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Lemon-Feta Chicken and Orzo

Lemon-Feta Chicken and Orzo: A Simple Mediterranean Feast

This Lemon-Feta Chicken and Orzo is a quick, flavorful one-pan dinner that combines succulent chicken with orzo and colorful veggies, featuring bold Mediterranean flavors.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.25 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs or Breasts Feel free to swap for shrimp or rotisserie chicken.
For the Base
  • 2 Tbsp Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Avocado oil is a great alternative.
  • 1.5 tsp Dried Oregano Fresh oregano can be used.
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika Regular paprika works as a substitute.
  • 1 tsp Granulated Garlic Substitute with fresh minced garlic for sharper taste.
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt Use table salt with caution.
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper White pepper is a suitable substitute.
For the Vegetables
  • 1.5 cups Yellow Onion, finely chopped Shallots can provide milder flavor.
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper, thinly sliced Green bell pepper is an alternative.
  • 2 cups Fresh Baby Spinach, roughly chopped Kale or Swiss chard can be used.
For the Orzo
  • 1.25 cups Dry Orzo Pasta Quinoa is a gluten-free substitute.
  • 3 cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth Water can work, but broth enhances flavor.
For Topping
  • 4 oz Feta Cheese, crumbled Goat cheese or ricotta can substitute.
  • 3 Tbsp Fresh Dill, finely chopped Fresh mint or basil are alternatives.
  • 3 Tbsp Fresh Parsley, finely chopped Cilantro adds a different twist.
  • 2 tsp Lemon Zest
  • 2 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice From 1 lemon.

Equipment

  • Skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine chicken with olive oil, oregano, paprika, garlic, and half of the kosher salt and black pepper. Toss to coat the chicken evenly. Heat a skillet over medium heat for about 7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add onion and bell pepper. Sauté over medium heat for about 5-6 minutes until tender, stirring occasionally.
  3. Stir in the orzo pasta into the skillet with the cooked vegetables. Cook, stirring frequently, for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted.
  4. Pour in chicken or vegetable broth, sprinkle in remaining kosher salt and black pepper. Bring to gentle boil, cover skillet, and reduce heat to low, allowing it to simmer for 12-15 minutes until orzo is al dente.
  5. Add chopped spinach to the skillet, stirring until it wilts, about 2 minutes. Return cooked chicken to skillet.
  6. In a small bowl, mix feta, dill, parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Drizzle olive oil and stir until well combined.
  7. Serve by spooning the dish into bowls, generously topping with the marinated feta mixture.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 650mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 60IUVitamin C: 90mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.

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