Lemon-Feta Chicken and Orzo Recipe
This Lemon-Feta Chicken and Orzo recipe combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with tender orzo pasta simmered in a bright lemon-infused broth, enriched with savory feta cheese and fresh spinach or kale. Perfect as a comforting yet light meal, it offers a delicious balance of flavors and textures with a simple stovetop cooking method.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
Pasta and Broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Vegetables and Cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and lemon zest to infuse flavor.
- Heat Oil: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Cook Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from skillet and allow to rest.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt.
- Add Orzo: Stir in the dry orzo pasta, letting it toast lightly for 1-2 minutes to add nutty flavor.
- Add Liquid: Pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, raising the heat to bring it to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes until orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Add Greens: Mix in fresh spinach or kale and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until wilted and tender.
- Combine Chicken and Feta: Dice the rested chicken and return it to the skillet. Stir in the crumbled feta cheese to melt slightly and blend with the flavors.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and add any additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice to brighten the flavors as needed.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Using low-sodium chicken broth helps control the saltiness, especially since feta cheese is salty.
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking that its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Fresh lemon zest and juice elevate the dish with bright acidity and aroma.
- Spinach can be substituted with kale or other leafy greens according to preference.
- For a creamier texture, you can stir in a little cream or Greek yogurt before serving.
Keywords: lemon feta chicken, orzo pasta recipe, Mediterranean chicken, one pan meal, healthy chicken dinner, lemon chicken skillet, feta cheese recipes
Find it online: https://dinewithdylan.com/lemon-feta-chicken-and-orzo-recipe/
