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Baked Lemon Feta Chicken with Basil Orzo Recipe

Baked Lemon Feta Chicken with Basil Orzo Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 20 reviews

This Baked Lemon Feta Chicken with Basil Orzo is a vibrant and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breasts baked with tangy lemon, creamy feta, and juicy cherry tomatoes. Served over fragrant basil-infused orzo, it’s a balanced and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Basil Orzo:

  • 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 200°C (400°F) to prepare for baking the chicken.
  2. Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper evenly over the chicken to infuse flavor.
  3. Add tomatoes and feta: Scatter cherry tomatoes around the chicken breasts within the dish. Sprinkle crumbled feta generously over the top to create a creamy, tangy topping.
  4. Bake the chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and cook for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the tomatoes are soft and bursting.
  5. Cook the orzo: While the chicken bakes, cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain well to remove excess water.
  6. Toss the orzo: Transfer the cooked orzo to a bowl and toss with olive oil, chopped fresh basil, Parmesan cheese if using, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve: Plate the basil orzo and top with the baked lemon feta chicken. Spoon the roasted cherry tomatoes and any pan juices over the top for extra flavor. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer darker meat; adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • For a dairy-free version, omit the feta and Parmesan or use vegan alternatives.
  • Fresh oregano can be used instead of dried for a brighter herb flavor.
  • To make this meal gluten-free, substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta or quinoa.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days and can be reheated gently in the oven or microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked lemon feta chicken, basil orzo, Mediterranean chicken recipe, lemon chicken dinner, healthy chicken recipe, easy baked chicken

Find it online: https://maicook.com/baked-lemon-feta-chicken-with-basil-orzo-recipe/