Divide orzo and spinach between plates Recipe

If you’re craving a vibrant and comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Lemon Dijon Chicken Orzo with Spinach & Lemon Feta Yogurt is an absolute winner. It’s a perfect blend of tangy, creamy, and savory flavors working together in harmony. The secret to making this dish look as inviting as it tastes is to divide orzo and spinach between plates before topping with tender, lemony chicken and that luscious yogurt sauce. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser whether you’re serving a weeknight dinner or a special meal for friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need a pantry full of complicated ingredients to pull this together. Each component plays a vital role—from the smoky paprika in the chicken to the fresh spinach that brightens up the orzo. Together they build layers of flavor and texture that make every bite truly satisfying.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that soaks up all the wonderful seasonings perfectly.
• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps to toast the orzo for a nutty flavor.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every other ingredient.
• Garlic powder: Brings a subtle savory depth to the chicken.
• Smoked paprika: Offers a warm, smoky undertone to elevate the dish.
• Dijon mustard: Delivers a mild tanginess that complements the lemon beautifully.
• Lemon zest: Infuses the whole dish with fresh citrus brightness.
• Orzo pasta: A fun, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and soaks up flavors.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: Ensures the orzo is tender and flavorful without overwhelming saltiness.
• Fresh spinach leaves: Adds a pop of color and nutrients, wilting delicately into the orzo.
• Greek yogurt: Creates a creamy, tangy sauce that lightens the richness of the chicken.
• Crumbled feta cheese: Adds a salty, velvety touch to the sauce.
• Lemon juice: Boosts the citrus notes, making every bite zing with freshness.

How to Make Divide orzo and spinach between plates

Step 1: Prep and Roast the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). Rub your chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Dijon mustard, and lemon zest. These seasonings create a beautiful crust infused with smoky and citrus flavors. Roast the chicken for 20–25 minutes until it’s cooked through — juicy and tender, with an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F). When done, slice it thinly so it’s easy to layer on the dish.

Step 2: Toast and Cook the Orzo with Spinach

In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes until it smells nutty and looks slightly golden. This step adds an incredible depth of flavor. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender. Just before it finishes cooking, stir in the fresh spinach leaves so they wilt gently into the pasta, adding vibrant color and a nutritious punch. Season with salt and black pepper to your taste.

Step 3: Whip up the Lemon Feta Yogurt Sauce

In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, crumbled feta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. This sauce is the magic touch that ties the whole dish together with its tangy, velvety texture.

Step 4: Assemble and Divide orzo and spinach between plates

Now for the beautiful part: divide orzo and spinach between plates in generous portions, making sure to spread the vibrant spinach throughout each serving. Top each plate with the sliced, roasted chicken and drizzle with the luscious lemon feta yogurt sauce. If you’d like, garnish with extra lemon zest or fresh herbs like parsley to amp up freshness and visual appeal.

How to Serve Divide orzo and spinach between plates

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or dill for a bright green note that complements the spinach. A few extra crumbles of feta or a light dusting of lemon zest on top add a professional touch and a burst of flavor with each bite.

Side Dishes

This dish is quite complete on its own, but you can pair it with a simple arugula salad dressed in olive oil and lemon for extra freshness or some crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Light steamed vegetables, like asparagus or green beans, would also pair beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual dinner, serve the components family-style and let everyone divide orzo and spinach between plates themselves. For a more formal presentation, use shallow bowls to cradle the orzo and spinach, fan the chicken slices on top, and dot with sauce for an elegant finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in airtight containers and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the lemon feta yogurt sauce separate if possible to prevent it from curdling or separating.

Freezing

The chicken and orzo with spinach freeze well, but the sauce does not freeze as nicely due to the yogurt. Freeze the cooked components in a sealed container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to refresh the orzo’s texture. Add the lemon feta yogurt sauce fresh after reheating to keep its bright, creamy character.

FAQs

Can I use regular mustard instead of Dijon?

You can substitute regular mustard, but Dijon has a smoother, milder flavor that pairs better with lemon and smoked paprika in this dish.

Is there a vegan version of this recipe?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with marinated tofu or chickpeas, and swap Greek yogurt and feta for vegan yogurt and vegan cheese alternatives for similar tang and creaminess.

What if I don’t have orzo?

Other small pasta shapes like couscous, Israeli couscous, or small elbow macaroni work well as substitutes if you don’t have orzo on hand.

Can this be made gluten-free?

Yes, by using gluten-free orzo or pasta made from rice or quinoa, this dish can be adapted to be gluten-free without compromising texture.

How do I keep the spinach from getting soggy?

Add the spinach only at the very end of cooking the orzo, just enough to wilt it lightly. This ensures it remains vibrant and fresh rather than overcooked and soggy.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Dijon Chicken Orzo with Spinach & Lemon Feta Yogurt is a shining example of comfort food with a fresh twist. By taking the simple yet delicious step to divide orzo and spinach between plates thoughtfully, you create a feast for both the eyes and palate. It’s a recipe that’s easy, flavorful, and sure to become a beloved favorite in your weeknight rotation. Give it a try and enjoy every bright, creamy, satisfying bite!

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