Lemon Butter Dijon Chicken and Orzo with Feta Sauce Recipe
A flavorful and hearty dish featuring tender lemon butter Dijon chicken served over a bed of creamy orzo pasta, topped with a refreshing feta and Greek yogurt sauce. This recipe balances tangy, savory, and fresh flavors for a satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Author: Douaa
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauté and Boil
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Salt
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Orzo
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
For the Feta Sauce
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
- Cook the Orzo: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook until tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain any excess liquid, drizzle with olive oil, and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest, coating the chicken evenly with the sauce.
- Prepare the Feta Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the crumbled feta cheese, plain Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and salt and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble: Plate the cooked orzo as a base, then place the Dijon lemon chicken breasts on top. Drizzle generously with the feta sauce and spoon some of the pan juices over the dish for added flavor.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or dill and serve immediately for the best taste experience.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use chicken broth instead of water to cook the orzo.
- You can substitute the chicken breasts with thighs if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- If you want a dairy-free version, omit the feta sauce or replace Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative and use vegan feta.
- Make sure not to overcook the orzo to keep it tender but firm.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or dill elevate the dish’s freshness and visual appeal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately)
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: lemon chicken, Dijon mustard chicken, orzo pasta, feta sauce, Mediterranean chicken recipe, quick chicken dinner, Greek yogurt sauce