your *Lemon Feta Chicken Orzo* properly ensures you can enjoy those delicious leftovers! First, let the dish cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to dig in again, reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or a little water to keep it from drying out and to help revive that creamy texture. Stir occasionally until it’s warmed through, and voilà—dinner is served again! Enjoy every flavorful bite!
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Lemon Feta Chicken Orzo: 7 Reasons to Love This Dish
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A savory dish combining chicken, orzo pasta, and lemon feta for a refreshing taste.
Ingredients
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 lemons, juiced and zested
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook until chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Add orzo and chicken broth to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes.
- Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and feta cheese.
- Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of cream.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Lemon Feta Chicken Orzo, Chicken Orzo, Mediterranean Chicken